What a motorcycle endorsement is and how to get one
A motorcycle endorsement is an addition to your Texas driver's license that permits you to operate a motorcycle legally on public roads. You cannot ride a motorcycle with a standard Class C driver's license — you need the endorsement, which Texas calls an "M" endorsement. To get one, you must pass a written test on motorcycle safety and traffic laws, pass a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle, and pay a fee. The entire process typically takes a few hours if you test on the same day, though you can space the tests apart if you prefer.
Texas offers two main routes: you can take the tests through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) directly, or you can complete an approved motorcycle safety course, which waives the riding test. Most riders choose the safety course because it covers essential skills in a controlled environment and eliminates the most intimidating part of the endorsement process.
Key Takeaways
- You need an "M" endorsement to legally ride a motorcycle in Texas; a standard driver's license does not cover it.
- You can test through the DPS directly, or take an approved safety course that waives the riding test requirement.
- The DPS written test covers motorcycle-specific traffic laws and safety; the riding test evaluates your ability to control the bike.
- An approved safety course costs between $150 and $300, takes one to three days, and gives you a certificate that waives the riding test at the DPS.
- You must bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to the DPS office when you test.
Taking the DPS written and riding tests
If you choose to test directly through the DPS without taking a safety course, you will need to pass two separate exams. The written test covers Texas traffic laws as they explore to motorcycles, motorcycle maintenance basics, and safe riding practices. You take this test at any DPS office on a computer; it has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
The riding test happens at a DPS motorcycle testing site, not at a regular DPS office. You must bring your own motorcycle or arrange to use one provided by the testing location (availability varies by site). The examiner watches you perform specific maneuvers — figure-eights, emergency stops, and controlled turns — to confirm you can handle the bike safely. The test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. You pass or fail based on whether you complete the maneuvers without dropping the bike, running wide, or losing control.
Not all DPS offices have motorcycle testing sites. You can find the nearest one by calling your local DPS office or checking the DPS website for testing locations in your region. Some sites have limited hours or require you to schedule in advance, so confirm availability before you go.
Completing an approved motorcycle safety course instead
An approved safety course teaches you to ride safely and waives the DPS riding test. You still take the written test at the DPS, but you skip the riding portion. The course typically runs one to three days depending on the provider and whether you choose a weekend or weeknight schedule. You spend time in a classroom learning traffic laws and motorcycle safety, then move to a range where you practice on actual motorcycles under instructor supervision.
The course provider gives you a certificate of completion when you finish. Bring this certificate to the DPS when you take the written test, and you will not need to schedule a separate riding test. The entire endorsement process then takes just the time it takes to pass the written exam and pay the fee.
To find an approved course, search the Texas DPS website for "motorcycle safety course providers" or call your local DPS office for a list. Providers include the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), local community colleges, and private riding schools. Costs range from about $150 to $300 depending on the provider and course length. Some insurance companies offer discounts on your motorcycle insurance premium if you complete an approved course, which can offset the cost within a year or two.
Documents you need and fees
When you go to the DPS office to take the written test or to add the endorsement to your license, bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you are testing through a safety course, also bring your certificate of completion.
The fee for adding an "M" endorsement to your existing license is $20 as of the most recent DPS fee schedule, though fees can change. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time and pay both fees together. The DPS office can tell you the current total cost when you arrive.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass the written test (and the riding test if you did not take a safety course), the DPS issues you a new driver's license with the "M" endorsement printed on it. This usually happens the same day, though some offices mail it to you within a few business days. You can ride a motorcycle legally as soon as you receive the license with the endorsement.
Your motorcycle endorsement remains valid as long as your driver's license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews with it automatically — you do not need to retake any tests or pay an additional endorsement fee at renewal time.
If you fail the written or riding test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Texas, though some DPS offices may have a short delay to process your second test. You pay the test fee again if you retake it.
If you fail the riding test, you must wait at least one day before retesting. You can retake it at the same location or at a different DPS motorcycle testing site. Retaking the riding test costs the same fee as the first attempt. Many riders who fail the riding test then enroll in a safety course to build their skills before trying again; this is a common and practical path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to ride a scooter or moped in Texas?
It depends on the engine size. Scooters and mopeds with engines smaller than 50 cubic centimeters do not require an endorsement. Anything larger than 50cc requires an "M" endorsement just like a full-size motorcycle. Check your scooter's engine displacement in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's label to be sure.
Can I take the safety course and written test on the same day?
Most safety courses run for one to three consecutive days, and you receive your certificate on the last day. You can then take the DPS written test when ready after, the same day or the next day. Some providers coordinate with nearby DPS offices to make this convenient, so ask when you register for the course.
What if I already have a motorcycle endorsement from another state?
Texas recognizes valid motorcycle endorsements from other states. You do not need to retake the tests; you can transfer your endorsement to a Texas license when you get a Texas driver's license. Bring your out-of-state license to the DPS office along with your proof of residency and Social Security number.
Is the motorcycle safety course worth the cost if I already know how to ride?
The course waives the riding test, which many riders find valuable even if they are experienced. The course also covers Texas-specific traffic laws and insurance companies often discount premiums for riders who complete an approved course. The cost typically pays for itself in insurance savings within one to two years.
Can I ride a motorcycle before I get my endorsement?
No. Riding without an endorsement is illegal in Texas and can result in a traffic citation. You must have the "M" endorsement on your license before you operate a motorcycle on public roads. You can practice on private property with the owner's permission while you prepare for the tests.