What you need to ride a motorcycle in Texas

Texas requires a separate endorsement on your driver's license to operate a motorcycle on public roads. This endorsement is called an M endorsement, and you cannot legally ride without it — not even a motorized bicycle or moped over 50cc. You get the M endorsement by passing a written test, a vision test, and a riding skills test, or by taking an approved motorcycle safety course that waives the riding test.

You do not need to own a motorcycle to get your license. You can use any street-legal motorcycle for the riding test, including a borrowed one, as long as it is properly registered and insured. The entire process takes a few hours to a few days depending on which route you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas requires an M endorsement on your driver's license to ride any motorcycle, and you get it by passing a written test, vision test, and riding skills test.
  • Taking an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course waives the riding test and is often faster and cheaper than the standard route through the Department of Public Safety.
  • You must bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and a street-legal motorcycle to the riding test.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic law, motorcycle-specific rules, and hazard recognition, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • If you fail the riding test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment, but you must wait 24 hours between attempts at the same location.

The standard route: Texas Department of Public Safety testing

If you choose not to take a safety course, you will test through your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. First, you take the written test at the DPS office — it covers Texas traffic laws, motorcycle operation, and hazard awareness. The test is 25 questions, and you need at least 20 correct answers to pass. You can take it on a computer or on paper, and it takes about 15 minutes.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the riding skills test. You bring your own motorcycle (or a borrowed one), and a DPS examiner watches you perform a series of maneuvers in a closed course: figure-eights, quick stops, swerving, and slow-speed control. The test takes about 10 minutes. If you pass, the examiner adds the M endorsement to your license on the spot, and you can ride when ready.

The written test costs around $10 to $15, and the riding test costs around $30 to $35. You can find your nearest DPS office and book a riding test appointment on the Texas DPS website. Wait times vary by location — some offices have same-day or next-day slots, while others may have a wait of several weeks.

The faster route: Motorcycle Safety Foundation course

Taking an approved motorcycle safety course, usually offered through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or a Texas-approved provider, lets you skip the riding test entirely. You attend a classroom session and a hands-on riding session, usually spread over one or two days. The course covers the same material as the written test plus practical riding instruction. At the end, the course provider issues you a certificate of completion.

You then take that certificate to your local DPS office, pass the vision test, and the M endorsement is added to your license without a separate riding test. The course itself costs between $150 and $300 depending on the provider, but many riders find it worth the cost because the instruction is more thorough, the riding test is waived, and you often finish the entire process faster than waiting for a DPS riding test appointment.

To find an approved course near you, search the Texas DPS website for "motorcycle safety course providers" or contact the MSF directly. Courses fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so book ahead if you have a specific date in mind.

What to bring to the riding test

Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number. You also need a street-legal motorcycle that is registered and insured. The motorcycle must have working brakes, lights, mirrors, and a horn — the examiner will check these before the test begins.

Wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes with a heel. The examiner will not let you test without proper gear. Bring your motorcycle's registration and proof of insurance, though the examiner typically does not ask to see them unless there is a problem.

If you fail the riding test

If you do not pass the riding test, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, but you must wait at least 24 hours before a second attempt at the same location. Some offices allow you to schedule a new appointment when ready; others require you to call back or visit in person to book the next slot. Each attempt costs the same fee as the first test.

Common reasons riders fail include not completing a required maneuver, putting a foot down during a slow-speed exercise, or stalling the motorcycle. If you fail, ask the examiner what went wrong so you can practice that specific skill before your next attempt. Many riders pass on the second or third try after focused practice.

Renewing or transferring your M endorsement

Your M endorsement renews automatically when you renew your driver's license. You do not need to retake any test. If you move to Texas from another state and already have a motorcycle endorsement, you can transfer it to a Texas license by visiting a DPS office with your out-of-state license and proof of residency. Texas honors motorcycle endorsements from all other states, so you do not need to test again.

If your license is suspended or revoked, your M endorsement is suspended or revoked along with it. Once your driving privileges are restored, the endorsement is restored as well.

Mopeds and motorized bicycles under 50cc

In Texas, a motorized bicycle or moped with an engine smaller than 50cc does not require an M endorsement — you can ride it with a regular driver's license. However, the vehicle must be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and you must have liability insurance. If the engine is 50cc or larger, you need the M endorsement, even if the vehicle is called a scooter or moped.

Check your vehicle's paperwork or the manufacturer's specifications to confirm the engine size. If you are unsure, contact your local DPS office or the vehicle's dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an M endorsement if my driver's license is suspended?

No. You must have a valid, non-suspended driver's license to add an M endorsement. If your license is suspended, you cannot test for or receive the endorsement until your driving privileges are restored.

Do I need insurance before I take the riding test?

You do not need insurance to take the test, but you must have it before you ride on public roads. Texas requires all motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance. You can purchase a policy before or after you get your endorsement, but you cannot legally ride without it.

What if I do not own a motorcycle and cannot borrow one?

Some motorcycle safety courses provide bikes for students to use during the course, so you do not need to own or borrow one. Check with the course provider when you register. If you take the DPS route, you will need to borrow or rent a motorcycle for the riding test.

How long does the M endorsement stay on my license?

The M endorsement stays on your license as long as your driver's license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews automatically at no extra cost.

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit does not include motorcycle riding privileges. You must pass the written test and riding test (or complete a safety course) to get the M endorsement on your regular driver's license.