In Texas, riding a motorcycle takes a Class M license, either on its own or added to the license you already hold. The key piece is a motorcycle safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): finishing it lets the Department of Public Safety (DPS) waive the motorcycle knowledge test, and for many adults it also removes the skills test. Which path fits you depends mostly on your age and whether you already have a Texas car license.
Pick the situation that matches yours
Minors can be licensed for a motorcycle, but a parent or guardian must come along, driver education has to be done first, and every minor takes the skills test.
Your steps
- Finish the classroom portion of Texas driver education (DPS lists it as 32 hours) and keep the certificate, Form DE-964 or DEE-964. This applies even if you hold a motorcycle license from another state.
- Complete a TDLR-approved motorcycle safety course and keep the completion certificate (MSB-8 or MSB-R).
- Get proof of school status: a high school diploma or equivalent, or a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form.
- Book a DPS appointment and bring a parent or legal guardian; you complete the application (DL-14A), give a photo and fingerprints, and pay the fee.
- Pass the motorcycle skills test, bringing your own motorcycle and a licensed driver in a passenger vehicle to follow you.
- Know the limits: at 15 you are held to motorcycles of 250cc or less (restriction I), and a learner restriction (J) means practicing only with a licensed motorcycle operator aged 21 or older who stays in sight until the skills test is passed.
What to bring
- Parent or legal guardian
- Driver education proof: Form DE-964 or DEE-964
- Motorcycle safety course certificate (MSB-8 or MSB-R)
- Diploma, equivalent or VOE form
- REAL ID documents for identity, residency and lawful presence
- A motorcycle for the test, plus a licensed driver with a passenger vehicle
This is the easiest route. With a valid, unrestricted Class A, B or C license and a completed safety course, DPS can waive the skills test as well as the knowledge test.
Your steps
- Sign up for a motorcycle safety course approved by TDLR; check the provider's fee, schedule and what gear you need to bring.
- Finish the course and keep the MSB-8 or MSB-R certificate, which DPS says is valid for 24 months.
- Book a DPS appointment and complete the application (DL-14A).
- Show your documents, give a photo and fingerprints, and pay the fee.
- Confirm at the appointment that your certificate and unrestricted car license qualify you for the test waivers, then receive Class M on your license.
What to bring
- Your current valid, unrestricted Texas Class A, B or C license
- Motorcycle safety course certificate (MSB-8 or MSB-R)
- REAL ID documents if DPS asks for them again
- Payment for the license fee (amount is on the DPS fee schedule)
If you have no valid, unrestricted Texas A, B or C license, the waiver does not apply and you take the skills test on a motorcycle.
Your steps
- Complete a TDLR-approved motorcycle safety course and keep the certificate; it lets DPS waive the knowledge test.
- If you do not have a current Texas license, get the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) completion certificate that DPS asks for at the skills test.
- Book a DPS appointment and prepare your REAL ID documents.
- Bring a motorcycle for the skills test and a licensed driver in a passenger vehicle who will follow you.
- Pass the skills test, then finish the application, photo, fingerprints and fee.
What to bring
- Motorcycle safety course certificate (MSB-8 or MSB-R)
- ITD completion certificate
- REAL ID documents
- A motorcycle that is legal to ride, with plates and registration
- A licensed driver in a passenger vehicle to follow you
Adults who transfer a valid, unrestricted motorcycle license from another US state or a Canadian province can have the skills test waived.
Your steps
- Check that your out-of-state motorcycle license is valid and unrestricted, because the waiver depends on it.
- Book a DPS appointment and gather REAL ID documents proving identity, Texas residency and lawful presence.
- Ask DPS before your visit whether your situation also needs a Texas safety course certificate; the page we read does not spell that out for transfers.
- Hand over the out-of-state license, give a photo and fingerprints, and pay the fee.
- If you are under 18, skip this shortcut: minors must still complete Texas driver education and the minor requirements, even with a valid out-of-state motorcycle license.
What to bring
- Valid, unrestricted out-of-state motorcycle license
- REAL ID documents (identity, Texas residency, lawful presence)
- Course certificate if DPS tells you it is needed
- Payment for the license fee
Documents, costs and tips
Documents and forms
- REAL ID documents, plus a photo and fingerprints taken at your DPS appointment.
- Application DL-14A, submitted with the fee at a scheduled appointment.
- Safety course certificate: MSB-8 or MSB-R, valid for 24 months according to DPS.
- Minors: driver education proof (DE-964 or DEE-964), a diploma or VOE, and a parent or guardian present.
- Skills test: a motorcycle plus a licensed driver with a passenger vehicle; applicants without a current Texas license also need the ITD certificate.
Costs
- The DPS motorcycle page links to a fee schedule but does not list amounts, so check the current Class M fee there before you go.
- The safety course is priced by each TDLR-approved provider, so compare a few and ask what is included.
- Plan for the cost of the motorcycle or rental used for any skills test, plus protective gear.
Texas tips
- Time the course so the certificate is still within its 24 months when you reach DPS.
- Texas lets riders 21 or older skip a helmet only if they completed a motorcycle operator training course or carry health insurance covering motorcycle crash injuries. Minors and riders under 21 must wear one. Riding with a helmet is still the safer choice.
- Texans living out of state who are 18 or older can add Class M by mail after taking an approved course; DPS lists the steps on its motorcycle page.
- Rules and fees change, so confirm everything with DPS before booking.
Common questions
Do I have to take the motorcycle knowledge test in Texas?
Not if you complete a TDLR-approved motorcycle safety course. DPS says completing the course allows it to waive the required motorcycle knowledge test.
Can I skip the skills test?
Adults 18 and older can, if they hold a valid, unrestricted Texas Class A, B or C license and have completed a motorcycle safety course, or if they transfer a valid, unrestricted motorcycle license from another US state or Canadian province. All minors and adults without that kind of license take the test.
How long is the course certificate good for?
DPS states the MSB-8 or MSB-R certificate is valid for 24 months.
What does the J restriction mean?
It is the learner restriction. You may practice only under a licensed motorcycle operator aged 21 or older who stays in sight, and minors must pass the skills test to have it removed.
How much is a Class M license?
We could not confirm a current amount from DPS's motorcycle page, which points to its fee schedule instead. Check the DPS fee schedule or ask at your appointment.
Always confirm requirements with the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division (https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/motorcycle-license) and TDLR before you go, since forms, fees and rules can change.