How to Get a Motorcycle Endorsement in Texas

Do you live in Texas and ready to ride on the open road? The Texas motorcycle endorsement is a smart step to be taken by anyone who desires to ride on two wheels. This guide takes you through all the processes involved in obtaining the Texas motorcycle license, with all the details to enable you to get the license.

A motorcycle endorsement is an extension to your current license that enables you to legally operate a bike in Texas. It is officially referred to as a Class M license in Texas. In case you already have a regular driver's license, you just add the endorsement to the one that you have without having to get your license replaced. It is one of the easiest means to increase your driving rights.

Different requirements exist in Texas, depending on age. When you are 15 or 16 years old, you will be allowed to get a license to ride a bike, but under certain conditions. When you are 15 years old, you can only ride a bike with a 250 cc engine or smaller. This is known as the “I” restriction.

After the age of 16, you are allowed to remove this limit and can ride above 250cc motorbikes. When you are 18 and above, there are no such age cutbacks, and you can ride any size bike.

All bikers seeking a motorcycle endorsement will have to attend a motorcycle safety course. You will have to choose from the official list of DPS-approved courses. You must also provide the ID and a driver’s license or learner's permit to continue with the process.

The size of the engine is restricted based on the rider’s age and experience. Riders who are 16 years old and above with no restrictions may ride any size bike. In the case of riders who are 15 years old, they are only allowed to ride bikes with an engine of 250 cc or below.

At the age of 16, you are allowed to remove this limit. Riders with a “J” restriction on their learner’s permit are allowed to ride only in the presence of a 21-year-old adult or older, regardless of the engine size.

This is the most crucial step. In Texas, it is a must for every rider to complete a biker safety course prior to getting an endorsement.

There are two parts of the bike safety course.

• First, an eCourse needs to be done online at home. It requires around 305 hours. You get to know road rules and the basic operation of the bike.

• Second, you take practical face-to-face training in which you take real bikes on a safe and controlled riding course. The face-to-face physical session usually takes two days, with around 10-16 hours of total instruction.

The eCourse section is web-based and can be done at home at your own time. The riding part, however, must be attended physically since you need real bikes and a training area. This is a must to ensure you acquire the required skills.

Texas safety riding schools allow you to take the online eCourse at your own pace. Then, you can select a schedule on which to take the in-person ride training. Make sure to research well about the best safety riding schools in your area.

Most safety riding classes include around 16 hours in total, 5 hours on the internet, and 11 hours for physical training sessions.

Once you finish the safety riding course and send your application, you will get your license through the mail in about 2 to 3 weeks. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will take this waiting period to work on your license application.

An average safety riding course in Texas can cost between $200-$250, depending on the riding school. After passing the test, you get a document that shows you have passed the test. The completion certificate is valid for 24 months. You have to apply for your bike license within 2 years after the course is done.

Yes, all riders have to complete a DPS-approved safety riding course as per the law of Texas. The only exception is if you are issued a valid bike license elsewhere. Give your old license to the DMV, and they will assess your situation.

Now that you have completed your motorbike safety riding course, gather all your documents. The papers required are dependent on your age.

Adults should have their:

• Safety riding course completion certificate.

• Motorcycle Registration Paper.

• Motorcycle Insurance Paper.

• A Valid ID:

  • A Driver's License

  • Social Security Card

Young riders, who are 15-17 years of age, need to provide more documents, including:

• Safety Riding Course Certificate.

• Current Class C Driver’s License / Learner’s Permit.

• High School Enrollment Verification (VOE form).

• A proof of 32-hour driver education (Form DE-964)

• State-Issued ID.

• Parent or Guardian Sign.

A young rider (5-17 years old) must also bring a parent or guardian to the DMV office, since this is the legal requirement for minors.

Go to your local Texas DPS driver's license office, carrying all the papers. You can do this by locating the nearest office on the office locator tool of the Texas DPS site. Employees will capture your photos, take your signature, record fingerprints, and charge you accordingly.

The motorcycle endorsement in the state of Texas costs $25 to be added to your existing driver’s license. Provided that you require the learner's permit, you have to pay an extra $16. These costs are almost the same in almost every DMV office in Texas.

In case you attended an approved safety bike riding course, you may not be required to take the riding test at DMV. The course is a proof of your riding skills. At the DMV office, you do not normally require a ride test. In case you carry a valid motorcycle license in another state, you may also be exempt from the riding test requirement.

Based on the circumstances, some riders may be required to take the written test. If you have taken a valid riding safety education program, you may not have to attend this at all. Upon arrival, ask DMV staff specifically regarding your case.

Once you have filled out your DMV application, your bike license will reach your mailing address within 2 to 3 weeks. This is the average time for processing. It is worth noting that you are not allowed to ride until you have a formal bike license, even though you have already filled in your application.

How can an adult get a license in Texas? Adults find it much easier because they do not have to fill in school enrollment or parental consent forms. They can just bring the following docs to the local DPS office:

• Riding safety course completion certificate.

• Valid ID.

• Bike Insurance.

You are welcome at any DPS office across the state of Texas to get the motorcycle endorsement without having to replace your license. If you are an adult, you are not confined by the size of the bike’s engine.

Yes! To legally ride a bike on public roads in Texas, you require a motorcycle endorsement or the Class M license. Scooters that have a 49 cc engine size or less on the approved Texas moped list only need a regular driver’s license.

Nonetheless, nearly all other bikes require a full bike license. Getting caught riding without the relevant license can attract serious fines and penalties.

This limit implies that you are only allowed to ride the bike with a mature rider of age 21 years and above. This time is ideal for young riders to gain skills and confidence. The ‘J’ limit is removed from your license once you pass your riding test.

This is only applicable to 15-year-old riders, which limits them to ride only 250 cc bikes or smaller. It is a safety system for 15-year-old riders to keep the engine power in line with the riders’ experience. At age 16, you can ride any size of bike.

In case you possess a valid bike license in another state, Texas may not require you to go through the safety course requirement. Go to the DMV with your old license. Request them to consider your case. Rules are not fixed. One should call the DMV office first before the visit.

A safety riding course in Texas teaches you more than just learning how to get a license. You get to know about:

• Safety riding gear.

• Braking skills.

• Turning/cornering.

• Spotting possible road threats.

It is crucial to wear safety riding gear at all times. These include:

• A Dot-approved helmet.

• Riding gloves.

• Leather jacket.

• Riding pants.

• Riding boots.

Although Texas doesn’t have a strict helmet law in place, it is one thing that can be a real lifesaver.

Below are the things that you must keep in mind:

• Find the approved bike safety course offered by DPS.

• Fill in the online part at your own pace.

• Complete the physical ride training session in 2 days.

• Gather all the required docs and ID.

• Go to the local driver's licensing office.

• Pay the $25 fee and the extra $16 to get the learner permit if needed.

• Wait 2-3 weeks until your license is received.

The process of getting a motorcycle endorsement in Texas is quite easy, provided that you take it step by step. The most crucial one is the safety bike riding course. It will teach you how to ride on public roads and how to be safer. You will acquire practical riding skills from pro trainers, training you on real bikes.

The roads and the scenery in Texas are quite breathtaking, and thus, you should ensure that you get your license before you begin your riding journey. Ready to start riding in Texas? Find the best safety riding school, get the safety course done, and take the first step towards your ride to freedom.