Motorcycle License in Texas

With endless miles of open road, wildflower fields, and desert landscapes, Texas is the perfect state to ride a motorcycle in. This guide will take you through all of the steps necessary to earn your TX motorcycle license.

New to Texas?

If you recently moved to Texas and already have an out-of-state motorcycle license/endorsement, you can transfer your credentials as long as your current license is still valid.

To get your Texas motorcycle license, you'll need to visit your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office within 90 days of moving to the state and:

  • Surrender your unexpired out-of-state motorcycle credentials.
  • Provide proof of:
  • Pass the following tests:
    • Motorcycle written knowledge exam IF you have an out-of-state learner license/permit and would like to transfer to an unrestricted, Texas motorcycle license.
    • Motorcycle road skills test IF you're younger than 18 years old.
  • Pay the applicable TX motorcycle licensing fees (see below).

TX Motorcycle License Eligibility

In Texas, to be eligible for a Class M motorcycle license you must:

  • Be at least 15 years old.
  • EITHER:
    • Have taken an in-class Driver's Ed course (32 hours) for a Class C license.
      OR
    • Already hold a TX Class C driver's license or learner's license.
  • Enroll in a motorcycle safety education course approved by the TX Department of Public Safety.

Additionally, if you're younger than 18 years old, you'll also have to:

  • Earn your learner's license (with a J restriction) by passing the motorcycle written knowledge exam.
  • Pass the DPS' motorcycle road skills exam (to remove the J restriction).

After meeting the eligibility requirements above, you can go to your local DPS driver licensing office and apply for your Texas motorcycle license.

Texas Motorcycle License Restrictions

Your age will determine the types of restrictions placed on your Class M motorcycle license:

  • J restriction: Applicants younger than 18 years old.
    • You may only ride a motorcycle while supervised by someone who's at least 21 years old and holds a TX motorcycle license.
    • The restriction is removed once you pass the Department of Public Safety's motorcycle road skills test.
  • I restriction: Applicants younger than 16 years old.
    • You're restricted to riding motorcycles displacing 250 cc or less.
    • The restriction can be removed once you turn 16 years old.

Get Your Texas Motorcycle License

Once you are eligible to, you can visit your local DPS driver license office and do the following:

  • Submit your motorcycle safety course completion certificate.
  • Provide any of the following:
    • Provisional Class C license.
    • Certificate of driver's education completion.
    • Class C learner's license.
  • Show proof of:
  • Pay the necessary motorcycle licensing fees (see below).

If you're between 15 and 17 years old, you must also bring your parent/legal guardian and:

You'll then receive your unrestricted Class M motorcycle license! Your license will be valid for 6 years, UNLESS you are under 18 years old—then your Class M license will expire once you turn 18 years old.

Motorcycle Education in TX

Completing a motorcycle safety course is required of all Texas motorcycle license applicants.

If you're between 15 and 17 years old, before enrolling in a motorcycle safety course you must already have any of the following:

  • Class C learner's license.
  • Certificate of completion for standard classroom Driver's Ed.
  • Provisional driver's license.

If you're at least 18 years old with a valid Texas driver's license, completing a motorcycle education course allows you to waive the Department of Public Safety's motorcycle written and road exams.

Regardless of your age, taking a motorcycle safety course can be extremely beneficial, enabling you to learn skills like:

  • Avoiding dangerous situations and riding behaviors.
  • Basic motorcycle handling (e.g. stopping and turning).
  • Dealing with emergencies.
  • Choosing the most protective clothing.

If you'd like to learn more about motorcycle education in Texas, check out the DPS' guide to the motorcycle safety course. When you're ready to enroll in a motorcycle safety course, reference the TX Department of Public Safety's list of approved motorcycle trainers throughout the state.

Fees for TX Motorcycle Licenses

The fees associated with getting your Class M motorcycle license in Texas are as follows:

  • Motorcycle license only for applicants who are:
    • 18 years old and older: $33.
    • Younger than 18 years old: $16.
  • Addition of Class M to your current license: $16.
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