Texas requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license if you ride a motorcycle on public roads, with narrow exceptions for three-wheeled vehicles and off-road use only

If you operate a two-wheeled motorcycle on any Texas street, highway, or public property, you must have a valid motorcycle endorsement (Class M) added to your driver's license. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) enforces this requirement. The endorsement proves you have passed both a written test and a riding skills test specific to motorcycle operation.

The main exception is three-wheeled motorcycles — sometimes called trikes or autocycles — which may be ridden with a regular Class C driver's license if the vehicle meets specific equipment standards. Motorcycles used only on private property or closed courses do not require an endorsement. But any motorcycle ridden on a public road, parking lot, or street open to traffic needs the Class M endorsement, regardless of engine size or the rider's age.

Key Takeaways

  • A Class M motorcycle endorsement is required to ride any two-wheeled motorcycle on public roads in Texas, and you cannot legally ride without it.
  • Three-wheeled motorcycles (autocycles) with certain safety equipment may be ridden with a standard Class C license, but the vehicle must meet DPS equipment rules.
  • You can add a motorcycle endorsement to an existing license or obtain one when you first get your license, through either the DPS written and riding test or an approved safety course.
  • Riding without the required endorsement is a traffic violation that can result in a fine, and your motorcycle may be impounded.

Who needs a Class M endorsement in Texas

Any person who operates a motorcycle on a public road must hold a valid Class M endorsement. This applies to all ages — there is no minimum age requirement to hold the endorsement itself, though riders under 18 must follow additional rules (helmet use, no passengers, engine displacement limits). The endorsement is tied to your driver's license, so you cannot ride legally without one.

The DPS defines a motorcycle as a motor vehicle with two wheels in contact with the ground, designed to carry one or two people. This includes street bikes, cruisers, sport bikes, and touring motorcycles. Engine size does not matter — a 50cc scooter requires the same endorsement as a 1200cc Harley.

Three-wheeled motorcycles and autocycle rules

Texas law created a separate category called an autocycle — a three-wheeled motorcycle with an enclosed cabin, seat belts, and a steering wheel rather than handlebars. If your three-wheeled vehicle meets all the DPS equipment standards, you can ride it with a regular Class C driver's license and do not need the Class M endorsement.

The vehicle must have an enclosed cabin, an integrated seat belt system, and a steering wheel. It must also have a windshield and side-view mirrors. If your three-wheeler does not meet these specifications — for example, if it has handlebars instead of a steering wheel or lacks an enclosed cabin — it is classified as a motorcycle and requires the Class M endorsement. The DPS vehicle registration documents will show whether your three-wheeler qualifies as an autocycle or a motorcycle.

How to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Texas license

You have two main routes: take the DPS written and riding test, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course and waive the riding test.

The DPS test route requires you to pass a 25-question written exam covering motorcycle laws, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices. You must score at least 80 percent. After passing the written test, you schedule a separate riding skills test at a DPS office. The riding test takes place in a closed course and evaluates your ability to control the motorcycle, brake, turn, and avoid obstacles. You must bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by the testing facility if available (availability varies by location).

The safety course route is often faster. You enroll in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or a Texas-approved equivalent, complete the classroom and riding instruction, and pass the course exam. Upon completion, the course provider issues a waiver certificate that you bring to the DPS. You then pass only the written test — the riding test is waived. This route typically takes one or two days and includes a motorcycle provided by the course.

Costs and processing time

The DPS written and riding test costs $20 for the written exam and $15 for the riding test, totaling $35. Processing time is usually same-day for the written test and one to two weeks to schedule the riding test, depending on your local DPS office's availability.

An approved motorcycle safety course costs between $150 and $300 depending on the provider and course length. The course typically takes one or two days. After you complete the course, you still pay the $20 DPS written test fee. The total cost is higher upfront, but you avoid the separate riding test appointment and may complete everything in fewer visits.

What happens if you ride without a motorcycle endorsement

Riding a motorcycle without the required Class M endorsement is a traffic violation. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $200. The officer can also impound your motorcycle, and you may face additional charges if the motorcycle is unregistered or uninsured.

The violation appears on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates. If you are stopped multiple times, penalties increase. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while riding without an endorsement, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for damages.

Renewing or transferring your motorcycle endorsement

When you renew your driver's license, your motorcycle endorsement renews automatically if it is still valid. You do not need to retake the test. If your license expires and you let it lapse, you will need to retake the written and riding test to restore the endorsement — the safety course waiver does not explore to reinstatement.

If you move to Texas from another state with a valid motorcycle endorsement, you can transfer it to a Texas license without retesting. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of residency to a DPS office. The endorsement transfers directly, and you pay only the standard license fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit does not include motorcycle privileges. You must have a full Class M endorsement on your driver's license to ride a motorcycle on public roads, even with restrictions. A permit allows you to practice on a closed course with an instructor, but not on public streets.

Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to ride a moped or scooter?

It depends on engine size. Mopeds and scooters with engines 50cc or smaller do not require a motorcycle endorsement — you can ride them with a regular Class C license. Anything larger than 50cc requires the Class M endorsement. Check your vehicle's registration to confirm the engine displacement.

What if I fail the motorcycle riding test?

You can retake the riding test after waiting one business day. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you pay the $15 test fee each time. Many riders take a safety course after failing the DPS test, since the course provides more instruction and the riding test is waived.

Can I add a motorcycle endorsement if my driver's license is suspended?

No. You cannot add any endorsement to a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension through the DPS, then explore for the motorcycle endorsement. Contact the DPS to find out what steps are needed to lift the suspension.

Is a motorcycle endorsement valid in other states?

Yes. A Texas Class M endorsement is recognized in all other states. If you move out of state, you can ride legally on your Texas license until it expires. When you get a license in your new state, you may need to pass that state's motorcycle test, depending on their reciprocity rules.