The Texas Motorcycle License Path
Texas issues a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license rather than a separate license. You need a Class M endorsement to legally ride any motorcycle, moped, or motorized bicycle on public roads. The process involves passing a written test, a skills test, or completing an approved safety course—and which route you take depends on whether you already hold a valid Texas driver's license and your age.
If you're under 18, you must complete a Motorcycle Safety Course and cannot skip the classroom requirement. If you're 18 or older with a valid Texas driver's license, you can test directly at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) without taking a course, though taking one can waive the riding skills test. If you don't have a driver's license yet, you'll need to get one first.
Key Takeaways
- Texas requires a Class M endorsement on your driver's license to ride any motorcycle, and you cannot legally ride without it.
- Riders under 18 must complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Course; riders 18 and older can test directly at DPS or take a course to skip the riding test.
- The written test covers Texas motorcycle laws and safe riding practices, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- A Motorcycle Safety Course costs between $150 and $300 and takes one to three days depending on the provider and course type.
- You can find approved courses through the Texas Department of Public Safety website or by contacting local riding schools.
Understanding the Two Routes: Course or Direct Testing
Texas gives you two main paths to the Class M endorsement if you're 18 or older and already have a driver's license. The first is to take an approved Motorcycle Safety Course, which includes classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice. Completing this course waives both the written test and the riding skills test at DPS—you straightforward bring your course completion certificate to a DPS office and pay the endorsement fee.
The second route is to test directly at DPS without taking a course. You'll take a written test on motorcycle laws and safe riding, then a riding skills test on a closed course using a motorcycle provided by DPS. Many riders choose the course route because it teaches you to ride safely before you're tested, and you avoid the riding test entirely. The direct testing route is faster if you already know how to ride, but you must pass both tests on the same day.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you can add a motorcycle endorsement, you must have a valid Texas driver's license. If you don't have one yet, you'll need to get your Class C license first through the standard DPS process—written test, vision screening, and driving test. Once you have that license in hand, you're ready to pursue the motorcycle endorsement.
You'll also need to bring documents to DPS or to a Motorcycle Safety Course. For DPS testing, bring your driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. For a safety course, bring your driver's license and proof of residency. If you're under 18, you may need parental consent depending on the course provider—check with them first.
Taking an Approved Motorcycle Safety Course
An approved Motorcycle Safety Course in Texas is typically offered by private riding schools and community colleges. The course covers motorcycle operation, traffic laws, hazard awareness, and defensive riding techniques. Most courses run one to three days depending on whether you take the Basic Rider Course (BRC), which is the standard, or an accelerated version. Costs range from $150 to $300.
To find a course, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website and search their list of approved providers, or call your local community college to ask if they offer motorcycle training. When you enroll, bring your driver's license and proof of residency. The course provider will supply the motorcycle for practice and testing. Once you pass the course, you'll receive a completion certificate—bring that to any DPS office with your driver's license and residency proof, pay the endorsement fee (currently $20 for a five-year endorsement), and your Class M will be added to your license.
Testing Directly at the Department of Public Safety
If you're 18 or older with a valid driver's license and choose not to take a course, you can test at DPS. The written test covers Texas Transportation Code rules for motorcycles, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. You'll have 30 minutes to answer 25 multiple-choice questions and must score at least 80 percent (20 out of 25 correct) to pass.
If you pass the written test, you'll schedule a riding skills test on a separate day at a DPS motorcycle testing site. The test takes place on a closed course and lasts about 10 minutes. You'll perform basic maneuvers like figure-eights, quick stops, and swerves. DPS provides the motorcycle—typically a 250cc or 500cc standard bike. You must pass both the written and riding tests to receive your endorsement. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you'll need to pay the test fee again.
Costs and Timeline
The total cost depends on which route you choose. A Motorcycle Safety Course runs $150 to $300 and includes all instruction and testing. The endorsement fee at DPS is $20 for a five-year endorsement. If you test directly at DPS without a course, there is no separate test fee—the $20 endorsement fee covers your new license with the Class M added.
Timeline varies by route. A safety course typically takes one to three days to complete, then you visit DPS to add the endorsement (usually same day or within a week). Direct testing at DPS is faster if you pass both tests on your scheduled days, but scheduling the riding test may take a few weeks depending on DPS office availability in your area. Call your local DPS office or check their website to see current wait times for riding tests.
Riders Under 18
If you're under 18, Texas law requires you to complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Course before you can ride a motorcycle on public roads. You cannot test directly at DPS—the course is mandatory. You'll also need to hold a valid Class C driver's license before you enroll in the course.
When you complete the course, bring your completion certificate to DPS along with your driver's license, proof of residency, and the $20 endorsement fee. Your Class M will be added to your license. Some course providers may require parental consent or a parent's signature on enrollment forms, so confirm this when you register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit does not allow you to ride a motorcycle. You must have a valid driver's license with a Class M endorsement. If you have a learner's permit for a car, you'll need to pass your driving test and get your full Class C license before you can pursue the motorcycle endorsement.
What if I fail the riding test at DPS?
You can retake the riding test, but you'll need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again. Many riders who fail the first time take a Motorcycle Safety Course afterward, which teaches riding skills and waives the riding test on the second attempt.
Do I need to own a motorcycle to take the safety course?
No. Approved Motorcycle Safety Courses provide motorcycles for all classroom and riding practice. You do not need to own or bring your own bike. DPS also provides a motorcycle for the riding skills test if you test directly.
How long is the Class M endorsement valid?
The Class M endorsement is valid for five years, the same as your driver's license. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews automatically as long as your license remains valid and you have no suspensions or revocations.
Can I take the motorcycle safety course online?
The classroom portion of some courses may be offered online, but the riding practice and skills test must be done in person at a physical location. Check with individual course providers about their online options, as not all offer them.