Motorcycle License

September 24, 2020

Obtaining a motorcycle license in Texas involves specific steps based on the applicant's age and current licensing status.  All applicants must meet REAL ID Requirements and provide biometric information (photograph and fingerprints) during the application process.

Requirements for All Applicants:

  • Motorcycle Safety Course: Complete a course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
    • The completion certificate (MSB-8 or MSB-R) is valid for 24 months.
    • Completion allows DPS to waive the required motorcycle knowledge test.
  • Application:  Submit a completed application along with the required fee during a scheduled appointment.

Additional Requirements for Minors (Ages 15-17):

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and provide the following:

  • Driver Education: Proof of completion of the classroom portion (32 hours) of a driver education course (Form DE-964 or Form DEE-964).
  • Evidence of School Enrollment: A high school diploma (or equivalent) or a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form.
    • VOE Criteria: Must verify 90% attendance in the prior semester or active enrollment in a GED prep program for at least 45 days.  Summer applicants may use their final report card showing grades and attendance.
  • Mandatory Skills Test:  All applicants under 18 must pass a skills test administered by the Department.
    • Applicants under 16 are subject to an engine size restriction.  To remove this restriction, the applicant may take a skills test once they turn 16.
  • Out-of-State Minors:  Texas law requires minors to complete the Texas driver education requirements even if they hold a valid motorcycle license from another state.

Motorcycle Skills Test and Waivers

The skills test is required for all minors and any adult who does not currently hold a valid, unrestricted Texas A, B, or C license.

Skills Test Requirements:  

  • Applicants must provide a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle with a licensed driver to follow the applicant during the test.
  • Applicants without a current Texas license must also present a valid Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) completion certificate.

Waiver Eligibility (Ages 18+)

The skills test may be waived for adults who:

  • Hold a valid, unrestricted Texas Class A, B, or C license and have completed a motorcycle safety course or
  • Are transferring a valid, unrestricted motorcycle license from another U.S. state or province of Canada.

Class M License Restrictions

  • Motorcycle Learner License (J Restriction): Allows practice only under the supervision of a licensed motorcycle order aged 21 or older who remains sight.
    • Note: Minors must pass the skills test to remove the restriction.
  • Engine Size (I Restriction): Limited to 15-year-olds; restricts riding to motorcycles 250cc or less.  This restriction is removed at age 16 after passing a skills test administered by the Department.

Texas Drivers Living Out-of-State

Texas licensees (18+) currently residing outside the state may add Class M to their license by mail:

  1.  Complete the Motorcycle Safety Course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.
  2. Submit the following to the Texas Department of Public Safety:
    1. Out-of-state driver license application,
    2. Motorcycle Safety Course completion certificate (MSB-8 or MSB-8R),
    3. Provide proof of Texas Residency.  Active-duty military are exempt but must provide a military ID,
    4. The required fee (Checks, money order, or cashier's check only).

Your new license will typically arrive by mail within 2-3 weeks.  To check the mailing status of your card, visit our mailing status webpage.