How does one go about obtaining a license for a motorcycle in Texas? The process is quite straightforward, with the minimum age for having a motorcycle license being 15 years, so the entertainment can be enjoyed early on. Additionally, all the tests are very reasonably priced, so you don’t need to worry about the cost.
One thing you should know, though, is that in addition to having a regular driver’s license, you have to obtain a Class M license.
We’ll walk you through the steps of how to get a motorcycle license in Texas to let you know precisely what you’ll be needing and undergoing in the process.
Adults
If you’re an adult (18+ years old), the first step to obtaining the Class M license is to complete the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Safety Course. This goes for all ages, and you must bring the certificate of completion, valid for 24 months, into the license office with you. However, if you already have a Class M license issued by another state, you can skip the safety course.
After that comes a written exam to test your knowledge of motorcycle road rules and traffic laws, followed by a road test examining your driving skills.
The motorcycle driving test can’t be waived unless you’ve completed a motorcycle safety course and hold a valid Texas Class A, B, or C license, or you’re relocating and providing a valid, unrestricted motorcycle license from another state or province of Canada, or you’re applying for a motorcycle learner license.
Minors
Before enrolling in the motorcycle safety course, minors between 15-17 years old must fulfill one of the three requirements below.
You need to either have a Class C license and completed the 32-hour classroom phase of a driver education course, present a certificate of completion of that same phase of the course (you don’t need to complete the behind the wheel portion), or have a provisional driver’s license.
It’s also worth mentioning that you may be restricted to a motorcycle with a maximum of 250 cubic centimeter piston displacement until your 16th birthday.
Then, to upgrade your Class C license to a Class M one, you’ll have to meet all the requirements for the Class M license. If you don’t have a current Texas license, you’ll need to fulfill a regular applicant’s requirements.
That includes presenting proof of completion of the Motorcycle Safety Course, Class C provisional license, a driver education form validating completion of either 32 classroom hours or the full course, and a Class C learner license, also showing completion of a 32-hour driver education course.
Alternatively, if you were parent taught, you must present a parent taught driver education form, again showing completion of 32 hours of driver education.
Furthermore, you’ll have to hand in a signed high-school enrollment and attendance verification form (VOE), stamped or computer-generated. You should also be accompanied by a parent to provide an authorization signature.
Lastly, you’ll go through a mandatory skills exam that you must pass. N.B: You need to provide the motorcycle itself along with a car and driver to follow you during the driving test.
Minors From Outside of Texas
If you’re a minor from outside Texas and already have a motorcycle license, you’ll still have to re-fulfill the driver education requirements. In addition, vision and knowledge tests may be requested.
Motorcycle Requirements
Texas is very strict about the safety of its drivers. That’s why they’ll check your vehicle to make sure that it’s perfectly safe. Before you head over to get your license, make sure to have your motorcycle thoroughly checked. Below are some of the vital aspects that undergo checking:
- Operational brake system
- Vehicle identification number
- Exhaust system
- Tail lamp
- Stop lamps
- Mirrors
- License plate lamp
- Horn
- Rear red reflector
Final Thoughts
To sum up, obtaining a motorcycle driver’s license in Texas is a relatively straightforward process, and by the time you obtain it, you will have ensured that you’re qualified to lead the roads. Then, you’ll get to enjoy the scenery of beautiful Texas as much as you would like!
While Texas is very strict about safety rules, it’s truly for the best. The Texas Department of Public Safety Safety Course is actually quite beneficial and vital for everyone.