How to Add a Motorcycle
Endorsement to Your License
Washington Motorcycle Safety Training
Motorcycle Endorsement
Getting your motorcycle endorsement in Washington State requires you passing a permit Knowledge and Skills test followed by an endorsement level Knowledge and Skills test. Riders must first obtain a motorcycle permit before they can obtain their full endorsement.
To get your motorcycle endorsement you need to pass 4 tests in total.
You must have a permit or have passed the permit knowledge and riding tests to take an endorsement test.
Step #1
Permit
Knowledge
Test
The Washington Permit Knowledge test is 50 multiple choice questions on rules of the road and motorcycle safety.
Step #2
Permit
Skills
Test
The Washington Permit skills test measures your ability to operate a motorcycle legally and safely.
Step #3
Endorsement
Knowledge
Test
The Washington Endorsement Knowledge test is 25 multiple choice questions on rules of the road and motorcycle safety.
Step #4
Endorsement
Skills
Test
The Washington Endorsement Skills test measures your ability to operate a motorcycle legally and safely.
What to Expect | Knowledge & Skills Tests
Motorcycle Knowledge Tests
The Washington Permit & Endorsement Knowledge test measures your knowledge about motorcycle safety and rules of the road. The Permit Knowledge test is 50 multiple choice questions while the Endorsement Knowledge test is 25 questions.
Motorcycle Skills Tests
The Washington Permit skills test measures your ability to operate a motorcycle legally and safely.
- Cone Weave
- Right Turn from a Stop
- Left & Right Curves
- Evasive Swerve
- Normal & Quick Stops
- U-Turn
Not Sure Where to Start
We have a course selection tool to help you find your path to a motorcycle endorsement
How to add a Motorcycle Permit or Endorsement to your License
Visit DOL's Website
After you pass your permit or endorsement test you will need to add it to your license. Washington residents must meet the following criteria to be eligible to use our the DOL online services to add a motorcycle permit or endorsement to their driver license:
- Required tests taken within the last 180 days through one of our partnered motorcycle training schools.
- Active military personnel who have a WA driver license and are taking training off-base will follow a different procedure. They will need to contact their safety office on-base.
- Must have a current valid Washington driver license.
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Washington residents under 18 must have a parent signature to apply for a motorcycle permit or endorsement. They will need to visit a Licensing Office to add a motorcycle permit or endorsement to their driver license. Please note that customers may use License eXpress to complete their transaction, however they are not required to have a License eXpress account to add a motorcycle permit or endorsement to their driver license. We are providing you with instructions for both scenarios.
Add your Motorcycle Permit or Endorsement with License Express
- Log in to License eXpress at the following link: https://www.dol.wa.gov/onlinesvcs.html
- Select “Renew your license” if you are eligible for renewal (within 1 year of expiration). If you are not eligible for online renewal, select “Replace your license”.
- Verify your information on the identity information and Physical appearance screens.
- On the New Card portion of the screen, you should see the following Endorsement and Restriction codes:
- A motorcycle permit will be shown as an for Motorcycle Permit and for Two-Wheel only, Three-Wheel only, or Two- and Three-Wheel.
- A motorcycle endorsement will be shown as an L for Motorcycle Endorsement and J for Two-Wheel only, Three-Wheel only, or Two- and Three-Wheel.
- Continue through the remaining screens until you arrive at the Summary screen. At this time, we recommend verifying that your Motorcycle permit or endorsement is listed in the Endorsement and Restrictions section of your Summary.
- Submit your payment information and complete your transaction.
- Print a temporary paper copy of your driver license to carry with you until you receive your new hard-copy driver license with the motorcycle permit or endorsement added. You will receive your new credential within 2 to 4 weeks.
Add your Motorcycle Permit or Endorsement without License Express
- Visit the Department of Licensing website at this link: https://www.dol.wa.gov/onlinesvcs.html
- Select “Renew your license” if you are eligible for a renewal (within 1 year of expiration). If you are not eligible for renewal, select “Replace your license”.
- Enter and verify your information on the following screens: Who are you & physical appearance
- On the New Card portion of the screen, you should see the following Endorsement and Restriction codes:
- A motorcycle permit will be shown as an O for Motorcycle Permit and J for Two-Wheel only, Three-Wheel only, or Two- and Three-Wheel.
- A motorcycle endorsement will be shown as an L for Motorcycle Endorsement and J for Two-Wheel only, Three-Wheel only, or Two- and Three-Wheel.
- Continue through the remaining screens until you arrive at the Summary screen. At this time, we recommend verifying that your Motorcycle permit or endorsement is listed in the Endorsement and Restrictions section of your Summary.
- Submit your payment information and complete your transaction.
- Print a temporary paper copy of your driver license to carry with you until you receive your new hard-copy driver license with the motorcycle permit or endorsement added. You will receive your new credential within 2 to 4 weeks.
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