How to Get a Motorcycle License in Texas

The basic path to a Texas motorcycle license

To get a motorcycle license in Texas, you need to pass a written test about motorcycle safety and rules, pass a riding skills test, and pay a fee to the Department of Public Safety. You can take both tests at a Texas Department of Public Safety office, or you can skip the riding test by completing an approved motorcycle safety course instead. Most people find the safety course route faster because the course covers everything you need to know and the test is usually easier to schedule.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle license in Texas. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process. You also need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency in Texas, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Key Takeaways

You can get a motorcycle license by passing a written test and a riding test at a DPS office, or by completing a safety course that waives the riding test.
The Texas Motorcycle Safety Course, offered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, costs between $100 and $200 and takes one or two days depending on the provider.
You must bring your driver's license or ID, proof you live in Texas, and your Social Security number to any DPS office to complete the paperwork.
The written test covers road signs, motorcycle handling, and Texas traffic laws specific to motorcycles, and you can study using the Texas Motorcycle Operator Manual available free online.

Taking the written test at a DPS office

The written test is 25 questions about motorcycle operation, safety, and Texas traffic laws. You need to answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like how to brake on a motorcycle, what to do if your brakes fail, how to handle curves, and what the road signs mean. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

To prepare, read the Texas Motorcycle Operator Manual from the Texas Department of Public Safety website. The manual is free and covers everything on the test. You can also study using practice tests available online through the DPS website. Most people spend a few hours studying before taking the test.

When you go to a DPS office to take the written test, bring your driver's license or ID, proof of Texas residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The test costs $20. You will get your results the same day.

Passing the riding skills test or taking a safety course instead

If you pass the written test, you can then take a riding skills test at a DPS office. The test takes about 20 minutes and includes exercises like starting the motorcycle, riding in a straight line, braking, and turning. You must bring your own motorcycle or borrow one that meets Texas safety standards. A staff member will watch you perform the exercises and score your performance.

Most people choose to take a motorcycle safety course instead of the riding test. The Texas Motorcycle Safety Course is offered by private providers across the state and costs between $100 and $200. The course usually runs for one full day or two half-days. You ride a motorcycle provided by the course, so you do not need to own one. When you finish the course, you receive a certificate that you can bring to a DPS office, and the certificate waives the riding test requirement.

The safety course covers the same skills as the riding test but in a classroom and on a practice range. Instructors teach you how to handle the motorcycle, how to brake safely, and how to avoid common accidents. Many insurance companies offer discounts on motorcycle insurance if you complete an approved safety course, so the course often pays for itself.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling your test

You can find a DPS office near you by visiting the Texas Department of Public Safety website and using their office locator. Not every DPS office offers motorcycle tests, so check the website to find one that does. Some offices require you to make an appointment, while others take walk-ins. Call ahead to confirm the office's hours and whether you need an appointment.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas usually have shorter waits than offices in cities. If you go early in the morning on a weekday, you are more likely to be seen quickly. Some offices are busier on certain days of the week, so calling ahead can help you pick the best time to go.

Finding and registering for a motorcycle safety course

To find an approved motorcycle safety course, visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website and search for providers in your area. The site lists all courses that meet state standards. Most courses are offered by motorcycle dealerships, community colleges, or private training companies. You can register for a course online or by phone.

Courses fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so register early if you want a specific date. Most providers ask you to bring a helmet, gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Some providers provide helmets if you do not have one. You do not need to own a motorcycle or have any riding experience to take the course.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the written test and either the riding test or the safety course, you can go to any DPS office to get your motorcycle license. Bring your passing test score or your safety course certificate, your driver's license or ID, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number. The license costs $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license.

Your motorcycle license will be added to your existing driver's license as an endorsement. You will receive your new license in the mail within two weeks. Until it arrives, you can ride with a temporary paper license that the DPS office gives you on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a motorcycle license if I already have a driver's license?

Yes. A regular driver's license does not allow you to ride a motorcycle on public roads in Texas. You need a motorcycle endorsement added to your license, which requires passing the written test and either the riding test or a safety course.

Can I take the motorcycle test on the same day as the written test?

Yes, if you pass the written test and a DPS office has time available that day, you can take the riding test the same day. However, most offices recommend scheduling the riding test for a different day to give yourself time to prepare. If you take a safety course, you will not need to schedule a separate riding test.

What if I fail the written test or riding test?

You can retake either test. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. You pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on their second attempt after studying the manual more carefully.

Is the motorcycle safety course worth the cost?

Many riders find it worth the cost because it waives the riding test, covers everything you need to know to ride safely, and often qualifies you for insurance discounts. The course also gives you hands-on practice in a controlled environment before you ride on public roads.

What if I move out of Texas after I get my license?

Your Texas motorcycle license is valid in all other states. If you move to another state, you can transfer your license to that state's system, but the process varies by state. Contact the new state's Department of Motor Vehicles for details.

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.