Applying for a motorcycle license in Texas begins with enrolling in a state-approved education program to learn the basics of safe motorcycle operation. All drivers applying for a motorbike license are required to complete the necessary courses and submit a complete application packet with applicable fees. Texas drivers must also complete multiple state exams to gain a license, including a vision test, knowledge exam and road skills test. Driver services in Texas are managed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Texas drivers can apply for a permit to learn how to drive after they have taken the necessary motorcycle classes and met the state’s other eligibility criteria. The DPS requires minors to apply for a motorcycle permit before they can be found eligible to apply for a full license. Once ready, the DPS accepts transfer requests from the permit to a license in person and by mail by residents currently out of state. Keep reading to discover more about getting a license to drive motorcycles in Texas.

What is a Texas motorcycle endorsement?

In Texas, drivers can request that a motorcycle endorsement be added to their current driver’s license or that they receive a stand-alone license. The M endorsement on a Texas license adds the driver’s new motorcycle privileges to the driver’s existing driving privileges. Drivers must All Texas drivers are required to have a regular driving permit/license or equivalent driving experience before the DPS will find them eligible for an endorsement.

Motorcycle Permit Requirements in Texas

Drivers can use a DMV motorcycle permit in Texas to practice operating a motorcycle under controlled conditions before taking the road skills exam with a state examiner. The motorcycle permit age to be eligible to apply for a learner’s permit is 15 to 17 years of age. Before they can submit a request for a permit, the DPS requires drivers to complete a state-approved motorcycle safety program and already hold a regular provisional license or driver’s permit. Minors must also confirm that they are enrolled in school and have parental permission.

Required Documents

To meet the DPS requirements for a motorcycle permit in Texas, drivers must include the following documents with their motorbike learners application:

• A completed Application for Texas Driver License or Identification form

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Texas residency
• Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) or a sworn affidavit that no SSN was issued
• A Motorcycle Safety Course completion certificate (form MSB-8 or MSB-8R)
• One of the following proofs of driving knowledge:
  1. A Class C Provisional license
  2. A Driver Education form (DE-964) or completion certificate documenting at least 32 hours of classroom instruction
  3. Parent Taught Driver Education form (PTDE-964) or completion certificate documenting at least 32 hours of driver education
  4. Class C learner license AND a DE-964 form showing completion of an education program lasting at least 32 hours
• A High School Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form, completed and signed

Texas Motorcycle Permit Rules and Restrictions

What does a motorcycle permit allow you to do in Texas? Minors who are 15 years of age and hold a motorcycle learners permit can operate motorcycles with engines no larger than 250cc until their 16th birthday. This is known as the I Restriction. The J Restriction applies to all permit holders and requires that they only operate a motorcycle in the direct supervision of a licensed motorcycle driver who is 21 years of age or older.

How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in Texas

Minors can apply for a Texas motorbike learners permit by submitting an application to the DPS in person. Getting a motorcycle permit is only possible after a driver has already earned a regular driver’s permit or learner license and earned the necessary education course completion certificate. If you are a driver between 15 and 17 years of age, you must take the following steps to receive a motorcycle permit:

1. Earn your Class C learner license, provisional license and/or pass an approved educational course for basic driving skills. Applicants choosing the driver education course should make sure to keep the certificate of completion.
2. Enroll in a state-approved motorcycle safety course to meet permit requirements and waive your requirement to take the written knowledge exam. You must already have a regular driver’s permit to enroll. Pass the course and take your certificate of completion.
3. Print or pick up a copy of the Application for Texas Driver License or Identification form and the High School Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form. Complete and sign them.
4. Gather the required application material listed above, such as proof of identity and proofs of completing the necessary education programs.
5. Prepare the necessary application fees.
6. Head to your nearest DPS licensing office with a parent to submit your complete application packet. Your parent will be asked to sign an authorization form.
7. Take the vision exam.
8. Provide your thumb print.
9. Take your permit photo.
10. You can use your application submission receipt as a temporary permit. Your permanent permit will arrive in the mail two to three weeks after application submission.

Texas Motorcycle License Requirements

The minimum motorcycle license age in Texas is only slightly higher than the permit’s minimum at 16 years of age. The requirements for a motorcycle license are in addition to the state’s requirements to earn a regular driver’s license. All Texas drivers must also complete a state-approved motorcycle course and pass a road skills exam in order to qualify for a license. The DPS may waive this course requirement for drivers transferring a license from another state.

