What an F Endorsement Is and Why You Need It
An F endorsement on your Tennessee driver's license authorizes you to operate a motorized bicycle — a vehicle with an engine of 50 cubic centimeters or less and a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour. Without this endorsement, you cannot legally ride a motorized bicycle on Tennessee roads, even if you own one. The state treats motorized bicycles as a separate class of vehicle that requires specific licensing.
Tennessee law requires anyone operating a motorized bicycle to hold a valid driver's license with an F endorsement. This is different from a regular bicycle, which requires no endorsement. The endorsement proves you understand the rules specific to motorized bicycles and have passed the required knowledge test.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a valid Tennessee driver's license and pass a written test on motorized bicycle rules to get an F endorsement.
- The F endorsement test covers Tennessee traffic laws, motorized bicycle operation, and safety requirements specific to these vehicles.
- You can add an F endorsement to an existing license at any Driver Services office without renewing your entire license.
- The fee for adding an F endorsement is separate from your driver's license fee and varies depending on your license type and expiration date.
- You do not need to take a road test or provide proof of insurance to obtain an F endorsement.
Requirements Before You Can Test
You must already hold a valid Tennessee driver's license — either a Class D (regular passenger vehicle) or another valid class. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot add an endorsement until your license status is restored. You do not need a learner's permit or any special training course to test for the F endorsement.
You must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you may face additional restrictions on when and where you can operate a motorized bicycle, depending on Tennessee law at the time you test. Check with your local Driver Services office about any age-related rules that explore to you.
The Written Test for F Endorsement
The F endorsement test is a written exam administered at any Tennessee Driver Services office. The test covers Tennessee traffic laws as they explore to motorized bicycles, safe operation practices, and the specific rules for where and how you can ride. You will answer multiple-choice questions about speed limits, helmet requirements, right-of-way rules, and equipment standards for motorized bicycles.
You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You do not need to study a specific manual, but the Tennessee Driver's Handbook includes a section on motorized bicycle rules that covers the material on the test.
Steps to Add an F Endorsement to Your License
Visit any Tennessee Driver Services office in person. You cannot add an endorsement by mail or online. Bring your current valid driver's license and one form of identification that matches the name on your license (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card). If your address has changed since you got your current license, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Tell the clerk you want to add an F endorsement. They will give you the written test. After you pass, you will pay the endorsement fee and receive a new license with the F endorsement printed on it. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your current license unless you choose to renew your entire license at the same time.
Fees and Processing Time
The fee for adding an F endorsement depends on whether you renew your license at the same time. If you add only the endorsement without renewing, the fee is typically $7 to $10, though this varies slightly by office. If you renew your license and add the endorsement together, you pay the full renewal fee plus the endorsement fee. Fees are subject to change, so call your local Driver Services office to confirm the exact amount before you visit.
You receive your new license with the F endorsement the same day you pass the test and pay the fee. There is no waiting period. If you need a replacement license mailed to you instead of picking it up in person, some offices offer that service for an additional fee.
What the F Endorsement Allows and Restricts
With an F endorsement, you can legally operate a motorized bicycle on public roads in Tennessee. A motorized bicycle under Tennessee law has an engine of 50 cubic centimeters or less and cannot exceed 30 miles per hour. If your vehicle is larger or faster, it does not may have access to as a motorized bicycle and you will need a different class of license.
You must follow all traffic laws that explore to regular bicycles and motor vehicles — stopping at red lights, obeying speed limits, and using hand signals. Helmet use is required in Tennessee for motorized bicycle riders under 16 years old; riders 16 and older are not required to wear a helmet, though it is strongly recommended. Your motorized bicycle must have working brakes, lights, and reflectors to be street-legal.
If You Fail the Test or Need to Retake It
If you do not pass the test on your first attempt, you can retake it when ready at the same office or return another day. There is no fee for retaking the test — you only pay the endorsement fee once you pass. Some people study the motorized bicycle section of the Tennessee Driver's Handbook between attempts; others ask the clerk what topics they missed and review those areas before trying again.
If you already have an F endorsement and it expires with your license, you do not need to retake the test when you renew your license. The endorsement renews automatically as long as your license remains valid and you have no suspensions or revocations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement if I have an F endorsement?
No. An F endorsement is only for motorized bicycles with engines of 50 cubic centimeters or less. If your motorized bicycle has a larger engine, you need a motorcycle endorsement (Class M) instead, which requires a separate test and road skills exam.
Can I get an F endorsement if my driver's license is suspended?
No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license to add any endorsement. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or Driver Services.
What happens if I get a ticket while riding a motorized bicycle without an F endorsement?
Operating a motorized bicycle without the required F endorsement is a violation in Tennessee. You may face a fine and be ordered to stop riding until you obtain the endorsement. The exact penalty depends on local ordinances and whether this is a first or repeat offense.
Does the F endorsement test cover road skills or just written knowledge?
The F endorsement test is written only. You do not take a road test or demonstrate riding skills. The test covers traffic laws and safety rules, but not hands-on operation of the motorized bicycle.
Can I add an F endorsement when I renew my license?
Yes. You can add an F endorsement at the same time you renew your license. You will take the written test, pay both the renewal fee and the endorsement fee, and receive a new license with both the renewal and the endorsement in one visit.