Class CM is for driving motorcycles with an engine size limit

Class CM is a motorcycle license that lets you ride motorcycles with engines of 50 cubic centimeters or smaller. It is the most restricted motorcycle class in Texas, designed for riders operating smaller, lower-powered bikes like mopeds and scooters. If your license shows CM, you cannot legally ride a full-size motorcycle — only machines that fall below that engine displacement threshold.

The "M" in the class name stands for motorcycle. The "C" indicates it is a restricted or limited class. Texas uses this system to separate riders by the power and size of the vehicle they are permitted to operate, since smaller bikes require less training and pose different risks than larger motorcycles.

Key Takeaways

  • Class CM allows you to ride only motorcycles with engines of 50cc or smaller, such as mopeds and small scooters.
  • You cannot ride a full-size motorcycle with a Class CM license — doing so is illegal and can result in a ticket.
  • To upgrade to a larger motorcycle class, you must pass the written test and riding skills test for the class you want.
  • A Class CM license does not automatically come with a regular driver's license; you must request it or pass the motorcycle tests to receive it.

How Class CM differs from other motorcycle classes

Texas offers three main motorcycle license classes. Class M is the full unrestricted motorcycle license and allows you to ride any motorcycle, regardless of engine size. Class DM is for three-wheeled motorcycles (trikes). Class CM is the entry-level option and covers only the smallest bikes.

The engine size limit is the key difference. A 50cc engine is roughly the size you would find on a motorized scooter or a small moped — vehicles that many people ride without thinking of them as "motorcycles." A full-size motorcycle typically has an engine of 250cc or larger. The gap between 50cc and full-size is where most riders operate, and that is where Class M comes in.

If you have a Class CM license and want to ride a larger motorcycle, you cannot straightforward do so. You must take the written knowledge test and the riding skills test for Class M, pass both, and then request the upgrade from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

When you might have a Class CM license

You receive a Class CM license if you pass the motorcycle tests specifically for that class, or if you request it when you first get a motorcycle license. Some riders choose Class CM because they own only a small scooter or moped and do not need the full Class M. Others receive it as a starting point and plan to upgrade later.

Class CM is also sometimes issued to riders who fail the Class M riding test but pass the Class CM test. This allows them to legally ride smaller bikes while they practice and prepare to test for the full license. It is a way to get on the road without waiting to master a full-size motorcycle.

You do not automatically get a Class CM license when you turn 16 or get your first driver's license. A regular driver's license (Class C) does not include motorcycle privileges. You must specifically request a motorcycle class or pass the required tests to add it to your license.

What you need to ride with a Class CM license

With a Class CM license, you can legally operate any motorcycle with an engine of 50cc or smaller on Texas roads. This includes most mopeds, small scooters, and entry-level motorcycles in that size range. You must carry your license with you whenever you ride, just as you would with any other driver's license.

Texas law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, regardless of license class. This applies to Class CM riders as well. You must also follow all traffic laws and road rules that explore to other vehicles.

Insurance requirements for Class CM motorcycles vary by lender and insurance company. If you financed your bike, your lender will require you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage. If you own it outright, liability insurance is required by state law, though the minimum amounts are lower for motorcycles than for cars.

How to get a Class CM license

To receive a Class CM license, you must pass two tests at your local Texas Department of Public Safety office. The first is a written knowledge test covering motorcycle safety, road rules, and handling. The second is a riding skills test performed on a closed course with an examiner present.

You can prepare for the written test by studying the Texas Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free and available online from the Department of Public Safety website. Many riders also take a motorcycle safety course, which can help you prepare for both the written and riding tests.

For the riding test, you must bring your own motorcycle or scooter that meets the 50cc limit. The examiner will watch you perform specific maneuvers — starting, stopping, turning, and obstacle avoidance — to confirm you can handle the bike safely. If you pass both tests, the examiner will issue you a Class CM license on the spot or direct you to complete the paperwork at the office.

Upgrading from Class CM to Class M

If you own a larger motorcycle or want to ride full-size bikes, you will need to upgrade to a Class M license. The process is the same as getting Class CM: you take the written test and the riding skills test, but this time for the full Class M. You do not have to retake the test for Class CM or lose that license — you straightforward add Class M to your license record.

Many riders find the Class M riding test more challenging because full-size motorcycles are heavier, have more power, and require different handling techniques than small scooters. If you fail the Class M test, your Class CM license remains valid, and you can keep riding 50cc bikes while you practice.

There is no waiting period between taking the Class CM test and taking the Class M test. You can test for Class M whenever you feel ready, even if you just received your Class CM license.

What happens if you ride a larger bike with only a Class CM license

Riding a motorcycle larger than 50cc with only a Class CM license is illegal in Texas. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for operating a motorcycle without the proper license class. The ticket will likely result in a fine, and you may be required to appear in court.

Beyond the legal consequence, riding a bike you are not licensed for suggests you may not have the training for that vehicle. A full-size motorcycle handles very differently from a 50cc scooter, and the difference in power and weight can catch unprepared riders off guard. Your Class CM license reflects the training you have completed — upgrading to Class M means you have demonstrated the skills needed for a larger bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a moped with a Class CM license?

Yes, as long as the moped's engine is 50cc or smaller. Most mopeds fall into this category. Check your moped's engine displacement in the owner's manual or on the vehicle itself to be sure it meets the limit.

Do I need a Class CM license to ride a motorized scooter?

Yes, if the scooter has an engine larger than 50cc, you need at least a Class CM license. Some very small scooters with engines under 50cc may have different rules depending on local ordinances, so check with your city or county.

Can I take the Class M test without first getting Class CM?

Yes. You do not have to get Class CM first. You can go directly to testing for Class M if you own a full-size motorcycle and want to ride it legally. Many riders skip Class CM entirely.

What if I fail the Class CM riding test?

You can retake the test as soon as you schedule another appointment. There is no mandatory waiting period. You can practice on your bike and try again whenever you feel ready.

Does a Class CM license expire?

Yes. Your Class CM license expires on the same date as your regular driver's license. In Texas, driver's licenses are typically valid for five or six years, depending on your age. You will need to renew your license before it expires to keep your motorcycle privileges.