Required Documents

The DPS requires drivers to enroll in the necessary motorcycle classes and submit the following documents to receive a DMV motorcycle license in Texas:

• A completed Application for Texas Driver License or Identification form
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Texas residency
• Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) or a sworn affidavit that no SSN was issued
• Proof of valid vehicle registration and adequate auto insurance for any vehicle owned in the driver’s name OR a signed affidavit stating that the applicant does not own any applicable vehicles
• Course completion certificate for the Impact Texas Driver (ITD) program
• A Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964 or DE-964E)
• A completed High School Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form (if applicable)

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Texas

Getting a motorcycle license in Texas can be simple and quick for the prepared driver. How long does it take to get a motorcycle license through the DPS? Most drivers applying in person are able to complete the application process in just a couple hours and receive their permanent license in the mail a few weeks afterward. Drivers who are currently out of the state can apply for motorcycle privileges by mail.

How to Apply for a Motorbike License in Person

TX drivers can take the following steps to get a motorcycle license from the DPS:

1. Pass the required state-approved motorcycle license class and waive your requirement to take the knowledge exam.
2. Print or pick up the necessary applications. Complete and sign them.
3. Gather the required application material listed above and prepare the necessary application fees.
4. Head to your nearest DPS licensing office. Minors must go with a parent.
5. Take the vision exam and provide your thumbprint.
6. Take the road skills exam. This requirement may be waived for some adult applicants.
7. If successful, take your license photo.
8. Wait to receive your permanent license in the mail within two to three weeks.

How to Get a Motorcycle License by Mail:

The process of applying for a bike license by mail is relatively the same as the process of applying in person, but only open to adult drivers who already have a TX Class A, B or C license and who have enrolled in an accredited safety program. Out of state drivers can request a DMV motorcycle license by submitting an Application for Out of State /Country Renewal / Change of a Texas Driver License or Identification Card along with the same supplemental material mentioned for in-person application submission.

Texas drivers applying in this format must also include proof of completing an applicable motorcycle safety course, the criteria which allows them to waive having to pass the road skills exam. Applications sent by mail should include payment by check or money order.

Getting a Texas Motorcycle License as a New Resident

New residents to Texas must transfer any existing regular or motorcycle licenses to the state within 90 days of taking up residency. Transferring an out of state bike license to Texas can be done in person at DPS locations around the state. At the time of transfer, the driver will have to surrender his or her current license and present proof of his or her identity, lawful presence in the U.S., residency in Texas, SSN and vehicles registration (if applicable). State education and testing requirements are waived for transfer applicants.

Required Motorcycle Classes in Texas

All new drivers and applicants for an endorsement must pass a state-approved motorcycle training course before they can be found eligible for a Texas license. In addition to this motorcycle course, all drivers are required to take a general driving education course to qualify for most types of DPS licenses and permits. This basic course must include a minimum of 32 instruction hours. The minimum age for enrollment in a TX driving course is 14 years of age.

Texas drivers can choose to enroll in an approved motorcycle training school through a private third party or the driver’s public school (if applicable). The DPS also accepts Parent-taught Driver Education (PTDE) certificates as meeting the minimum education requirement. Course completion certificates have a validity of 24 months from the date of receipt.

Texas DMV Motorcycle Test Details

Most drivers do not need to pass a motorcycle permit test in Texas because the written knowledge exam is waived for taking the state’s safety course, which is a requirement to receive a permit. Along the same lines, the only DMV motorcycle test required by the DPS is the road skills exam because the written exam should be waived. Drivers who have completed additional educational training or are transferring a valid license from another state may be able to waive the road skills exam as well.

Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter in Texas?

An M license or general driving permit is required for drivers to operate scooters and mopeds in Texas. If desired, the DPS offers drivers the option to skip the motorcycle driving test and receive a license with a P36 Restriction by simply passing the written knowledge exam. Texas drivers with a moped license are limited to operating two- and three-wheel vehicles that do not exceed 30 mph in speed, shift gears or have an engine larger than 50 cc.

Texas Motorcycle License Costs

“How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license in Texas?” is an important question that state motorists ask when seeking motorcycle privileges.

The DPS has published the following motorcycle license cost schedule:

• Motorcycle learner’s permit (motorcycle only): $16
• Motorcycle endorsement (for new driver’s license) $15
• Motorcycle endorsement (adding to existing driver’s license) $16
• New motorcycle license (class M): $25

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