Motorcycle riders are encouraged to take a certified

Got your
motorcycle safety training course. A motorcyclist
under the age of 18 with a Michigan driver’s license is

CY?
required to take a motorcycle safety course, as well as
anyone who fails the Rider Skills Test twice.
A valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorse-
ment (CY) is required to legally ride a motorcycle
on Michigan roadways. There are two methods for
obtaining an endorsement.

METHOD 1
1. Successfully complete an approved motorcycle
safety course. Visit Michigan.gov/Motorcycling to
locate a training site.
2. Students who complete their training will receive
an email with instructions to either go online or
visit a Secretary of State (SOS) office to obtain a CY
motorcycle endorsement.

METHOD 2 GET YOUR MOTORC YCLE ENDORSEMENT

1. Study the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual. AND RIDE SAFELY
2. Visit an SOS office to take the vision and written
knowledge tests and obtain a Temporary Instruction
Permit (TIP).
3. Practice riding up to 180 days with an endorsed
motorcyclist and other restrictions. For more information on motorcycle
4. Schedule and pass a Rider Skills Test. The tester will safety, including skills testing locations
submit the results to the SOS. and approved training programs, contact
the Department of State at
5. An email will be sent with instructions to go 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424) or visit
either online or into an SOS office to obtain a CY Michigan.gov/Motorcycling
motorcycle endorsement.

P.O. Box 30634

Lansing, MI 48909
517-284-3332
Michigan.gov/ohsp

This material was developed through a project funded by the

Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and the
U.S. Department of Transportation.

10-2021
SKILLS TESTING SAFETY COURSES—RECOMMENDED
After studying the Michigan Motorcycle Successful completion of a Basic RiderCourse (BRC), Operating a motorcycle safely requires a combination
Operator Manual, a rider should visit a Basic RiderCourse 2 (BRC2), or Returning Rider Basic of skill, experience, judgment, and risk management.
Secretary of State (SOS) office to take RiderCourse (RRBRC) allows a rider to waive the SOS The BRC, BRC2, and RRBRC teach the basics of mo-
the vision and written knowledge knowledge test and the skills test requirement. Courses torcycle riding, including:
tests. Upon successfully passing the are offered throughout the state for novice and experi-
• How to start and stop a motorcycle and operate
tests, the rider will receive a Tem- enced riders.
motorcycle controls.
porary Instruction Permit (TIP) and Taking a safety course is the recommended method for
should then practice riding for obtaining a motorcycle endorsement. Some insurers offer • What to wear to be safe on the road.
up to 180 days with an endorsed discounts on motorcycle insurance premiums for riders
• Strategies to avoid trouble and
motorcyclist. Riders will also be who complete these courses.
stay safe.
under other restrictions with a TIP. Please Visit Michigan.gov/MI-REP to locate a training site.
visit the website below for more details. • How to increase visibility and
Once riders are comfortable with their skills, they optimize lane position.
need to schedule and pass a Rider Skills Test through a
• Swerving and
Driver Testing Business (DTB). The DTB will submit the
maximum braking
Rider Skills Test results to the SOS. Riders will receive in-
technique.
structions through email to go either online or into an
SOS office to obtain their CY motorcycle endorsement. • Negotiating curves
Visit Michigan.gov/Motorcycletest for more and avoiding
information. obstacles.

THE SKILLS PROTECTIVE GEAR PENALTIES FOR THE UNENDORSED

There are basic but important skills that can help make The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends riders A person riding without an endorsement is guilty
riding a safer experience. dress for safety by wearing: of a misdemeanor punishable by:
Negotiating Curves: Riders should slow down
• A Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant • Up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine, or both, for a first
before a curve, look where they want to go, and press
helmet and eye protection. A full-face helmet gives the offense.
the handlebar in the same direction as the curve (this is
most protection.
called countersteering). • Up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, or both, for a
Proper Braking: About 70 percent of a motorcycle’s • Brightly colored, highly visible clothing and a light- second offense.
stopping power is in the front brake. Squeezing the colored helmet.
front brake and pressing down on the rear brake simul-
• Leather or other durable, protective clothing.
taneously will allow a rider to make smooth, controlled
stops. • Long sleeves, pants, over-the-ankle
Awareness and Judgment: Riders should always be boots, and gloves.
aware of their surroundings to minimize risk.
Michigan Helmet Law: A helmet
Search: Constantly scan for hazards.
MUST be worn, unless a rider (or
Evaluate: Plan ahead on how to respond to potential
passenger) is over the age of 21
hazards.
and has the proper qualifications
Execute: Make smooth adjustments to avoid hazards
and insurance.
and reduce risk.