What an F Endorsement Is and Why You Might Need It
An F endorsement on a 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 endorsement appears as a letter code on your license and is separate from any Class D (regular car) or motorcycle endorsement you may hold.
Tennessee law treats motorized bicycles as a distinct category between regular bicycles and motorcycles. If you operate one without the F endorsement, you can be cited for driving without the proper endorsement, which carries a fine and may result in points on your driving record. The endorsement itself is inexpensive and the process is straightforward, but you must complete it before you ride.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain an F endorsement before operating any motorized bicycle in Tennessee, regardless of whether you already hold a regular driver's license.
- The process requires passing a written knowledge test specific to motorized bicycles at any Tennessee Driver Services office.
- You do not need to pass a road skills test or provide proof of insurance to get the F endorsement.
- The endorsement fee is included in your license renewal or replacement cost; there is no separate charge for adding the endorsement.
- If you already hold a valid Tennessee driver's license, you can add the F endorsement without renewing your entire license.
Steps to Add an F Endorsement to Your Current License
If you already have a valid Tennessee driver's license, you can add the F endorsement by visiting any Driver Services office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You do not need to bring your motorized bicycle or any proof of ownership.
At the office, tell the clerk you want to add an F endorsement. They will direct you to take the written test for motorized bicycles. The test covers Tennessee traffic laws as they explore to motorized bicycles, safe riding practices, and equipment requirements. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you pass, the clerk will issue you a new license with the F endorsement added. The new license is issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few business days, depending on the office.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Getting an F Endorsement if You Don't Yet Have a Tennessee License
If you do not hold a Tennessee driver's license at all, you must first obtain a Class D license before you can add the F endorsement. Start by explore for a Class D license through the standard process: bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Tennessee address to any Driver Services office.
You will take the written test for Class D driving and, if you pass, you will receive a learner's permit. After holding the permit for the required waiting period (which varies based on your age), you can return to take the road skills test. Once you pass that test and receive your Class D license, you can then add the F endorsement by taking the motorized bicycle knowledge test.
Some people choose to take both tests on the same day if they visit the office after receiving their Class D license. Ask the clerk whether this is possible at your location.
What the Motorized Bicycle Knowledge Test Covers
The F endorsement test is a written exam with multiple-choice questions. It focuses on Tennessee-specific rules for motorized bicycles, including where you are allowed to ride them, speed limits, required safety equipment, and how to share the road with other vehicles and pedestrians.
Topics typically include helmet requirements (Tennessee requires helmets for riders under 16), lighting and reflector rules, right-of-way situations, and how motorized bicycles interact with traffic signals and stop signs. The test also covers what constitutes a legal motorized bicycle under Tennessee law — for example, engine displacement limits and maximum speed.
You can prepare by reviewing the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which includes a section on motorized bicycles. The handbook is available free on the Tennessee Driver Services website and at any Driver Services office. Many people find that reading this section once or twice is sufficient preparation for the test.
Where to Go and What to Bring
Visit any Tennessee Driver Services office to add or obtain an F endorsement. Driver Services offices are located in most counties and in major cities. You can find the office nearest you on the Tennessee Driver Services website by entering your county or city.
Bring the following documents: your current Tennessee driver's license (if you have one), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance document). If you do not have a license yet, bring proof of identity as well.
Most offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some allow you to schedule an appointment online. Call ahead or check the website to see whether your local office takes appointments. Bring all documents in original form — copies are not accepted for proof of identity or Social Security number.
Costs and Timeline
There is no separate fee for adding an F endorsement to an existing license. If you are adding the endorsement to a license that is not expiring soon, the cost is minimal — typically the cost of issuing a replacement license, which varies by county but is usually between $15 and $30.
If your license is expiring within a certain timeframe (usually 90 days), the Driver Services office may recommend renewing your license at the same time and charging you the full renewal fee instead of a replacement fee. Ask the clerk which option applies to your situation.
The timeline is fast. You will take the test and receive your new license on the same day in most cases, or it will be mailed to you within a few business days. There is no waiting period between passing the test and receiving your license with the endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance to get an F endorsement?
No. Tennessee does not require you to carry insurance on a motorized bicycle, and the Driver Services office will not ask for proof of insurance when you take the test or receive your endorsement. However, it is wise to check your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to see whether it covers motorized bicycle accidents.
Can I take the motorized bicycle test online or by mail?
No. The test must be taken in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through a third-party testing center. You must visit an office and complete the test there.
What happens if I ride a motorized bicycle without an F endorsement?
You can be cited for operating a motorized bicycle without the proper endorsement. This is a traffic violation that typically results in a fine and may add points to your driving record. The specific penalty varies by jurisdiction within Tennessee.
If I move to Tennessee from another state, do I need to take the motorized bicycle test again?
Yes. When you convert your out-of-state license to a Tennessee license, you must take the motorized bicycle knowledge test if you want an F endorsement. Tennessee does not recognize F endorsements from other states.
Can I add an F endorsement to a learner's permit?
No. You must hold a valid Class D driver's license to add an F endorsement. If you only have a learner's permit, you must first complete the road skills test and receive your full Class D license, then return to add the F endorsement.