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 one in Tennessee, even if you own the vehicle.
The endorsement appears on your license as a restriction or notation. It tells law enforcement and insurance companies that you have met Tennessee's requirements for this specific vehicle class. If you ride a motorized bicycle without the endorsement, you can be cited for operating without proper licensing.
The process is straightforward: you pass a written test, pay a fee, and the endorsement is added to your existing license. You do not need a separate license — the F endorsement modifies your current one.
Key Takeaways
- An F endorsement allows you to legally operate a motorized bicycle (50cc or smaller) in Tennessee and is added to your existing driver's license.
- You must pass a written test covering motorized bicycle operation, safety, and Tennessee traffic laws specific to these vehicles.
- The test is taken at your local Driver Services office during regular business hours; no road test is required.
- The fee for adding an F endorsement is a one-time charge paid at the time of your test, and the endorsement lasts for the duration of your license.
- You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Tennessee driver's license or learner's permit to take the test.
Age and License Requirements
You must be at least 16 years old to obtain an F endorsement in Tennessee. You also must already hold a valid Tennessee driver's license or a valid learner's permit. If you do not have either, you will need to obtain a basic driver's license first through the standard licensing process.
If you hold a learner's permit, you can take the F endorsement test, but the endorsement will not be added to your license until you upgrade to a full driver's license. Some Driver Services offices will allow you to complete both steps on the same day if you are ready.
Where to Take the F Endorsement Test
You take the F endorsement test at any Tennessee Driver Services office. These are run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You can find the office nearest you on the state's website or by calling your local county clerk's office, which can direct you to the correct location.
No appointment is required at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on weekday afternoons typically means shorter waits. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about current wait times is worth the effort.
You do not need to bring your motorized bicycle to the test. The test is written only and covers knowledge, not riding ability.
What the F Endorsement Test Covers
The test consists of multiple-choice questions about motorized bicycle operation, safety, and Tennessee traffic laws. The questions focus on how motorized bicycles are classified, where you can legally ride them, speed limits, helmet requirements, and right-of-way rules.
Tennessee law requires motorized bicycle riders to wear a helmet at all times. The test will ask about this requirement and other safety practices. You will also be tested on whether motorized bicycles are allowed on sidewalks, in bike lanes, and on certain roads — the answers vary by location and road type.
The test typically has 25 to 30 questions, and you must pass with a score of around 80 percent or higher. The exact passing score may vary slightly, so ask the test administrator when you arrive. You are allowed one attempt per visit, though you can return on another day if you do not pass.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
Bring your current Tennessee driver's license or learner's permit, a valid form of identification if your license has expired, and proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2, or tax return works for proof. You will also need to bring payment for the endorsement fee.
The fee for an F endorsement is a one-time charge. The exact amount varies slightly by county, but it is typically between $10 and $20. Call your local Driver Services office to confirm the current fee before you go, as prices can change.
If you are renewing your license and want to add an F endorsement at the same time, you may be able to do both in one visit. Ask the office staff when you arrive or call ahead to confirm they can process both transactions together.
What Happens After You Pass
Once you pass the test, the Driver Services office will add the F endorsement to your license on the spot. Your license will be updated with a notation or restriction code indicating the endorsement. You can begin riding your motorized bicycle legally when ready.
The endorsement remains on your license for as long as the license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the F endorsement carries over automatically — you do not need to retake the test or pay the fee again.
If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled for any reason, the F endorsement is suspended or revoked along with it. You would need to restore your license first before the endorsement is valid again.
What to Do If You Do Not Pass
If you do not pass the test on your first attempt, you can retake it. Most offices allow you to schedule another test on a different day without additional paperwork. You will need to pay the test fee again when you return.
Before your second attempt, review the Tennessee motorized bicycle laws and safety rules. The Driver Services office may provide study materials, or you can request information about what topics you missed. Some offices have sample tests or study guides available online or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a helmet to ride a motorized bicycle in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee law requires all motorized bicycle riders to wear a helmet at all times, regardless of age. This is tested on the F endorsement exam and is a legal requirement you must follow while riding.
Can I ride a motorized bicycle on the sidewalk or in a bike lane?
It depends on local ordinances. Some cities and counties allow motorized bicycles in bike lanes and on certain paths, while others do not. The F endorsement test covers general state law, but local rules vary. Check with your city or county before riding in specific locations.
What if my motorized bicycle is larger than 50cc?
If your motorized bicycle has an engine larger than 50cc or can exceed 30 miles per hour, it is classified as a motorcycle in Tennessee, not a motorized bicycle. You would need a motorcycle endorsement (Class M) instead, which requires a separate test and may require a road test depending on your age and license type.
How long does the F endorsement test take?
The written test itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how quickly you work through the questions. Add time for waiting, check-in, and processing your endorsement after you pass. Plan for one to two hours total at the Driver Services office.
Can I get an F endorsement if my driver's license is suspended?
No. You must have a valid, active driver's license or learner's permit to take the F endorsement test. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the suspension first before you can add the endorsement.