What a motorcycle endorsement is and why you need one

A motorcycle endorsement is a separate license classification that Texas adds to your driver's license. It is not a separate card—it appears as an "M" restriction code on your existing license. Without it, you cannot legally ride a motorcycle on public roads in Texas, even if you hold a valid car license. Texas law treats motorcycles as vehicles that require specific training and testing because the skills and hazards differ significantly from driving a car.

The endorsement proves you have passed both a written test on motorcycle-specific rules and a riding skills test. The state requires this because motorcycle accidents have higher injury and death rates than car accidents, and the skills needed—balance, throttle control, emergency braking on two wheels—do not transfer automatically from car driving.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test on Texas motorcycle laws and a riding skills test administered by the Department of Public Safety to receive the endorsement.
  • You can skip the riding test if you hold a valid Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course completion card, though you still take the written test.
  • The endorsement costs $20 and is added to your existing driver's license at any Texas DPS office.
  • You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Texas driver's license or learner permit before you can test for the endorsement.
  • The written test covers Texas motorcycle traffic laws, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices specific to two-wheeled vehicles.

The two paths: DPS testing or MSF course completion

Texas offers two routes to the endorsement. The first is to take both tests directly through the Department of Public Safety. You schedule a written test at any DPS office, pass it, then schedule a separate riding skills test. The DPS administers the riding test on a closed course using a motorcycle provided by the state. This path is free except for the $20 endorsement fee itself.

The second route is to complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course. This is a two-day classroom and hands-on course taught by certified instructors at various locations across Texas. The course costs between $150 and $250 depending on the provider. When you finish, you receive a completion card. You bring that card to a DPS office, pass the written test, and the endorsement is issued—you skip the riding skills test entirely. Many riders choose this route because the MSF course teaches practical skills in a controlled environment before they ride on public roads.

Both paths result in the same endorsement. The choice depends on whether you want formal instruction (MSF) or prefer to test directly with DPS. If you already ride and feel confident, DPS testing is faster and cheaper. If you are new to motorcycles, the MSF course is structured training that many insurance companies also offer discounts for.

What you need before you test

You must hold a valid Texas driver's license or a learner permit. If you have neither, you need to obtain a driver's license first through the standard DPS process. You cannot test for a motorcycle endorsement without an existing license or permit to add it to.

You must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you can hold a motorcycle endorsement on a learner permit, but you cannot ride unsupervised—you must be accompanied by a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid endorsement.

For the DPS riding test, you must provide your own motorcycle or arrange to use one. The motorcycle must be street-legal, registered, and insured in Texas. It must also be in working condition and meet the size and type requirements set by DPS (generally 250cc or larger for the test, though this can vary). If you do not own a motorcycle, some DPS offices maintain a list of local riders or training facilities that rent motorcycles for testing purposes—call ahead to ask.

For the MSF course, the school provides motorcycles, helmets, and protective gear. You do not need to own a motorcycle to take the course.

Steps to get the endorsement through DPS testing

First, visit the Texas DPS website or call your local DPS office to schedule the written test. You can also walk in to most offices, though wait times vary. Bring your valid driver's license or learner permit and a completed DL 44 form (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card), which you can read from the DPS website or fill out at the office.

Take the written test at your scheduled time. The test covers Texas motorcycle traffic laws, safe riding practices, hazard recognition, and proper use of safety equipment. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes. If you pass, you receive a passing score document.

Schedule your riding skills test at a DPS office. Bring your motorcycle, your passing written test score, proof of registration and insurance for the motorcycle, and your driver's license. The test takes place on a closed course and lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You perform a series of maneuvers—figure-eights, emergency stops, swerves—that demonstrate basic control and safety awareness. A DPS examiner observes and scores your performance. You must pass this test to receive the endorsement.

Once you pass both tests, return to the DPS office with your passing riding test score and your driver's license. Pay the $20 endorsement fee. The office issues your license with the "M" restriction code added. You receive your updated license on the spot or by mail, depending on the office.

Steps to get the endorsement through MSF course completion

Search for MSF Basic Rider Course locations in your area on the MSF website or through local motorcycle shops and community colleges. Many community colleges in Texas offer the course at lower cost than private providers. Register for a course date and pay the course fee.

Attend the two-day course. Day one is classroom instruction on motorcycle controls, balance, braking, and Texas traffic laws. Day two is hands-on riding practice on a closed course. You learn on the school's motorcycles in small groups. At the end of day two, you perform a riding skills evaluation. If you pass, you receive a completion card on the spot.

Bring your MSF completion card to a Texas DPS office along with your valid driver's license or learner permit and a completed DL 44 form. Take the written test (same test as the DPS route). You must score at least 70 percent. Once you pass, you pay the $20 endorsement fee and your license is updated with the "M" restriction code.

What happens if you fail the test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you must pay the test fee again if your DPS office charges one (this varies by location). Most people who fail the written test pass on the second attempt after reviewing the material.

If you fail the riding skills test, you can retake it. Again, there is no mandatory waiting period, but you must schedule a new test appointment and may pay a fee. The riding test is more subjective than the written test—examiners are looking for safe control and hazard awareness, not perfection. Common reasons for failure are stalling the motorcycle, dropping it, or failing to complete a required maneuver safely. If you fail, ask the examiner for specific feedback on what went wrong, practice those skills, and schedule another test.

Age restrictions and supervised riding for minors

If you are under 18 and hold a motorcycle endorsement on a learner permit, you cannot ride alone. You must be accompanied by a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid motorcycle endorsement. This applies to all public roads and highways.

Once you turn 18 and obtain a full driver's license (not a learner permit), the motorcycle endorsement transfers to your license and you can ride unsupervised. The endorsement itself does not expire—it remains on your license as long as your driver's license is valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can test for the endorsement while holding a learner permit. However, once you receive the endorsement, you can only ride a motorcycle if accompanied by a licensed rider who is at least 21 and holds a valid motorcycle endorsement. You must obtain a full driver's license to ride unsupervised.

Do I have to take the MSF course or can I just test with DPS?

You can test directly with DPS. The MSF course is optional. If you choose DPS testing, you must pass both the written and riding skills tests. The MSF course lets you skip the riding test, but you still take the written test at DPS.

What if I do not own a motorcycle for the DPS riding test?

Call your local DPS office and ask if they maintain a list of riders or facilities that rent motorcycles for testing. Some offices have partnerships with local training schools. The MSF course is another option—you do not need to own a motorcycle to take it.

How much does the motorcycle endorsement cost?

The endorsement fee is $20. If you take the MSF course, add $150 to $250 for the course itself. If you test directly with DPS, there are no additional costs beyond the $20 fee, though some offices may charge a small test administration fee.

Does my motorcycle endorsement expire?

No. The endorsement remains on your license as long as your driver's license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews with it at no additional cost.