What you need to do to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Texas license
To add a motorcycle endorsement to your Texas driver's license, you must pass a written test on motorcycle safety and rules, pass a riding skills test, and pay a fee. You do not need to take a separate classroom course — Texas allows you to test directly at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The whole process typically takes one visit if you pass both tests, though you can retake either test if needed.
The endorsement is called an M endorsement in Texas. It lets you legally operate any motorcycle, moped, or motorized bicycle on public roads. You can add it to any valid Texas driver's license class (Class A, B, C, or CDL), and the cost is a one-time fee added to your license renewal.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written motorcycle safety test and a riding skills test at a DPS office to earn the M endorsement.
- Texas does not require a motorcycle safety course before testing, though taking one can help you pass and may lower your insurance.
- You need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and a motorcycle to the riding test.
- The endorsement fee is added to your next license renewal cost, not charged separately at the time of testing.
- If you fail either test, you can retake it at your next DPS visit without waiting a set period.
Step-by-step process for the written and riding tests
Start by visiting your local DPS office in person. You cannot take the motorcycle tests online or by mail. Bring your current Texas driver's license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address dated within the last 90 days). You do not need to schedule an appointment at most DPS offices, but call ahead to confirm your location's policy — some offices accept walk-ins while others require appointments.
At the office, tell the clerk you want to test for the M endorsement. You will first take the written test, which covers Texas motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard awareness. The test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
If you pass the written test, you move to the riding skills test the same day. This is a practical test where a DPS examiner watches you operate a motorcycle through a course. You must bring your own motorcycle or borrow one — the DPS does not provide bikes. The bike must be street-legal, registered, and insured. The examiner will check your motorcycle's lights, horn, mirrors, and brakes before the test begins.
The riding test takes about 15 to 20 minutes and includes tasks like starting the bike, riding in a straight line, making turns, braking, and swerving. You must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet and long pants. If you fail the riding test, you can retake it at your next visit — there is no waiting period between attempts.
What documents and equipment you must bring
Bring your current Texas driver's license and one form of proof of residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and street address.
For the riding test, you must provide a motorcycle that meets Texas requirements. The bike must be street-legal, meaning it has a valid registration, current inspection sticker, and active insurance. It must have working headlights, taillights, brake lights, horn, mirrors, and brakes. The DPS examiner will perform a safety check before you ride.
You must also wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet during the riding test. Texas law requires helmets for all riders under 21 and for riders over 21 who do not carry proof of health insurance. Even if you are exempt from the helmet law, the DPS requires one for the test. Wear long pants — shorts are not permitted during the test.
Written test content and how to prepare
The written test covers four main areas: motorcycle operation and control, Texas traffic laws as they explore to motorcycles, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. Questions ask about topics like proper braking technique, how to handle skids, right-of-way rules, and what to do when riding in rain or at night.
The Texas DPS publishes a free study guide called the Motorcycle Operator Manual, available on the DPS website and at any DPS office. This manual covers all topics on the test. You can also take an optional motorcycle safety course through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or a local riding school. These courses do not waive the test, but they teach skills that help you pass both the written and riding portions. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an MSF course, so it may pay for itself.
Study the manual for at least a few days before your test. Focus on braking distance, how to lean in turns, what to do if your brakes fail, and Texas-specific laws like lane-splitting rules (which are not permitted in Texas). The test is not designed to trick you — it tests practical knowledge you need to ride safely.
Riding test skills and what examiners look for
The DPS examiner watches for control, safety awareness, and proper technique. You will be asked to demonstrate starting the motorcycle, riding in a straight line at low speed, making left and right turns, stopping smoothly, and swerving around an obstacle. The examiner is looking for smooth throttle control, proper use of brakes and clutch, and the ability to keep the bike upright and stable.
Common reasons riders fail include stalling the bike, dropping it, riding outside the marked course, failing to use turn signals, or braking too hard and locking the wheels. If you are not confident on a motorcycle, practice in a parking lot or empty area for several hours before testing. Many riders benefit from a few lessons with an MSF instructor, who can teach proper technique and build confidence.
The examiner will also check that you wear your helmet correctly, keep both feet on the pegs while riding, and use mirrors and turn signals. These are not just safety rules — they show the examiner you understand motorcycle operation and are ready for the road.
Cost and timeline for getting your M endorsement
The fee for adding an M endorsement varies depending on when your license expires. If you are adding the endorsement to a license that is not expiring soon, the fee is typically around $20 to $30, though this varies. The fee is not charged at the time of testing — it is added to your next license renewal. When you renew your license, you will pay the endorsement fee along with your renewal fee.
If your license is expiring within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time you test for the endorsement. This way you pay both fees together. Ask the DPS clerk about your license expiration date and whether it makes sense to renew now.
The entire testing process — written and riding tests — usually takes one to two hours at the DPS office. If you pass both tests on your first visit, your M endorsement is added to your license when ready. You will receive an updated license in the mail within one to two weeks. If you fail either test, you can return to the DPS office and retake it at your next visit.
What happens if you fail the written or riding test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or at your next DPS visit. There is no waiting period. Review the areas where you struggled and study the Motorcycle Operator Manual again before retaking it. Most people pass on the second attempt.
If you fail the riding test, the examiner will tell you which skills need work — for example, braking control, turning, or starting the bike. You can retake the riding test at your next DPS visit. Practice the specific skills the examiner mentioned before you return. Many riders take one or two MSF lessons between attempts to improve their technique.
You can retake either test as many times as needed. There is no limit on attempts, and you do not have to wait between tries. However, you will pay the test fee each time you retake it, so practicing before your test saves money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course before I can test?
No. Texas does not require a safety course to test for the M endorsement. You can test directly at a DPS office. However, taking a course through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or a local riding school can help you pass the test and may lower your insurance rates.
Can I use someone else's motorcycle for the riding test?
Yes, as long as the motorcycle is street-legal, registered, insured, and has a valid inspection sticker. The bike must pass the DPS examiner's safety check. Make sure the owner is comfortable with you using it and that you are familiar with how it handles before the test.
What if I fail the riding test — how long do I have to wait to retake it?
You do not have to wait. You can retake the riding test at your next DPS visit, even the same day if the office allows it. However, you will pay the test fee again, so practice before you return.
Will my insurance go down if I get the M endorsement?
Not automatically. Your insurance rate depends on the bike you ride, your driving record, and your age. Some insurers offer discounts if you complete a motorcycle safety course, so ask your agent about that. Adding the endorsement itself does not change your rate.
Can I add the M endorsement to a CDL?
Yes. You can add the M endorsement to any valid Texas driver's license, including a CDL. You must still pass the written and riding tests at a DPS office.