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- 7 topics from the Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook
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Colorado Motorcycle Permit Practice Test
You need a valid Colorado driver license first. Practice with 590+ questions for the Colorado motorcycle knowledge test, written from the Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook.
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Sample question
Colorado motorcycle test
Control and crash avoidance
On a motorcycle with integrated brakes, what happens when you press the rear pedal?
Practice Control and crash avoidance
Body position, turning, braking and shifting · Quick stops, swerving, curves and cornering
- Flag any question on the full test and jump back to it before submitting.
- The full test never asks the same rule twice and shuffles the order each time.
Correct!
Integrated systems link the front and rear brakes when the rear pedal is applied.
Practice Control and crash avoidance- Colorado license and skills test
- Gear and motorcycle checks
- Control and crash avoidance
- Being seen and lane position
- Space cushion and night riding
- Road hazards and breakdowns
- Passengers, cargo and groups
Colorado Motorcycle Operator's HandbookDR 2336 (03/27/18)checked Page numbers are the printed ones. About page numbers
How the Colorado motorcycle test works
Two ways to add the M
You need a valid Colorado driver license first. Either pass the motorcycle written exam, buy a motorcycle instruction permit and pass a drive skills test by appointment, or finish a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) course and bring the original waiver card to a driver license office. The endorsement can't be added by mail, online or by phone.
Riders under 18
Minors must hold a motorcycle instruction permit for 12 months before adding the endorsement, and the adult who accepted liability on their earlier credential signs the DR 2460M Affidavit of Liability (Motorcycle). Riders under 16 must finish a State Patrol-approved MOST course before the permit.
New from January 1, 2027
Under House Bill 24-1021, every applicant under 21 must complete a State Patrol-approved motorcycle safety course before a motorcycle instruction permit is issued, including riders transferring from another state. Permits issued before that date aren't affected.
Gear the law asks for
Colorado requires an approved helmet for every operator and passenger under 18, on motorcycles and low-power scooters alike, and eye protection for all operators and passengers whatever their age. Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook p. 3–4
Sources: Colorado DMV: I'm a Motorcycle Driver (motorcycle endorsement) · Colorado DMV: HB24-1021, minor driver education (changes from January 1, 2027)
Rules and gear
Who has to wear a motorcycle helmet in Colorado?
Every operator and passenger under 18, on a motorcycle or a low-power scooter. Eye protection is required for all operators and passengers, and a windshield doesn't count as eye protection. p. 3–4
Do you need a motorcycle endorsement for a low-power scooter in Colorado?
No. A scooter of 50cc or less (or electric, 4,476 watts or less) with a 40 mph top speed isn't a motorcycle, but you need at least a basic driver's license to ride it on public streets, and riders under 18 must wear a helmet. p. 3
Rules from the Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook
From the DR 2336 (03/27/18) edition.
Colorado license and skills test
- p. 3Motorcycle Operator Licensing
In Colorado, a rider younger than 16 must finish a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) program and show proof before getting a motorcycle instruction permit.
- p. 3Motorcycle Operator Licensing
A Colorado motorcycle instruction permit lets you ride only under the immediate, close supervision of an adult at least 21 who holds a valid Colorado license endorsed for motorcycles.
Gear and motorcycle checks
- p. 3Helmet
Colorado law (C.R.S. 42-4-1502(4.5)) requires every operator and passenger under 18 on a motorcycle or low-power scooter to wear an approved motorcycle helmet.
- p. 3Helmet
One in five reported motorcycle crashes causes head or neck injuries; head injuries are as severe as neck injuries and far more common, and research shows a helmet reduces the risk.
Control and crash avoidance
- p. 5Basic 3-Wheel Vehicle Control
On a three-wheeler only two wheels may touch the ground when enough weight shifts outside the "tipover lines"; keeping your knees against the tank, needed on two wheels, is not necessary on a three-wheel motorcycle.
