To get a motorcycle permit in Utah, you apply through the Driver License Division (DLD), pass a vision screening and a 25-question written test, and pay an $18 endorsement fee. You already need a valid Utah driver license, since the motorcycle privilege is added as an endorsement rather than issued as a standalone license. The learner permit is valid for six months and lets you practice on a real motorcycle before you take the skills test for the full endorsement.
Who Qualifies
You must be at least 16 years old and hold a current Utah driver license. Applicants under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to sign the application. Limited-term license holders also have to show proof of lawful presence in the United States.1Driver License Division. Motorcycle Endorsement
Your $18 fee covers up to three attempts at both the knowledge test and the skills test within a six-month window.2Utah Legislature. Utah Code 53-3-205 – Driver License Application
What to Bring and What You’ll Pay
Bring your current Utah driver license. If your address has changed since your license was issued, either update it online before your appointment or bring two documents that verify your current address.1Driver License Division. Motorcycle Endorsement
The endorsement application fee is $18.3Utah Legislature. Utah Code 53-3-105 – License Fees You’ll also pay to have a new license card printed with the “M” endorsement.4Driver License Division. Fees Fees are non-refundable.
Before your appointment, work through the Utah Motorcycle Operator Manual on the DLD website. The written exam draws directly from it, and the same material tells you what maneuvers you’ll be tested on later during the skills evaluation.5Utah Department of Public Safety. Utah Motorcycle Handbook
Applying and Testing at the DLD
Submit your application online through the DLD portal and schedule an appointment at a field office.1Driver License Division. Motorcycle Endorsement Walk-ins aren’t the norm, so showing up without an appointment can mean being turned away.
At the office, staff will take your photo, run a vision screening, check your documents, and collect your fees. The vision screening applies the state’s standard visual acuity requirement for any new driving privilege.
The knowledge test is 25 questions, closed-book, covering motorcycle-specific traffic laws, safe riding practices, and handling from the operator manual.1Driver License Division. Motorcycle Endorsement Pass it, and the DLD issues a temporary paper permit the same day. Your permanent card arrives by mail in about four to six weeks.
What You Can and Cannot Do on the Permit
The learner permit is good for six months, but the special riding restrictions only apply during the first two months. After that, you ride without those extra limits for the remaining four months of the permit period.1Driver License Division. Motorcycle Endorsement
During those first two months, three rules apply:6Ride to Live Utah. License
- No passengers. You ride solo.
- No riding between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Night riding is allowed before 10 PM.
- No highways posted above 60 mph. Roads posted at 60 or below are fine.
Riders under 19 must hold the learner permit for a minimum period before they can test for the full endorsement.1Driver License Division. Motorcycle Endorsement
Helmet Requirement for Riders Under 21
Utah does not require every motorcyclist to wear a helmet, but riders under 21 must wear one that meets federal safety standard FMVSS 218 whenever they operate or ride on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or non-enclosed autocycle on a public highway.7Utah Legislature. Utah Code 41-6a-1505 – Protective Headgear Compliant helmets show a “DOT” sticker on the back.
Turning the Permit Into a Full Endorsement
Within the six-month permit window, you convert the learner permit to a full motorcycle endorsement by passing a rider skills test. You have two ways to do it:1Driver License Division. Motorcycle Endorsement
- Schedule a skills test at a DLD office. You’ll ride your motorcycle through evaluated maneuvers, typically including cone weaves, stops, turns from a standstill, U-turns, and quick stops.
- Complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course or Experienced Rider Course and bring the completion card to the DLD within six months of finishing the course. The card waives the skills test.
If you fail the skills test, you can schedule a retake. Your original $18 fee covers up to three combined attempts at the knowledge and skills tests within the six-month period.2Utah Legislature. Utah Code 53-3-205 – Driver License Application Once you pass, the DLD gives you a temporary paper license and mails your permanent card with the “M” endorsement in four to six weeks.
Utah’s state-run Ride to Live program periodically offers a 25% discount on MSF tuition while funding lasts, so it’s worth checking before you register.8Ride to Live Utah. Ride to Live Utah