What is a considered a motorcycle?
In Idaho, a “motorcycle” is defined as a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels, excluding tractors. Three-wheeled motor driven cycles also require a motorcycle endorsement to legally operate on public roads.
Handbooks and documents
Motorcycle endorsement requirements
To get a motorcycle endorsement, you must complete the following steps.
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To purchase a motorcycle endorsement instruction permit
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To add a motorcycle endorsement to a driver’s license
- To transfer a motorcycle endorsement from an out-of-state driver’s license
Skills test* – A motorcycle endorsement skills test will need to be passed for the following:
- To add a motorcycle endorsement to a driver’s license
*A motorcycle endorsement knowledge and skills test results are valid for up to one year. If the endorsement is not added to the license within the validity of the knowledge and skills test results, the applicant will need to retake and pass the test(s)
Motorcycle skills test examiners by region
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ITD District 1
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ITD District 2
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ITD District 3
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ITD District 4
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ITD District 5
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ITD District 6
A one-time $15.00 endorsement fee shall be charged to add the motorcycle endorsement to your Idaho driver’s license.
The one-time motorcycle endorsement fee will be waived if the applicant meets the testing requirements and adds the endorsement to their license within six months of being issued their motorcycle endorsement instruction permit.
- A motorcycle safety foundation course must be completed for any applicant under the age of 21.
- A motorcycle safety foundation course may also be used to waive the requirement of a passing motorcycle endorsement skills test.
A passing MSF course may be used to waive the skills testing requirement within 2 years of completion of the course. Afterwards a new MSF course completion would need to be presented or a passing motorcycle endorsement skills test.
Motorcycle endorsement transfers
If you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, you can transfer the endorsement to an Idaho driver’s license. You will need to pass the motorcycle endorsement knowledge test and pay a one-time $15.00 motorcycle endorsement fee.
A foreign motorcycle license or driver’s license containing a motorcycle endorsement are not transferrable to an Idaho driver’s license. Applicants will need to pass the motorcycle endorsement knowledge test, skills test, and pay the one-time motorcycle endorsement fee.
Motorcycle Instruction Permit
A license driver can get a motorcycle instruction permit to practice motorcycle skills on public roadways before taking the motorcycle endorsement skills test. You must pass the knowledge test before purchasing the permit. The permit allows you to ride on public roadways with a few restrictions:
- No passengers – A permit holder may not carry a passenger on the motorcycle or in a side car
- No highway riding – A permit holder may not operate a motorcycle on a highway or freeway
- Daylight riding only – A permit holder may only operate a motorcycle during daylight hours
- Under 18 helmet – A permit holder under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle
Motorcycle safety courses
Idaho STAR is Idaho’s primary motorcycle safety program provider. They offer a variety of courses designed to help novice and seasoned riders alike. Visit the Idaho STAR website to learn more about motorcycle safety classes.
If an Idaho Star course is not available in your area, other motorcycle safety foundation (MSF) courses may be accepted. Course providers may be in the state of Idaho or outside of the state.
A passing MSF course may be used to waive the skills testing requirement for a motorcycle endorsement. An applicant will need to provide proof of course completion dated within 2 years of their application for a motorcycle endorsement.
Motorcycle License Fees
| Type | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| One-Time “M” Endorsement | $15.00 |
| Knowledge Written Test | $5.00 |
| Skills Test | $25.00 |
| Instruction Permit (must have Idaho License) | $15.00 |
| Duplicate Permit | $20.00 |