
In Texas, you’ll find some of the most beautiful and scenic motorcycle routes you’ve ever ridden. It’s no wonder that, as a TX resident, you’re itching to get on the road. Riding a motorcycle is an invigorating hobby that, with the proper precautions, can be safer than most people think. That safety starts with making sure you’re riding legally.
The motorcycle licensing process in Texas is mostly straightforward. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know, whether you’re a teen or an adult.
Texas offers only one type of motorcycle license: a Class M license. However, it can be restricted in a number of ways:
If one of the restrictions applies to you, it will appear on your motorcycle license. To ride safely and legally, you need to obey the requirements below.
To apply for a motorcycle license in Texas, you must first:
OR
If at least one of these applies to you, you’re ready to move on to the next step!
All new motorcyclists are required to complete an approved motorcycle safety course. The courses are provided at various locations throughout Texas. Some motorcycle schools/courses may provide a motorcycle and insurance to students, so you don’t necessarily need to buy a motorcycle to learn to ride one.
Before enrolling in a motorcycle safety course, minors must be at least 15 years old and complete one of the following requirements:
The following motorcycle courses are offered at motorcycle schools throughout Texas:
After completing the Basic Rider Course, you’re all set to finish your application at a Texas driver licensing office.
Minors must also:
When you apply for your motorcycle license, you will be required to take a vision and knowledge test.
The vision test is a simple screening to ensure that you can see well enough to ride. You may wear contact lenses or glasses if you need them.
The motorcycle knowledge test covers basic motorcycle information. It covers the information you’ve learned in the motorcycle safety course. As a result, if you present a completion certificate for the TX Basic Rider Course, your knowledge test will be waived.
All riders wishing to obtain an unrestricted motorcycle license have to pass the motorcycle skills test. You can schedule an appointment at a testing office to take your skills exam. You must bring a motorcycle to ride, in addition to a vehicle and driver to follow you during the test.
During the skills test, you’ll ride under the supervision of an examiner. You may be asked to complete specific maneuvers. You’ll be graded on overall control and safety.
If you fail your test, reschedule and retake it. You’ll get your motorcycle license as soon as you pass the skills exam.
In addition to a standard motorcycle license, Texas also offers endorsements for different types of motorcycles. These endorsements allow you to operate specific types of motorcycles, such as three-wheeled motorcycles or motorcycles with sidecars. To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a knowledge test and a skills test specific to that endorsement.
You can find a list of the endorsements available in Texas, as well as the requirements for each endorsement, on the Texas Department of Public Safety website: https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/motorcycleEndorsements.htm
The cost of obtaining a motorcycle license in Texas varies depending on the type of license and endorsement you need.
In addition to these fees, you may also need to pay for motorcycle training courses and testing fees. You can find a complete list of fees on the Texas Department of Public Safety website: https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/fees.htm
That’s everything you need to know about getting a motorcycle license in Texas! If you want to prepare for your Basic Rider Course or you simply want to supplement the material in the course, take advantage of Zutobi. We help you remember essential information about maintaining visibility, controlling your motorcycle, and staying safe, everything is presented in an interactive way that makes for enjoyable study sessions.
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