- p. 6Turning
ROLL: roll on the throttle through the turn, keeping a steady speed or accelerating gradually, and avoid slowing down while in the turn.
Being seen and lane position
- p. 7Using Your Mirrors
Many motorcycles have rounded convex mirrors, which show a wider view behind than flat mirrors but make cars seem farther away than they are; practice with them until you judge distance well.
- p. 7Horns
Be ready to use your horn to get someone's attention: in an emergency, press it loud and long and be ready to stop or swerve away from the danger.
Space cushion and night riding
- p. 8Distance in Front
Open up a three-second following distance when your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop, such as on rain-slick pavement, or when you can't see around the vehicle ahead.
- p. 8Distance in Front
Colorado's handbook says motorcycles usually need less distance to stop than cars and gives the two-second following rule as a guide: it leaves time to stop or swerve if the driver ahead stops suddenly and gives a better view of potholes and other dangers.
Road hazards and breakdowns
- p. 9Slippery Surfaces
To ride safely on slippery surfaces: reduce speed before you reach them, especially before wet curves.
- p. 10Very Slippery Surfaces
A three-wheel motorcycle's built-in stability is an advantage on poor surfaces: it can slide sideways without falling down, like a car, so slick pavement, unpaved roads and off-road riding are quite manageable on three wheels.
Colorado motorcycle license questions and answers
10 questionsThe knowledge test
How many questions are on the Colorado motorcycle written exam?
Colorado DMV doesn't publish the number of questions or the passing score for the motorcycle written exam. Our practice exam uses 25 questions with 21 to pass (84%). You can skip the DMV exams entirely by finishing a MOST course.
What does this Colorado motorcycle practice test cover?
The Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook (DR 2336): endorsements and permits, gear and pre-ride checks, control, being seen, lane position and following distance, SIPDE, dangerous surfaces, night riding, crash avoidance, mechanical problems, passengers and cargo, group riding, three-wheel motorcycles and the skills test. Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook p. 3–16
What score do I need to pass the Colorado motorcycle permit test?
You need 21 of the 25 questions right (84%). Always confirm the current test with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Compare every state
How many questions can I miss on the Colorado motorcycle permit test?
You can miss up to 4 of the 25 questions: you need 21 right (84%) to pass.
Getting your endorsement
Can a MOST course replace the Colorado motorcycle tests?
Yes. Passing a Colorado MOST course (Beginners, Intermediate or Three Wheel) earns a completion card that waives further testing at the DMV: bring it to a driver license office to have the endorsement added. Colorado doesn't accept out-of-state MSF cards, except ones earned on a military base.
What is the difference between the M and 3 endorsements?
"M" lets you ride two- and three-wheel motorcycles; "3" allows three-wheel motorcycles only. Taking the skills test, or the MOST Three Wheel course, on a three-wheeler gives you the 3.
At what age can you start riding on a Colorado motorcycle permit?
Riders under 16 must first finish a State Patrol-approved MOST course. Anyone under 18 holds the instruction permit for 12 months before adding the endorsement, with a signed DR 2460M affidavit. From January 1, 2027, every applicant under 21 must complete a MOST course before the permit.
Who can supervise a Colorado motorcycle permit rider?
An adult at least 21 with a valid Colorado license endorsed for motorcycles, riding close by. A rider under 18 needs their parent or guardian's permission to ride with anyone other than their MOST instructor or the parent or guardian who signed the affidavit. Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook p. 3
What happens on the Colorado motorcycle skills test?
Six riding exercises (cone weave, normal stop, turn from a stop, left U-turn or left turn, quick stop and obstacle swerve), scored on time, distance, path and putting a foot down. Bring a registered, insured motorcycle over 50cc; its lights, signals, mirrors and tire tread are checked first. Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook p. 16
How much does a Colorado motorcycle permit and license cost?
Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lists the current fees for the motorcycle permit, tests and license on its official fee page.
Sources: Colorado DMV: I'm a Motorcycle Driver (motorcycle endorsement) · Colorado DMV: State DMV Fees