Texas Motorcycle License

The Lone Star state is a wonderful state to ride motorcycles.  In fact, there are many Texas residents that enjoy the free wind in their hair.  If you are the owner of a motorcycle, in order to legally ride the motorcycle, it will be necessary to obtain a Class M motorcycle license.  The first step you will need to take in order to obtain your Class M motorcycle license is to apply for an instruction permit.  The instruction permit will allow you to ride your motorcycle provided you are accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older.  In order to apply for an instruction permit you must be at least 15 years of age.

To apply for an instruction permit it is basically the process as when applying for a driver’s license except you do not need to take any tests.  You will need to show the required proofs of identity and for all applicants that are under the age of 18 they will be required to have parental permission.  All applicants must apply for their instruction permit in person.

How To Apply For Your Motorcycle License If You Are Age 18 or Older

In order to apply for your Class M motorcycle license if you are 18 years of age or older you must:

  • Show proof of identity and verification that you are a citizen of the United States.  For a list of acceptable proofs of identity visit  Identification Requirements for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card
  • Show proof of your Social Security number
  • Show proof of your Texas vehicle registration and proof that you have the required amount of liability insurance if you are the owner of a motorcycle.
  • Show proof of successfully completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved motorcycle safety course.   If you are 18 years or older the completion o this course will exempt you from the driving test.
  • Should you own more than one motorcycle you must show proof of each being registered and insured
  • Complete the application forms
  • Pay the applicable fees w.  Visit for more information on Driver License Division Applicable Fees 
  • Pass the written test which will be administered by the DPS as well as the driving portion of the test and an eye exam
  • Have your photo and thumbprint taken once you have passed the required test
How To Apply For Your Motorcycle License If You Are Under 18

If you are under the years of 18 there are different guidelines that must be followed which are

  • Each applicant must be at least 15 years of age and will be restricted to driving 250cc motorcycles until their 16 birthday
  • Provide proper proof of identity and verification that you are a citizen of the United State.  For acceptable forms of proof of identity visit Identification Requirements for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card
  • Show proof of your Social Security number
  • Show proof of completion of your driver education program.  Show proof of completion of your Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved motorcycle safety course
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  • Submit either a letter from your school administrator verifying your enrollment and attendance or a VOE CDD-104 form which is the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance form.
  • Submit a parental authorization signature.  If your driver’s education course was a Parent Taught Driver’s Ed course you must have your parent accompany you and sign in the presence of a driver license official
  • Should you own your own motorcycle you will need to submit proof of its registration and that you have the required amount of liability insurance
  • Complete all required application forms
  • Pay all applicable fees. Visit for more information on Driver License Division Applicable Fees 
  • Pass the required written and vision exams.
  • Pass the driving portion of the exam
  • Be fingerprinted and photographed once you have successfully submitted all required documentation and passed the test
Getting Professional Training

  • All motorcyclists are urged to receive professional training through a state approved instructor to ensure their safety on the roads.  The training courses are said to provide the student with the equivalent of two years on the road experience.  The student will be taught all the necessary skills to safely operate a motorcycle such as turning, avoiding obstacles, street strategies and more.  For more information regarding the training courses visit Motorcycle/ATV Safety Unit
Helmet Law

  • All riders under the age of 2`1 must wear a helmet provided they have:
  • Successfully completed a motorcycle safety course or have proof of health insurance coverage