The Texas motorcycle license path: endorsement or separate class

Texas does not issue a separate motorcycle license. Instead, you add a motorcycle endorsement to your existing driver's license, or you get a motorcycle-only license if you do not drive cars. The endorsement is marked as an "M" on your license and costs $20. The process takes about two weeks from process to receiving your license in the mail, though the written test and skills test happen on the same day or within days of each other.

You have two routes: take a Motorcycle Safety Course (MSC) approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety, or test directly at a Texas Department of Public Safety office. The MSC route is faster and easier — you skip the written test and the riding skills test — but it costs money and takes a weekend. The direct testing route is free but requires you to pass both tests on your own.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas adds an "M" endorsement to your existing license rather than issuing a separate motorcycle license, and the endorsement costs $20.
  • Taking an approved Motorcycle Safety Course lets you skip both the written and skills tests, though the course itself costs between $150 and $300 and takes one or two days.
  • If you test directly at a DPS office without a course, you must pass a written test and a riding skills test on a motorcycle you provide or rent.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Texas, and you need a valid driver's license or learner permit first.
  • After passing the test or course, the DPS mails your new license with the endorsement within two weeks.

The Motorcycle Safety Course route: skip the tests

An approved Motorcycle Safety Course (MSC) is the most common path. You attend a course run by a school certified by the Texas Department of Public Safety, pass the classroom and riding portions, and the school sends your completion certificate directly to DPS. You do not take a written test or skills test at a DPS office. The course typically costs $150 to $300 depending on the school and whether you provide your own motorcycle.

Most courses run Friday evening through Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, with classroom time on the first day and riding on the second and third days. You need to bring a motorcycle that meets safety requirements (working brakes, lights, horn, and mirrors) or rent one from the school. Some schools include a rental in the course fee; others charge an additional $50 to $100. After you complete the course, the school files the paperwork with DPS, and your license arrives in the mail within two weeks.

To find an approved school, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website and search their list of certified Motorcycle Safety Course providers by county. Schools fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so register at least two weeks ahead.

Testing directly at a DPS office: no course required

If you do not take a course, you can test directly at any Texas Department of Public Safety office. You must pass a written test (25 questions, 80% passing score) and a riding skills test on a motorcycle you own or rent. The written test covers road signs, motorcycle handling, and safety rules. The skills test is a 10-minute riding course where an examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting, stopping, turning, and swerving.

You must bring your own motorcycle or arrange a rental. Some DPS offices have partnerships with local motorcycle rental shops, but you are responsible for finding and paying for the rental. Rental costs vary but typically run $30 to $50 for a few hours. You also need to bring proof of insurance for the motorcycle, even if it is a rental — the rental company's policy usually covers this, but confirm before you arrive.

Schedule your test appointment online through the Texas DPS website or call your local DPS office. Wait times vary by location; some offices have openings within a week, while others may take three to four weeks. Bring your valid driver's license or learner permit, proof of residency, and proof of insurance.

What you need before you start: age, license, and documents

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Texas. You also need a valid Texas driver's license or a learner permit. If you do not have either, you must get a driver's license first through the standard DPS process.

For the course or test, bring a valid photo ID (your driver's license or learner permit), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you are testing at a DPS office, also bring proof of insurance for the motorcycle.

Costs and timeline: what to expect

The endorsement itself costs $20 when you submit your paperwork to DPS. If you take a course, add $150 to $300 for the course fee, and possibly $50 to $100 for a motorcycle rental if the school does not provide one. If you test directly, you pay only the $20 endorsement fee plus any motorcycle rental costs.

Timeline depends on your route. With a course, you attend a weekend class, the school files your paperwork, and your license arrives in two weeks. With direct testing, you schedule an appointment (one to four weeks out depending on your local DPS office), test on that day, and your license arrives in two weeks after you pass. Total time from start to receiving your license in the mail is typically three to six weeks.

Motorcycle requirements for the skills test

If you are testing at a DPS office, your motorcycle must have working brakes (front and rear), working lights (headlight, brake light, and turn signals), a working horn, and mirrors on both sides. The motorcycle must be street-legal and registered in Texas, or it must be a rental from a shop that provides proof of insurance. The engine size must be at least 150cc for the test, though there is no maximum.

If you are renting, confirm with the rental shop that the motorcycle meets these requirements and that they provide proof of insurance. Bring that proof to your test appointment. If your motorcycle does not meet requirements, the examiner will not let you test, and you will have to reschedule.

After you pass: what happens next

Once you pass the course or test, DPS processes your paperwork and mails your new license with the "M" endorsement to the address on file. This takes about two weeks. You can check the status of your license online through the Texas DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Your old license is still valid until your new one arrives. Once you receive your new license with the endorsement, you can legally ride a motorcycle on Texas roads. The endorsement does not expire separately — it renews when your driver's license renews, which is every eight years in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have a learner permit instead of a full license?

Yes. You can take a course or test with a valid learner permit. Once you pass, DPS adds the endorsement to your learner permit. When you upgrade to a full driver's license later, the endorsement transfers automatically.

What if I fail the written test or skills test?

You can retake either test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the $20 endorsement fee again for each test attempt. Most DPS offices let you schedule a retest within a few days.

Do I need insurance before I take the skills test?

Yes, if you are testing at a DPS office. You must bring proof of insurance for the motorcycle. If you are renting, the rental shop provides this. If you own the motorcycle, you need a valid insurance policy in your name.

Can I take a Motorcycle Safety Course out of state and use it in Texas?

No. Texas only recognizes courses certified by the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you completed a course in another state, you must still pass the written and skills tests at a Texas DPS office, or take a Texas-approved course.

How long is the motorcycle endorsement valid?

The endorsement does not have a separate expiration date. It is valid as long as your driver's license is valid. When your license expires and you renew it, the endorsement renews automatically at no additional cost.