Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual - Safe Operation, Laws, and Skills Test

Sep 29, 2026

Minnesota’s Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual explains how to operate motorcycles and motorized bicycles on Minnesota streets and highways. It introduces Minnesota laws and requirements, emphasizes safe motorcycling practices from a riding-smart perspective, and directs readers to state statutes for complete legal standards. The manual also covers new riding information and laws for 2016, including autocycle definitions, plus a skills test checklist and fee or permit-related preparation guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages78

Reading Time3 h 17 min

AccessFree to download

Contents

Preface

Rider Training

Motorcycles

License Endorsement and Permit

Permit Process

Skills Test

New Resident Information

Endorsement Renewal

License Fees

Motorcycle Registration/Insurance

Equipment Requirements

Operating Rules

Alcohol and Motorcycles

Red Light, Green Light

Motorized Bicycles and Moped

Motorized Bicycle

Operator’s Permit

Instruction Permit Process

Skills Test

Duplicate Permits

Vehicle Registration

Insurance Requirements

Equipment Requirements

Operating Rules

Rider Training and Education

The Rider and the Motorcycle

MOTORCYCLE AND MOTORIZED BICYCLE MANUAL Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division [dvs.dps.mn.gov](dvs.dps.mn.gov) Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division prepared this manual. Visit the Department of Public Safety Website at [dvs.dps.mn.gov](dvs.dps.mn.gov to)[ to](dvs.dps.mn.gov to) access online versions of our driver’s manuals. PS30001-17 (7/16) About this Manual… This manual is about operating motorcycles and motorized bicycleson Minnesota streets and highways. The first section concerns Minnesota laws and requirements. For complete standards, consult Minnesota state statutes and rules. This document isnot a proper legal authority to cite in court. The second section (Operation Manual) contains information on safe motorcycling. The Operation Manual, provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, is not about Minnesota law—it is about riding smart and staying safe. For more information on Minnesota driving laws and rules for all drivers, refer to the Minnesota Driver’s Manual. This manual is printed by permission of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. This manual is prepared by the Division of Driver and Vehicle Services with permission of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. This information can be made available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities. For assistance, call 651-297-3298 or TTY 651-282-6555. NEW RIDING INFORMATION AND LAWS FOR 2016 Autocycle (M.S. 169.011) Effective August 1, 2016 An autocycle is a motorcycle that: • has three wheels in contact with the ground; • is designed with seating that does not require operators or any occupants to straddle or sit astride it; • has a steering wheel; • is equipped with antilock brakes; and • is originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards for motorcycles in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 571, and successor requirements. A person may operate an autocycle with a valid driver’s license. A motorcycle endorsement or a three-wheel motorcycle restriction is not required. Persons riding within an enclosed cab autocycle are exempt from wearing protective headgear and eye-protective device. A properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt when the autocycle is so equipped, shall be worn by the driver and any passengers. Examples of Autocycles Non-enclosed cab Examples of three-wheel motorcycles-Which requires a three-wheel motorcycle restriction on a driver’s license SKILLS TEST CHECKLIST Do you have all the information you need for your skills test? Here is a checklist to help you prepare: o I have made a skills test appointment. o I have my valid driver’s license. o I have my valid motorcycle instruction permit. o I have my helmet and eye protection. o I will provide a motorcycle on which to take the test. • Basic safety equipment must be in working condition (see equipment requirements on page IV) . • Vehicle registration must be current (license plates and registration stickers) or the motorcycle must display a 21-day permit. o I have valid proof of insurance (such as the original insurance identification card or policy) for the motorcycle I am taking the test on. Photocopies or copies from the Internet are not acceptable. o I have brought money (check, money order, or cash) to pay the driver’s license fee and the retesting fee, if applicable. There is a $20 test fee for a third or subsequent test (after failing first two) . • Credit and debit cards are not accepted. If under 18 years of age: o I have my certificate of course completion from an approved rider safety course. Note: Riders under 18 will be required to have a parent or court-appointed guardian sign the application to add the motorcycle endorsement. CONTENTS Preface Rider Training .................. I

FAQs

What topics does the manual cover for motorcycle and motorized bicycle riders?

It covers Minnesota laws and requirements, safe motorcycling operation, and preparation for licensing, permits, and the skills test. It also includes sections specific to motorized bicycles and mopeds.

What is new about autocycle rules effective August 1, 2016?

The manual defines an autocycle by its design features such as three wheels in contact with the ground, steering wheel, antilock brakes, and eligibility under federal motorcycle safety standards. It also states licensing requirements and headgear exemptions for certain autocycle riders.

What should riders prepare for the motorcycle skills test?

The manual provides a checklist including a skills test appointment, valid driver’s license, valid motorcycle instruction permit, helmet and eye protection, and a motorcycle for testing. It also lists equipment condition, registration or a permit requirement, and acceptable insurance proof and payment methods.

Sep 29, 2026

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