Motorcycle License

September 24, 2020

Getting a motorcycle license in Texas involves a few steps, with some variations for minors (under 18 years age).  Here's a breakdown for the process:

Requirements for All Ages:

Note: A Motorcycle Safety Course certificate is valid for 24 months and allows the Department to waive the required motorcycle knowledge test.

Additional Requirements for Minors (15-17):

  • Age Restrictions:  You can apply at 15, but with a limitation on engine size (up to 250cc) until you turn 16.
  • Driver Education or Learner License:  Complete the classroom portion of driver education (32 hours) or have a Class C Learner License.
  • Parent/Guardian Permission:  Your parent or legal guardian must be present for the application process.
  • School Verification:  Provide a high school diploma, its equivalent (GED) or the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE Form) 

            VOE Requirements:

                 - Enrollment in a public, private, or home school with at least 90% attendance in the past semester.

                 - Actively enrolled in a high school equivalency exam prep program for the last 45 days

                 - If applying in summer and still enrolled, show your last report card with your name, attendance

                   record, and grades.

  • Motorcycle Skills Test: Pass a practical riding skills test.  Applicants under the age of 18 must pass a practical riding skills test without exception.

Applying for Motorcycle License - Minor

  • Visit Driver License Services - Appointments to schedule an appointment at your local driver license office.  Minors are required to bring a parent or guardian,
  • Complete the application, available online or at the driver license office,
  • Provide Motorcycle Safety Course (MSB-9 or MSB-8R) completion certificate,
  • Present a:
    • Class C Provisional License, or
    • Class C Learner License and a DE-964 showing completion of a 32-hour driver education course or completion certificate,
  • Provide a high school diploma, its equivalent (GED) or the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE Form) (Requirements above)
  • Pay the application fee.
  • Pass the mandatory skills exam.
  • Provide Biometric Information (signature and thumbprints)
  • Have your picture taken.
  • Verify information is correct on the temporary license before your leave.

Your official license will usually arrive by mail with 2-3 weeks.  You can track it on our mailing status webpage.

Note:  Applicant must provide a motorcycle, a car and driver to follow the applicant during the driving test. 

Minors from Out-of-State

In Texas, the driver education requirement applies to all individuals under 18, even if they already hold a motorcycle license from another state.

Motorcycle Drive Test

The motorcycle drive test is required for any applicant under 18.  The motorcycle drive test will be waived for the following individuals:

  • 18 years of age or older, has completed a motorcycle safety course and holds a valid, unrestricted Texas Class A, B, or C license
  • 18 years of age or older and is transferring a valid, unrestricted motorcycle license from another state or province of Canada;
  • Applying for a motorcycle learner license (J restriction—see “Class M Restrictions” section below)

Note:  Applicants who do not have a current Class A, B, or C drivers license MUST take a motorcycle skills test at the driver license office.

Class M License Restrictions

There are restrictions you might encounter when getting your motorcycle license (Class M) in Texas, especially if you are under 18.

Motorcycle Learner License (J restriction)

Allows you to practice riding with a licensed motorcycle operator 21 or over in sight.  To remove the 'J' restriction, you must complete the Motorcycle Safety Course and present the certificate to the Department of Public Safety.

Note:  Minors, under 18 years of age, are required to take the motorcycle driver test to remove the 'J" restriction.

Engine Size Restriction (I restriction - 15 Year Olds Only)

This applies only to 15-year-olds with a Class M license.  It limits the holder to riding motorcycles with an engine size of 250 cubic               centimeters (cc) or less.  At 16, you may apply to have the restriction removed which will include a motorcycle driver test.

Texas Drivers Living Out-of-State

Individuals 18 years of age or older who are currently living outside of Texas but want to add a Class M to their Class A, B or C Texas driver license, must:

  1. Complete a Motorcycle Safety Course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
  2. Gather the following items and mail to the address on the application:
    1. A completed out-of-state driver license application (an application must be completed for a new Class M driver license)
    2. Motorcycle Safety Course (MSB-8 or MSB-8R) completion certificate.
    3. Provide proof of Texas Residency
    4. The required fee
      1. DPS accepts checks, money orders or cashier checks only
      2. Do not send cash
    5. Active duty military who do not have a Texas address must include a copy of their military ID (active duty military members are exempt from the Texas residency requirement)

 A Class M license or a new Class AM, BM or CM license will be mailed within 45 days.