Motorcycle Endorsements.

To legally operate a two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycle, a person must have a valid driver's license with a special motorcycle endorsement.  To obtain an endorsement a person must pass four total tests, unless waived by the Department of Licensing (DOL) for successful completion of a motorcycle skills education course or program.  The four tests are:

• a permit-level written test and a riding skills test, which qualifies the person for a motorcycle instruction permit; and
• an endorsement-level written test and a riding skills test, which qualifies the person for a motorcycle endorsement.

 
The required exams are administered at motorcycle training schools approved by the DOL.  In addition to offering stand-alone exams, motorcycle training schools offer testing as part of motorcycle training courses certified by the DOL.
 
Motorcycle Safety Education Advisory Board.

The Motorcycle Safety Education Advisory Board (Board) assists the DOL with the administration, application, and educational content of the Washington Motorcycle Safety Program (WMSP).  The Board helps the DOL implement the priorities of the WMSP, which include public awareness of motorcycle safety, motorcycle safety education, classroom and on-motorcycle training, and improved motorcycle operator testing.
 
The Board consists of five members appointed by the Director of the DOL (Director) with the following requirements:

• Three members of the Board, one of whom to be appointed chairperson, must be active motorcycle riders or members of nonprofit motorcycle organizations that promote motorcycle safety education.  
• One member must be a Washington State Patrol (WSP) motorcycle officer with at least one year of experience as a motorcycle officer and at least five years of experience with the WSP.
• One member must be a member of the public. 

 
Members are appointed for a term of two years.  Members are required to meet at least two times annually, and not less than five times during a term of appointment.  Members are not compensated for their services, but they are reimbursed for Board-related travel.

The Board membership is increased to seven members appointed by the Director, with the two additional members appointed to represent motorcycle safety instructors.  All members must be endorsed to drive a two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycle.  To the extent practicable, the Director should strive to appoint members who reflect diversity in race, ethnicity, and gender.  Also to the extent practicable, the Director should strive to appoint members who reside in different areas of the state, with at least two members who reside east of the crest of the Cascade mountain range.
 
In addition to being able to select a chair from among the active motorcycle rider members or members of nonprofit motorcycle organizations, the Board may also consider members who represent motorcycle safety instructors for the position.
 
The two-year term of Board members is extended until a successor is appointed.  Member appointments are staggered, so that one or two members are appointed in every even-numbered year.