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WMST · Washington Motorist & Motorcycle Safety Training
Washington motorcycle endorsement

How to get your motorcycle endorsement in Washington

To ride legally in Washington you add a motorcycle endorsement to your license. That takes four tests, knowledge and skills at both the permit and endorsement level, and an approved school like WMST administers all of them as a DOL-approved examiner. Here is the whole path.

Updated June 5, 2026 · 2 min read

Permit, then endorsement

An endorsement is the motorcycle add-on to your regular driver license. Many riders start with a 2-wheel instruction permit, which lets you practice under daylight and no-passenger rules while you train. You need to be at least 16 and hold a valid Washington license. The permit details are in the motorcycle permit guide.

The four tests

You will need to take and pass four tests to obtain your full motorcycle endorsement. There is a 50 question permit knowledge test and a permit level skills test. There is a 25 question endorsement knowledge test and an endorsement level skills test. WMST offers permit and endorsement courses which include the testing.

Which course is right for you

WMST runs courses for every level, from the KickStart intro for total beginners to the beginner and intermediate permit courses and full 2-wheel endorsement. Not sure which one? The course guide walks you through it, and we cover the difference between two and three wheels in this guide.

Common questions

How do I get a motorcycle endorsement in Washington?

Pass both knowledge tests and both riding skills tests then apply with the DOL for your endorsement. Most riders do this by completing a DOL approved safety course such as the ones WMST offers.

Do I need a permit before the endorsement?

No, you do not need a permit before your endorsement; if you have passed all four tests you can apply for your full endorsement. However, many riders start with a 2-wheel permit to practice legally while training. You must be at least 16 and hold a valid Washington driver license.

What if I have never ridden before?

Start with a beginner course. WMST KickStart and beginner permit courses are built for first-time riders, with bikes provided.

Ready to ride?

Book a motorcycle course with WMST, or call and we will point you to the right one.

Ready to begin?

Pick your starting line.

Whether you're chasing a first license or a motorcycle endorsement, the next step starts here. One register page, every program.

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The WMST team