How to Get Your Motorcycle License in Texas

Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of becoming a licensed motorcycle rider in Texas? Before you can feel the wind in your face and the freedom of the open road, you’ll need to obtain your motorcycle license. If you’re wondering how to get your motorcycle license in Texas, this step-by-step guide will provide you with all the essential information you need.

Motorcycle Endorsement for Riders Under 18

How old do you have to be to drive a motorcycle in Texas? To apply for a motorcycle license in Texas, you must be at least 15 years old. If you’re between 15 and 17, you’ll need to complete a Motorcycle Safety Course and hold a valid Class C driver’s license or learner’s permit for at least six months before applying for your motorcycle license. If you’re 18 or older, you can proceed to the next step without these prerequisites. To apply for a permit, you must:

●        Apply at a Texas Driver’s License office in person

●        Provide certification for an approved motorcycle safety course (MSB-8 or MSB-8R)

●        Provide appropriate identification, including a Class C provisional license and proof of a 32-hour driver’s education course with form DE-964 or PTDE-964 for students taught by parents

●        Present a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form from your high school, signed by appropriate authority from your school

●        Bring a parent or guardian to sign for authorization

●        Pass the written knowledge exam

If applying for a learner’s permit, you do not need to take the road test until you apply for your motorcycle endorsement. If under the age of 16, your permit will have an I Restriction, and you may not ride a motorcycle over 250-cc engine size. The restriction lifts automatically on your 16th birthday.

With a permit or J Restriction, you must always have a licensed motorcyclist supervisor over 21 years old riding with you.

When you apply for your motorcycle license endorsement and qualify for your Class M endorsement, you can ride without restrictions.

Getting Your Texas Motorcycle License as an Adult Over 18

For riders pursuing their Class M driver’s license, the requirements differ from applying for a learner’s permit. When getting your Texas motorcycle license, you must submit:

●        A completed application for a Texas Driver’s License or State ID

●        Proof of lawful presence or citizenship

●        Proof of identity and residency

●        Your social security number (SSN) or documentation that you never had an SSN in a sworn affidavit

●        Registration and insurance for all vehicles you own or a signed affidavit that you do not own any vehicles

●        A certificate for Texas Driver Education (DE-964 or DE-964E) (if you do not have a Texas Driver’s License)

All motorcyclists must complete a knowledge test, vision exam, and road test. Taking the approved motorcycle safety course could waive the knowledge test requirement. If you are transferring your motorcycle endorsement from another state or a Canadian province, you may not have to take the road skills test.

Motorcycle Safety Courses

Although not mandatory for those 18 and older, enrolling in a Motorcycle Safety Course is highly recommended. These courses, provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety, offer hands-on training and cover essential aspects of motorcycle riding, including vehicle control, traffic strategies, and risk management. Completing the course may exempt you from taking the motorcycle skills test when applying for your license.

Safety courses for beginners cover basic skills in handling a motorcycle, sharing the road with other motor vehicle drivers, and how to react in an emergency.

Call Us at Law Tigers for Motorcycle Law in Texas

We hope you found this overview to be helpful. Contact your local Texas DMV office for additional information about what you might need to get your Class M endorsement at your particular age and skill level.

At Law Tigers, we’re attorneys who ride, representing bikers and their families in personal injury and accident claims. Call us today at 1-888-863-7216 to find a motorcycle lawyer near you.