Tennessee Motorcycle Endorsement Guide

What Is a Motorcycle Endorsement?

Tennessee issues motorcycle authority as a Class M license, not as an add-on endorsement code. You can hold a motorcycle-only Class M license (any two- or three-wheel vehicle over 125cc), or add Class M to an existing license in the 'secondary' position so you can drive your car and ride a motorcycle on one license.

Smaller machines have their own classes: a Class M-Limited covers a motor-driven cycle or scooter from 51 to 125cc, while a motorized bicycle under 50cc needs no endorsement at all (though a helmet is still required).

Endorsement vs. Motorcycle-Only License

How to Add the Endorsement — Steps

1. Hold a valid Tennessee driver license, or be prepared to also pass the regular Class D knowledge test if you have none.
2. Study the Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual and pass the 30-question motorcycle knowledge test (24 correct, 80%).
3. Pass the vision screening and the motorcycle pre-trip inspection.
4. Pass the on-cycle motorcycle skills/road test at a Driver Service Center — or have it waived by an approved rider course.
5. Receive your Class M license; if added to an existing license, the motorcycle privilege expires when that primary license expires.

MSF Course Waiver

A certificate of completion from a Tennessee-Certified Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) exempts an applicant who already holds a valid Tennessee license from BOTH the knowledge and the skills tests (TN Driver Services).

A Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse completed in any state — shown by the completion certificate or MSF wallet card and dated within the past three years — waives the on-cycle skills test only. It does NOT waive the knowledge test. Completing a state-certified course also earns a 10% motorcycle liability-insurance discount for three years.

Cost & Renewal

Motorcycle license fees are set by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security; confirm the current amount at tn.gov/safety or your Driver Service Center when you apply.

Motorcycle licenses follow the same renewal cycle as regular driver licenses. Since January 1, 2016, Tennessee licenses for people over 21 expire eight years from the date of issuance (a Class M-Limited issued to a 15-year-old instead expires on the rider's 16th birthday).

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