Texas motorcycle licenses require a separate endorsement on your driver's license or a standalone motorcycle license
Texas does not issue a separate motorcycle license card. Instead, you add an M endorsement to your existing driver's license, or you can hold a motorcycle-only license if you do not drive cars. The M endorsement shows you have passed both a written test and a riding skills test specific to motorcycles. You cannot legally ride a motorcycle on public roads in Texas without this endorsement or a motorcycle-only license.
The process takes place through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You will need to pass a knowledge test about motorcycle operation and safety, then pass a practical riding exam on an actual motorcycle. Some riders can skip the riding test by completing an approved motorcycle safety course instead.
Key Takeaways
- Texas adds an M endorsement to your driver's license rather than issuing a separate motorcycle license card.
- You must pass a written knowledge test and a riding skills test, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course to waive the riding test.
- The DPS charges a fee for the endorsement, and you will need to bring your current driver's license and proof of identity to the exam.
- If you fail the riding test, you can retake it, but you must wait and pay the fee again for each attempt.
Written knowledge test requirements and what to study
The motorcycle knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws, motorcycle-specific safety rules, and hazard recognition. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take the test at any DPS driver's license office during normal business hours without an appointment at most locations, though some offices accept appointments through their online system.
The DPS publishes a free study guide called the Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual, available on the DPS website. This manual covers everything tested: proper braking technique, how to handle curves and obstacles, what to wear, how to inspect your bike before riding, and Texas-specific traffic laws that explore to motorcycles. You can also study the general driver's manual, since some questions overlap with standard traffic rules.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. You will take it on a computer at the DPS office. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or return another day, but you will pay the test fee again.
Riding skills test: what happens during the exam
The practical riding test takes place at a DPS testing site and lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. You will be asked to perform specific maneuvers on a motorcycle: starting the engine, riding in a straight line, making turns, braking, swerving to avoid an obstacle, and stopping quickly. The examiner watches from the side and scores you on control, safety, and technique. You must bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by an approved testing facility if you do not own one.
The motorcycle must be street-legal and registered in Texas. It must have working brakes, lights, horn, and mirrors. The examiner will inspect it before the test begins. If the bike fails inspection, you cannot test that day and will need to reschedule.
You pass if you do not drop the motorcycle, do not hit any cones or obstacles, stay within the marked course, and demonstrate safe control throughout. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must pay the fee again and schedule a new appointment. Wait times for retakes vary by location.
Motorcycle safety course as an alternative to the riding test
Texas allows you to skip the riding skills test by completing an approved motorcycle safety course. The Motorcycle Safety Institute (MSI) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) both offer courses that satisfy this requirement in Texas. These courses typically run two or three days and include classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice.
When you finish an approved course, you receive a certificate of completion. You bring this certificate to the DPS along with your knowledge test score, and the DPS will add the M endorsement to your license without requiring you to take the riding test. Many riders choose this route because the course teaches defensive riding skills and the certificate waives the test fee, though the course itself costs money and takes time.
Not all motorcycle courses are approved by Texas. Before you register, confirm that the course is on the DPS list of approved providers. The DPS website maintains this list and updates it regularly.
Documents and fees you need to bring
To test for the M endorsement, bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If you are under 18, you will also need parental consent and a school enrollment verification or homeschool documentation.
The DPS charges a fee for the knowledge test and a separate fee for the riding test. Fees vary slightly by location and change periodically, so check the DPS website or call your local office for current amounts. If you pass both tests, there is an additional fee to add the M endorsement to your license. If you use a motorcycle safety course instead of the riding test, you pay for the course directly to the training provider, not to the DPS, though you still pay the knowledge test fee and the endorsement fee.
Timeline from test to endorsement on your license
Once you pass both the knowledge and riding tests (or submit your safety course certificate), the DPS processes the endorsement within one to two business days at most locations. You will receive your updated license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you should not ride a motorcycle on public roads, even if you have passed the tests, because the endorsement is not yet on your license.
If you need to ride before your new license arrives, some DPS offices issue a temporary paper endorsement on the spot. Ask the examiner whether this is available at your location. The temporary document is valid for a limited time and must be carried with your old license.
Retaking tests and what happens if you fail
If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it when ready or schedule another appointment. Each attempt costs the test fee. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the knowledge test.
If you fail the riding test, you must schedule a new appointment at a DPS testing site. Depending on the location and demand, this can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. You pay the riding test fee again for each attempt. Some locations have longer wait times than others; rural areas may have fewer testing dates available than urban centers.
If you fail the safety course (which is rare, since courses are designed to teach rather than test), you can retake the course with the same provider or a different approved provider. The course provider will charge you again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a motorcycle license if I only ride off-road?
No. A motorcycle license is required only for riding on public roads. Off-road riding on private property does not require an M endorsement. However, if you ride on any public road, including private roads open to the public, you must have the endorsement.
Can I get a motorcycle license if my driver's license is suspended or expired?
No. You must have a valid, unsuspended Texas driver's license to add an M endorsement. If your license is suspended, you must resolve that first. If your license is expired, you can renew it at the same time you test for the endorsement.
What if I move to Texas from another state with a motorcycle endorsement?
You can transfer your out-of-state motorcycle endorsement to a Texas license without retaking the tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of Social Security number to a DPS office. The DPS will add the M endorsement to your new Texas license. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Texas that make this process faster.
How long is the M endorsement valid?
The M endorsement is valid for as long as your driver's license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake any tests to renew the endorsement.
Can I test for the M endorsement at any DPS office?
Not all DPS offices offer motorcycle testing. Only locations with a testing course and examiner on staff can administer the riding test. The DPS website lists which offices offer motorcycle testing. You can take the knowledge test at most offices, but you may need to travel to a different location for the riding test.