Texas Motorcycle License Application Guide

You'll need to get your motorcycle license before scooting around town on a moped or hitting the open road on a motorcycle or maybe a three-wheeled motorcycle. Before they hit the mean streets with their two wheels, all drivers of these vehicles in Texas must obtain a Class M license. We'll go over getting a motorcycle license in Texas in greater detail, so you know what to expect when you visit the Department of Public Safety.

Laws On Texas Motorcycle License

To ride a motorcycle on a public highway in Texas, you must have a Class M driver's license. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed a Department of Public Safety-approved Basic Motorcycle Operator Training Course. Drivers must pass a written exam covering motorcycle-specific traffic laws and a road test to qualify for the license. Instead of taking the tests, established drivers with a Class A, B, or C license may present an MSB-8 completion certificate or a completion card from a course meeting Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum standards.

Required Equipment

All motorcycles and other motor-driven cycles in Texas are required by law to have several pieces of safety, regulatory, and operating equipment, including a:
  • Tail lamp
  • Stop lamp
  • Exhaust system
  • Vehicle identification number
  • Horn
  • Mirror
  • Operational brake system
  • License plate lamp
  • Rear red reflector

Helmets

Helmets that have been approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) are required equipment for all motorcycle, motor scooter, and moped drivers and passengers under the age of 21. All helmets that meet federal standards are labeled with a DOT sticker. Riders over the age of 21 are exempt from wearing a helmet if they have completed a DOT-approved Motorcycle Operator Training Course or are insured for at least $10,000.

Passengers

Motorcycle passengers under the age of five are not permitted in Texas. Furthermore, operators are only permitted to transport a passenger if their vehicle is permanently equipped with a passenger seat.

Step-By-Step Process On Getting Motorcycle License

Obtaining your Texas motorcycle license does not have to be difficult; however, you must know where to begin. Once you understand what is expected of you, the process makes a lot of sense.

Step 1: Get A Regular Texas State Driver's License

Those who do not have a regular driver's license may apply for a Motorcycle 'Class M' License. You must, however, meet the requirements for a regular Texas driver's license.

Step 2: DPS-Approved Safety Course

The Texas Department of Safety (DPS) requires that you take an approved motorcycle safety course. Your completion certificate is valid for 24 months. The basic controls of a motorcycle are covered in the motorcycle skills class. You'll also learn how to safely brake, corner, and swerve. The approved course includes up to ten hours of motorcycle skills instruction while students drive. You will receive a Motorcycle Safety Course (MSB-8 or MSB-8R) completion certificate once you have completed the course. Keep this because you'll need it to apply for your Texas motorcycle license.

Step 3: Apply For Motorcycle License

Under 18

You will need to show proof of your identity and citizenship if you are between 15 and 17. Bring your Social Security card and your motorcycle registration and insurance. Texas also requires young motorcycle drivers to demonstrate that they are enrolled in and passing their high school classes. A Texas Verification of Enrollment Form (VOE) is available from your high school or GED administrator. A provisional license or learner permit, as well as form DE-964, are required. This demonstrates that you completed 32 hours of classroom instruction in driver's ed. Drivers under the age of 18 who previously held a motorcycle license in another state must still complete driver's education in Texas before obtaining a Texas license. Motorcycle drivers under the age of 16 are permitted to operate a bike with a maximum capacity of 250 CC. This restriction is automatically lifted when the driver reaches the age of 16.

Over 18

Motorcyclists over the age of 18 must bring identification and proof of citizenship. A Social Security number and proof of residency are also required in Texas. Finally, you'll need to show proof of motorcycle insurance or registration. If you do not have a driver's license, you must bring proof that you completed the classroom portion of driver's ed.

Step 4: Written Test

Motorcyclists in Texas must pass vision and knowledge tests. Alternatively, you can present a certificate demonstrating that you have completed a motorcycle safety course since January 2015. To obtain a motorcycle license, applicants under 18 must pass a written exam.

Step 5: Road Test

A motor vehicle, a motorcycle, and a licensed driver are required for the Texas motorcycle road test. Cyclists under the age of 21 are required to wear a helmet. Your driver will accompany you in the car during the motorcycle road test. To obtain a motorcycle license in Texas, you must pass a road test if you are under the age of 18. The motorcycle road test is waived in Texas for motorcyclists over 18 who have an unrestricted motorcycle license from another state or Canada. Practicing your riding skills will assist you in passing your road test. The following are some important driving skills that will be tested on the road test:
  • Changing lanes safely with arm signals
  • Getting caught up in traffic
  • All traffic signs must be obeyed.
  • Keeping to the posted speed limit

Step 6: Pay Your Fees

In Texas, depending on the type, a motorcycle license will cost between $8 and $33. A current driver's license holder, for example, who wants to add a class M license, can expect to pay $16 and have the class M license expire at the same time as the regular license. The license is reasonably priced, and annual registration costs $30 plus county fees. There are. However, other costs to consider will hit you right away. A typical basic motorcycle safety course from a DPS-approved provider will cost around $200. Overall, obtaining your class M license is a fairly simple process if you follow all the required steps.

Motorcycle License Validity Period

Each type of license in Texas is valid for six years. This includes your M1 permit. The expiration date is your birthday, and the department of motor vehicles should notify you in advance via mail. However, adding a motorcycle license to your existing driver's license will expire simultaneously as your DL. That could mean it won't last as long as your Class C. The good news is that if you're over the age of 18, you should be able to renew your license online or by phone. You only need to confirm your identity and pay the application fee (an extra $8 on top of the $25 driver's license fee). If you are under the age of 18 when you obtain your M1, it will expire along with your driver's license on your 18th birthday. As a result, you'll have to pay fees to renew both your C and M1 licenses at that point. If you completed a motorcycle safety course in preparation for your license, you only have 24 months to pass your licensing exam. However, once you've completed the course and obtained your license, you won't need to take more classes or obtain additional certifications.

For information on motorcycle license renewal, click on the link below:

Motorcycle License Renewal

Texas Motorcycle Endorsement

If you do not already have a regular Texas driver's license, you can add a motorcycle endorsement to it or apply for a separate motorcycle driver's license. The application process is very similar to that of a regular license in that you must take a separate Texas permit test, obtain a permit, and then pass the Texas driver's test to obtain your motorcycle driver's license. The permit test will be different from the regular one in that it will focus on motorcycle regulations. You should take a few Texas practice driver tests to see if you are ready for the exam.