Texas Motorcycle License: How to Get One & What Riders Need to Know

Texas is one of the most popular states in the nation for motorcyclists. If you wish to ride a motorcycle in the Lone Star State, you will need to obtain a Texas motorcycle license. Understanding and following the proper steps can ensure a smooth application process.

It also helps to know some of the mistakes applicants make, common safety and legal issues, and what to do in case of a motorcycle accident. Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney is here to assist if you are involved in a crash.

How to get a motorcycle license in Texas

Not having a Texas motorcycle license isn’t just illegal. It puts you and others at risk of a serious injury or even death. To follow the law and protect yourself from unnecessary risk, you should take the following steps to obtain a license.

Step 1: Understand the eligibility requirements

Be sure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria before applying. Texas allows some applicants to obtain a motorcycle license as young as age 15. If you are under the age of 18, you will be subject to additional restrictions and licensing requirements.

Step 2: Take an approved motorcycle safety course

All riders have to take a safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which teaches essential riding and safety skills along with the relevant traffic safety laws. New riders can especially benefit from this course.

After you complete the course, you will receive a completion certificate. This is one of the most important documents you will need to apply for a license. The certificate is generally accepted for a limited amount of time, often up to 24 months. It also may allow you to waive certain testing requirements.

Step 3: Collect the required documents

You will need to bring a few documents with you when you apply for your license. Here are some documents you can start organizing now:

• Proof of your identity (e.g., Texas driver’s license or identity card)
• Social Security Number
• Proof of Texas residency
• Your safety course completion certificate

Step 4: Take a vision examination

Every rider should have good vision before getting on a motorcycle. And you will need to prove you have adequate vision before you can get a license. You will have to take a vision test during the application process.

Step 5: Take a written and road skills test, if required

Depending on your licensing status and eligibility for waivers, you may still need to complete a written knowledge test. You can start getting ready for this now by taking a look at the Texas Motorcycle Operator Manual.

A road skills test is also required in certain cases, for instance, if you are a minor or you don’t already hold a valid, unrestricted Texas A, B, or C license. There are ways to possibly waive this requirement. For instance, you could be able to waive it if you have completed the safety course or you’re transferring a license from elsewhere.

Step 6: Apply for a Class M Texas motorcycle endorsement

Once you get to this step, it’s time to visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, submit all of your documents, and pay the necessary fee. Your photo will be taken, and you will either have a Class M endorsement added to your existing driver’s license or you will receive a Class M license.

Step 7: Get insurance and safety gear

All motorcyclists must have proof of financial responsibility for an accident, typically fulfilled with appropriate insurance coverage. Anyone under age 21 must have a motorcycle helmet, but it’s strongly recommended that you have a helmet and appropriate safety gear regardless of your age. It can protect your health and your legal rights.

Common mistakes that applicants make

It’s easy to make mistakes in the application process that can delay your license or jeopardize your safety. These are a few common ones to avoid:

• Not taking the safety course means you will probably get turned away from the DPS office.
• If your safety course certificate expires, you will need to take another course before you can obtain a Texas motorcycle license.
• You need the above-mentioned identification documents to get your license, and missing or inaccurate documents can cause a delay.
• Failing the written or road skills test will definitely delay your license, so know the law and how to operate a motorcycle.

Safety issues to know about

You should always prioritize your safety while riding, especially if you are inexperienced. Keep these tips in mind:

• Wear approved safety gear at all times: Don’t neglect to wear helmets, gloves, and other safety gear, even for a short trip. Remember, you don’t have the protective frame and airbags of a passenger vehicle, so an accident could be catastrophic.
• Obey all traffic laws: You should especially avoid speeding and reckless driving. Motorcyclists are expected to know Texas traffic laws, and it’s in the interest of their safety anyway.
• Drive defensively: Anticipate the mistakes of other drivers by remaining visible and watching out for negligence. Wear bright clothing or reflective gear and avoid riding when visibility is poor.

Legal issues to know about

We hope you never get into an accident, but in the event you do, it’s important that you hire an experienced Texas motorcycle accident lawyer. Our firm can work for the compensation that you need to cover medical bills, lost income, and other losses. We can also assist with these common legal issues motorcyclists face:

• Not wearing safety gear can reduce your damages: The at-fault party’s insurance company can argue that the gear would have made your injuries less severe, which in turn means you may not recover as much compensation.
• Helmet non-use can be especially problematic: If you suffer a brain injury and were also not wearing a helmet during the crash, this could harm your case. Texas allows evidence of helmet non-use where relevant (it would not be relevant to a broken leg, for instance).
• Lane splitting is generally prohibited under Texas law: It may be used as evidence of negligence in an accident claim. Under Texas comparative negligence rules, lane splitting could shift some liability to you and thereby reduce your damages.
• Insurers and juries are often biased: Insurance companies and jury members often (and unfairly) view motorcycle riding as excessively dangerous. This can affect your personal injury case, so be sure you hire a firm with experience handling these accidents.

For more advice on getting your motorcycle license and staying safe while riding, connect with Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney. We can also explore your legal options if you are in a crash. Schedule a free initial consultation with us today.