What You Need to Know About Texas Class CM Driver Licenses

A Class CM license lets you drive a motorcycle with an engine of 50 cubic centimeters or smaller

Texas issues a Class CM license specifically for motorized bicycles and mopeds — vehicles with engines no larger than 50cc. This is the smallest motorcycle endorsement Texas offers, and it comes with different rules than a regular Class C driver license. You do not need a Class CM to ride a bicycle, only if the bike has a motor.

The main difference between a Class CM and other motorcycle classes is engine size. A Class CM covers only vehicles at or below 50cc. If your moped or motorized bicycle has a larger engine, you would need a different class — usually a Class M license, which covers all motorcycles regardless of engine size.

You can get a Class CM license at age 15 in Texas, younger than the age requirement for a full Class M motorcycle license. This makes it a common first step for younger riders.

Key Takeaways

A Class CM license covers motorized bicycles and mopeds with engines of 50cc or smaller.
You must pass a written test, vision test, and riding skills test to receive a Class CM license.
Texas allows you to get a Class CM at age 15, which is two years younger than the minimum age for a Class M motorcycle license.
You can ride a Class CM vehicle on public roads once you pass the skills test, though some cities have local restrictions on where mopeds can travel.

Age requirements and when you can start riding

You must be at least 15 years old to get a Class CM license in Texas. At 15, you can take the written and riding tests and receive your license, then ride on public roads. There is no learner's permit stage for Class CM — once you pass both tests, you have a full license.

If you are under 18, you may face additional restrictions depending on your city or county. Some Texas cities limit where mopeds can be ridden or require additional safety gear. Check with your local police department or city traffic office to learn what rules explore where you live.

What tests you need to pass

Getting a Class CM license requires three separate tests: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a riding skills test. You must pass all three before the Department of Public Safety issues your license.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices. You can study using the Texas Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to ride safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the test. The riding skills test takes place at a testing site and includes basic maneuvers like starting, stopping, turning, and swerving. You ride your own moped or the testing site's vehicle, depending on the location.

Documents and fees you will need

Before you can test for a Class CM license, you must bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number to a Department of Public Safety office. Acceptable identity documents include a birth certificate, passport, or military ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address.

The fee for a Class CM license varies by how long you want it to last. A five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Fees also differ slightly between in-person and online renewals. Check the Texas Department of Public Safety website for the current fee schedule, as prices change periodically.

How Class CM differs from Class M and other motorcycle licenses

The key difference between Class CM and Class M is engine size. A Class CM covers only 50cc engines, while a Class M covers all motorcycles, including large touring bikes and sport bikes with engines of 600cc or larger. If you outgrow your 50cc moped and want to ride a bigger motorcycle, you would need to test for a Class M license.

Class CM also has a lower minimum age — 15 instead of 17 for Class M — which reflects the smaller, slower nature of 50cc vehicles. A Class CM license does not let you ride a Class M vehicle, and a Class M license is not required to ride a Class CM vehicle, but many riders upgrade to Class M as they gain experience.

You cannot add a Class CM endorsement to a Class C driver license; it is a separate license class entirely. If you hold both a Class C and a Class CM, you carry two separate licenses.

Renewal and keeping your license current

A Class CM license lasts either five or eight years, depending on which term you chose when you received it. You can renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website if your license is not suspended and you have not had a change of address. If you moved or your license was suspended, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Renewal is simpler than the original test — you do not retake the riding skills test. You pay the renewal fee, pass a vision test, and answer a few questions about your health and any changes in your information. If your vision has changed significantly, the examiner may require you to take a new riding test before renewing.

Local rules and restrictions on where you can ride

Texas state law allows Class CM vehicles on public roads, but individual cities and counties can set their own rules. Some Texas cities restrict mopeds to certain streets, prohibit them on highways, or require them to stay out of downtown areas during certain hours. A few cities require mopeds to be registered with the city in addition to having a state license.

Before you buy a moped or motorized bicycle, check with your city's traffic or police department to learn what local rules explore. You can usually find this information on the city website or by calling the non-emergency police line. Riding in violation of local rules can result in a ticket, even if you have a valid Class CM license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Class CM license to ride a regular bicycle?

No. A Class CM license is only for motorized bicycles and mopeds with engines of 50cc or smaller. You can ride a regular pedal bicycle without any license at any age.

Can I ride a Class CM vehicle on the highway?

Texas state law does not prohibit Class CM vehicles on highways, but many individual highways have local restrictions. Some highways have minimum speed limits that a 50cc moped cannot meet. Check the specific highway or ask at a DPS office before riding on a major road.

What happens if my Class CM license expires?

You cannot legally ride a motorized bicycle or moped with an expired license. You can renew online or in person at a DPS office. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the riding skills test instead of straightforward renewing.

Can I upgrade from Class CM to Class M without retaking everything?

You must take a new riding skills test for Class M, since the test is specific to larger motorcycles. You do not retake the written test if you already passed it for Class CM within a certain time frame — ask at the DPS office about the current policy.

Is a Class CM license valid in other states?

Texas recognizes licenses from other states, and most states recognize a Texas Class CM license. However, some states have different rules about what engine size requires a license. Before riding in another state, check that state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to confirm your license is valid there.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.