What you need to do to ride legally in Tennessee

To ride a motorcycle legally in Tennessee, you must pass a written test, a riding skills test, and a vision screening. You can take these tests through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH), or you can complete an approved motorcycle safety course, which waives the riding test. Most riders find the safety course faster and less stressful than testing alone, though both paths lead to the same license.

Tennessee issues a motorcycle endorsement on your regular driver's license rather than a separate document. The endorsement costs $20 and is valid for eight years, matching your driver's license renewal cycle. You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Tennessee, though you cannot legally carry a passenger until you are 18.

Key Takeaways

  • You can either take the written and riding tests through TDSH, or complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which skips the riding test.
  • The MSF course typically costs $150 to $200, takes one or two days, and includes a loaner motorcycle if you do not own one yet.
  • If you test through TDSH, you must bring your own motorcycle or find someone to lend you one for the riding test.
  • The endorsement itself costs $20 and you explore at any TDSH driver license office after passing your tests or course.
  • You must pass a vision screening as part of the process, whether you test or take a course.

Taking the MSF course instead of testing

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course is the faster route for most people. The course runs one or two days depending on the location, covers basic riding skills and safety, and includes a riding test that counts toward your endorsement. You do not need to own a motorcycle—the course provides one for you to use during training. Courses cost between $150 and $200, and you can find approved providers through the Tennessee Motorcycle Safety Program website or by searching "MSF course near me."

When you finish the course, you receive a completion certificate. Take that certificate to any TDSH driver license office along with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Tennessee residency (a utility bill or lease works). Pay the $20 endorsement fee, pass the vision screening, and the endorsement is added to your license on the spot. You walk out with your motorcycle endorsement the same day.

The main advantage of the MSF course is that you skip the riding test at TDSH, which many riders find intimidating. The course also teaches you safety habits before you ride alone on public roads. The downside is the time commitment and the upfront cost, though many insurance companies offer a discount on motorcycle premiums if you have completed an MSF course, which can offset the fee within a year or two.

Testing through TDSH if you already ride

If you already own a motorcycle or can borrow one, you can test directly through TDSH without taking a course. You must pass three parts: the written test, the vision screening, and the riding test. The written test covers Tennessee motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. You can study using the Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual, which TDSH provides free online or in print at any driver license office.

The riding test takes place at a TDSH testing facility and lasts about 15 minutes. You must bring your own motorcycle in safe working condition—it must have a valid registration, working lights and brakes, and proper mirrors. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting, stopping, turning, and swerving. Common mistakes include riding too fast, not looking where you are turning, and stalling the engine. Practice these maneuvers in an empty parking lot before your test date.

Schedule your test appointment online through the TDSH website or by calling your local driver license office. Testing is free, but you must pay the $20 endorsement fee when you pass. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and your motorcycle's registration and proof of insurance.

What to bring to the driver license office

Whether you test or take a course, you need the same documents at the TDSH driver license office to finalize your endorsement. Bring your current Tennessee driver's license or state ID. If you do not have one, you can explore for the endorsement at the same time, but you will need additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.

Proof of your Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. Proof of Tennessee residency must be recent—within 60 days—and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. If you took an MSF course, bring your completion certificate. If you tested through TDSH, bring your test results paperwork. The $20 endorsement fee must be paid in cash, check, or card at the office.

Age requirements and restrictions

You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Tennessee. Riders under 18 cannot legally carry a passenger, even if the passenger is an adult. This rule applies whether you hold a full endorsement or a learner's permit. If you are under 18, you also cannot ride between midnight and 4 a.m. unless you are traveling to or from work, school, or a medical appointment.

If you are 16 or 17, you can obtain a motorcycle learner's permit before taking the full test or course. The learner's permit allows you to ride during daylight hours with a licensed adult rider present. To get a learner's permit, pass the written test and vision screening at TDSH, then pay $20. You can ride on the permit for up to one year while you practice before taking the riding test or course.

Renewing your motorcycle endorsement

Your motorcycle endorsement renews automatically when you renew your driver's license every eight years. You do not need to retake any tests or take another safety course. straightforward renew your driver's license through TDSH as you normally would—online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The endorsement stays on your license as long as your license is valid.

If your license expires and you do not renew it for more than two years, you will lose the endorsement and must retake the tests or course to restore it. If you move out of Tennessee and return later, you can transfer your endorsement to a new Tennessee license without retesting, as long as your previous license has not been expired for more than two years.

Common mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake is showing up to test without practicing on a motorcycle first. The riding test is short, but examiners can tell within the first few maneuvers whether you have spent time on a bike. If you have never ridden before, take the MSF course—it is designed for beginners and you will be much more confident on test day.

Another common error is bringing the wrong documents to the driver license office. Double-check that your proof of residency is dated within the last 60 days and that your Social Security proof is an original document or certified copy, not a photo. Expired or undated documents will be rejected and you will have to come back.

Do not assume your motorcycle is legal to test on. Before your test date, verify that your bike has a valid registration, working headlight, taillight, brake light, and mirrors. A broken mirror or burned-out light will disqualify you from testing that day. If you are borrowing a motorcycle, confirm with the owner that all safety equipment is in working order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the MSF course if I have never ridden a motorcycle before?

Yes. The MSF course is designed for beginners and assumes no prior riding experience. The course teaches you how to operate a motorcycle from the ground up, and you use a loaner bike provided by the course. Most people who have never ridden before find the course less intimidating than testing alone.

What happens if I fail the riding test?

You can retake the riding test after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can test, though you must pay the $20 endorsement fee each time you pass. If you fail multiple times, consider taking an MSF course to build your skills before testing again.

Do I need a motorcycle endorsement if I only ride a moped or scooter?

It depends on the engine size. Motorcycles and mopeds with engines larger than 50 cubic centimeters require a motorcycle endorsement in Tennessee. Mopeds with 50cc or smaller engines do not require an endorsement, though you must still have a valid driver's license. Check your vehicle's registration to find the engine size.

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have an out-of-state driver's license?

No. You must have a valid Tennessee driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement. If you are new to Tennessee, explore for a Tennessee driver's license first, then pursue the motorcycle endorsement. You may be able to transfer your out-of-state license to Tennessee without retesting, depending on your state of origin.

How long does it take to get the endorsement after I pass my tests or course?

If you take an MSF course, you can get your endorsement the same day you visit the driver license office with your certificate and documents. If you test through TDSH, the endorsement is added to your license when ready after you pass and pay the fee. There is no waiting period.