Motorcycle Manual in Colorado

SUMMARY: Colorado Motorcycle Manual

The motorcycle manual in Colorado gives you detailed information about how to safely ride a motorcycle. You'll also learn about safety equipment and the CO motorcycle license tests.

Read below for more information about the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) motorcycle manual.

What's in the CO Motorcycle Manual?

If you're planning to get a motorcycle license endorsement, you should start with the Colorado DMV Motorcycle Operator's Handbook (Form DR 2336).

It explains the rules and regulations for safe motorcycle operation.

The motorcycle manual provides helpful details about CO motorcycle licenses, including how to apply.

Motorcycle Operation

Colorado's motorcycle manual provides detailed information about safely operating a motorcycle.

In the DMV handbook, you'll find sections about:

  • Controlling your motorcycle.
  • Maintaining visibility.
  • Riding on hazardous road surfaces.
  • Handling common mechanical issues.

You'll also find information about special circumstances, such as dealing with objects on the road and riding in groups.

Motorcycle Licensing Information

The CO motorcycle manual provides information about Colorado motorcycle licenses.

You'll learn about the basic requirements to get a motorcycle endorsement on your CO driver's license, including:

  • A review of your driving record.
  • Passing a vision test.
  • Passing a written knowledge test.
  • Passing a riding skills test.

You'll also find information specific to teen drivers, including age restrictions and other requirements for licensing in Colorado.

Types of Colorado Motorcycle Licenses

To operate a motorcycle, you'll need a CO driver's license or CO commercial driver's license (CDL) with a motorcycle endorsement.

The CO DMV offers two motorcycle endorsements:

  • An “M" to operate any motorcycle.
  • A “3" to operate ONLY motorcycles with 3 wheels (trikes).

The DMV motorcycle manual includes information for both standard motorcycles and trikes.

You'll also find more information on our Motorcycle License page.

Learner's Permit for Motorcycles

You can apply for a motorcycle learner's permit if you need more practice riding before taking your CO DMV riding skills test.

If you are younger than 18 years old, you MUST obtain and keep your motorcycle permit for at least 12 months before being eligible for a motorcycle endorsement.

You'll need to pass the Colorado DMV written motorcycle test to obtain a learner's permit.

Learn more about motorcycle instruction permits in the motorcycle manual.

CO DMV Motorcycle License Tests

To obtain your Colorado motorcycle license, you'll need to pass both a written knowledge exam and a riding skills test.

DMV Written Knowledge Test

Passing a knowledge test is one of the requirements for a motorcycle license from the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The knowledge test asks questions based on the information found in the motorcycle manual.

NOTE: If you do not yet have a CO driver's license, you may also have to take the general driver's license test.

DMV practice tests are available to help you prepare for the Colorado motorcycle knowledge test and general driving knowledge test.

Skills Test for a CO Motorcycle License

The CO DMV motorcycle manual has a section dedicated to the riding skills test that you must pass to get your motorcycle license endorsement.

The skills test has 6 exercises that you'll perform on your motorcycle in front of a DMV examiner. Maneuvers you'll need to perform include:

  • Weaving between cones.
  • Making standard and fast stops.
  • Swerving to avoid an object.
  • Turning and making a U-turn.

The Colorado motorcycle manual explains each exercise in detail (including diagrams) and describes errors that could result in failing the test.

Separate trike and sidecar exercises are also explained.

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