Obtaining a motorcycle license, often referred to as a “bike license,” in Texas involves a structured process with specific requirements that vary slightly depending on your age. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to get your motorcycle license in Texas, ensuring you are well-informed and prepared for each step.
General Requirements for All Applicants
Regardless of age, all individuals applying for a motorcycle license in Texas must meet certain foundational criteria. These are designed to ensure every rider possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to operate a motorcycle safely on public roads.
One crucial aspect is the Motorcycle Safety Course certificate. Completing a state-approved Motorcycle Safety Course offers significant advantages. A certificate of completion, valid for 24 months, allows the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to waive the mandatory motorcycle knowledge test. This course not only enhances your riding skills but also streamlines the licensing process.
Specific Requirements for Minors (Ages 15-17)
For applicants under 18, there are additional stipulations in place to ensure young riders are adequately prepared and responsible.
Age Restrictions: In Texas, you can begin the process as early as 15 years old. However, if you are 15, your license will initially come with a restriction limiting you to motorcycles with an engine size of 250cc or less until you reach 16.
Driver Education or Learner License: Minors are required to have a foundation in traffic laws and safe driving practices. This can be fulfilled by either completing the classroom portion of a Texas-approved driver education course, which consists of 32 hours of instruction, or by holding a Class C Learner License.
Parental or Guardian Consent: For applicants under 18, the presence and consent of a parent or legal guardian are mandatory during the application process. This ensures that a responsible adult is aware and supportive of the minor’s decision to obtain a motorcycle license.
School Enrollment Verification: Texas law requires minors to be enrolled in school to obtain a driver’s license. To prove this, you must provide one of the following: a high school diploma, a GED, or a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) Form.
VOE Form Requirements: To qualify via a VOE form, you must meet one of these conditions:
- Enrollment in a public, private, or home school with at least 90% attendance in the semester preceding your application.
- Active participation in a high school equivalency exam preparation program for at least 45 days prior to application.
- If applying during the summer and still enrolled in school, you can present your last report card. This report card must clearly display your name, attendance record, and grades.
Motorcycle Skills Test Requirement: Unlike adult applicants under certain conditions, all applicants under the age of 18 are required to pass a practical motorcycle riding skills test. There are no exceptions to this rule for minors.
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a Motorcycle License as a Minor
Applying for a motorcycle license as a minor in Texas involves several key steps. It’s crucial to follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth application process.
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Schedule an Appointment: Visit the Texas DPS Driver License Services appointment portal to schedule an appointment at your local driver license office. Appointments are often required and help minimize wait times. Remember, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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Complete the Application Form: Fill out the official motorcycle license application form, Form DL-14A. This form is available online for download and printing, or you can obtain a physical copy at the driver license office. Completing it beforehand can save time during your appointment.
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Provide Motorcycle Safety Course Certificate: Present your Motorcycle Safety Course (MSB-9 or MSB-8R) completion certificate, if you have taken and passed such a course. As mentioned, this can waive the knowledge test.
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Present Required Licenses and Certificates: You will need to present one of the following:
- A Class C Provisional License, or
- A Class C Learner License and a DE-964 form or completion certificate proving completion of a 32-hour driver education course.
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Provide School Enrollment Verification: Submit your high school diploma, GED, or a completed Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) Form that meets the outlined requirements.
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Pay the Application Fee: Be prepared to pay the required application fee. You can find the current fee schedule on the DPS Driver License Division Fees page.
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Pass the Motorcycle Skills Exam: Successfully complete the mandatory motorcycle skills exam at the DPS office. This test assesses your ability to safely operate a motorcycle.
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Provide Biometric Information: You will be required to provide biometric information, which includes your signature and thumbprints, for identification purposes.
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Get Your Photo Taken: A photograph will be taken for your motorcycle license. Ensure you are prepared for this photo during your visit.
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Verify Temporary License Information: Before leaving the DPS office, carefully review your temporary license to confirm all personal information is accurate. Your official license will be mailed to your address, typically arriving within 2-3 weeks. You can track its mailing status on the DPS website.
Important Note for the Skills Test: When you come for your motorcycle skills test, you must provide your own motorcycle for the test. Additionally, you need to bring a car and a licensed driver to accompany you and follow you during the riding test for safety and evaluation purposes.
Special Note for Out-of-State Minors
If you are under 18 and moving to Texas from another state, it’s important to note that Texas’s driver education requirements are mandatory for all individuals under 18, even if you already possess a motorcycle license from another state. You will still need to meet Texas’s specific requirements to obtain a Texas motorcycle license.
Understanding the Motorcycle Drive Test
The motorcycle drive test is a mandatory component for all applicants under 18 and for some adult applicants. However, the drive test is waived under specific conditions for adults:
- Applicants 18 years or older who have successfully completed a Motorcycle Safety Course and hold a valid, unrestricted Texas Class A, B, or C driver’s license.
- Applicants 18 years or older who are transferring a valid, unrestricted motorcycle license from another U.S. state or a Canadian province.
- Individuals applying specifically for a motorcycle learner license (identified by the ‘J’ restriction).
Note: If you do not have a current, valid Class A, B, or C driver’s license, you must take the motorcycle skills test at the DPS office, regardless of age (if you are 18 or older).
Class M License Restrictions Explained
When you obtain your motorcycle license (Class M) in Texas, especially as a minor, you should be aware of potential restrictions that may apply.
Motorcycle Learner License Restriction (‘J’ Restriction): A ‘J’ restriction on your Class M license indicates that you are only permitted to practice riding a motorcycle under the direct visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator who is 21 years of age or older. To have this ‘J’ restriction removed, you must complete the Motorcycle Safety Course and present the certificate to the DPS. Minors under 18 are still required to take the motorcycle driver test to remove the ‘J’ restriction, even after completing the safety course.
Engine Size Restriction (‘I’ Restriction – For 15-Year-Olds Only): If you are 15 years old and obtain a Class M license, you will initially have an ‘I’ restriction. This limits you to operating motorcycles with an engine size of 250 cubic centimeters (cc) or less. Once you turn 16, you can apply to have this restriction removed, which will also require passing a motorcycle driver test.
Texas Residents Living Out-of-State
For Texas residents aged 18 or older who currently live outside of Texas but wish to add a Class M endorsement to their existing Texas Class A, B, or C driver’s license, the process is streamlined. Upon successful application, a new license with the Class M endorsement (Class AM, BM, or CM) will be mailed to them within approximately 45 days.
Conclusion
Getting a bike license in Texas requires careful attention to specific requirements and steps, especially for younger riders. By understanding these guidelines and preparing thoroughly, you can navigate the process efficiently and safely begin your journey as a licensed motorcyclist in Texas. Remember to prioritize safety, take a motorcycle safety course, and always ride responsibly.
