How to get a Texas Motorcycle License

Ready to take your motorcycle on the open road? This article will take you through the steps to get your Texas motorcycle license with an extra emphasis on safe driving.

The Rules

Under Texas DMV guidelines, anyone who drives a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit. In addition to testing, all first time original applicants must visit a Texas Driver License office and do the following:
Age 18 and over:

• Show Proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance, if you own a vehicle
• Pay the required fee
• Pass the written (road rules, signs and motorcycle), driving and vision examinations
• Application must include photograph and thumbprints; however, thumbprints are not included on the driver license

Under Age 18:

• Be a minimum of 15 years of age (restricted to only operate a motorcycle that has not more than a 250 cubic centimeter piston displacement). On the 16th birthday of a special restricted Class M license, the department shall remove the 250 cubic centimeter restriction from the license without completion by the holder of an additional motorcycle operator training course.
• Present the completion certificate of Driver Education (DE-964 Classroom)
• Present completion certificate of the Motorcycle Safety Course (MSB-8). Be advised that the MSC must be approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
• Submit Verification of Attendance and Enrollment in school
• Obtain parental authorization signature
• Proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance, if you own a vehicle.
• Pay the required fee
• Pass the written  (road rules, signs and motorcycle) and vision examinations
• Application must include photograph and thumbprints; however, thumbprints are not included on the driver license

Like most states, Texas will waive your skills test and issue you a license if you complete an approved basic motorcycle rider safety course. These courses last anywhere from two to six weeks and include classroom instruction as well as driver training in a controlled, off-street environment. When you successfully complete this course, you will be eligible for your motorcycle driver's license without having to take your Texas's road test.

Prepare for the Written Exam

The Texas DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written motorcycle knowledge test on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least until the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.

All motorcyclists are encouraged to study for this written test so you don't take a chance on standing in line at the DMV Office only to go home empty-handed. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the Texas DMV Motorcycle Exam. Take the Texas sample motorcycle test now and test your driving knowledge.

Paperwork

Before you head to the Texas DMV Office, make sure you have the following required documents to get your motorcycle license. Examples include:

• Certified or original Birth certificate issued in any state
• Drivers license or instruction permit issued in another state
• U.S. passport
• U.S. military ID card (active duty, retired, reserve)
• Texas ID card
• Social Security Number, if issued,
• Documents from a court of record
• Marriage certificate
• Parental Consent Form if under 18

On the Road

Once your licensing requirements have been met, a Class M endorsement will be added to your driver's license. Remember... the safe operation of a motorcycle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the operator, the machine, and the environment.

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