What a motorcycle endorsement is, who needs one, and how to add it to your Texas driver license.
In Texas the motorcycle privilege is its own license class — Class M — rather than an add-on "endorsement" code stamped on a car license. You must hold a Class M driver license to operate a motorcycle, three-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped on a public road (manual p.3).
Whether you already drive a car or are licensing for the first time, the route to Class M runs through a required safety course: complete a TDLR-approved Motorcycle Operator Training Course, then apply at DPS to add or obtain the Class M license.
| Endorsement | Motorcycle-Only License | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Drivers who already hold a Texas license | Riders without a regular driver license |
| Added to | Your existing license | Issued as its own license |
| Knowledge test | Motorcycle knowledge test | Motorcycle knowledge test |
| Lets you drive a car | Yes — keeps your car privileges | No — motorcycle only |
The required TDLR-approved course is built on Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum, and it does double duty: it waives the Class M knowledge test for everyone who completes it, and it waives the on-cycle skills test for applicants 18 and older who also hold an unrestricted Class A, B, or C license (manual p.3).
Minors 15 through 17 must still pass the on-cycle skills test even after completing the course — they are not eligible for the skills-test waiver (manual p.4).
The Class M is issued on your Texas driver license; the driver license fee is set by DPS, and the separate Motorcycle Operator Training Course fee is set by the contracted course sponsor. Confirm current amounts on dps.texas.gov and with your course provider.
The Class M class renews together with the rest of your Texas driver license — there is no separate motorcycle renewal cycle. The course completion certificate, however, is only valid for licensing for two years from its issue date.
Source: Test details reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the state agency before your visit. Majority third-party consensus is 20 questions / 80%. Texas is unusual: a TDLR-approved Motorcycle Operator Training Course is required of every applicant, and completing it waives the Class M knowledge (written) test. The written test is required by statute only for applicants restricted to operating a moped.