A Class CM license lets you drive a motorcycle with an engine 50cc or smaller in Texas

The Class CM is the smallest motorcycle license category in Texas. It covers motorized bicycles and mopeds — vehicles with engines of 50 cubic centimeters or less. If you want to ride anything larger, you need a different class. A Class CM does not let you ride a full-size motorcycle, and a full motorcycle license does not require you to have a Class CM first.

This license is separate from a regular car license. You cannot drive a motorcycle of any size with just a Class C (standard car) license, even if you have been driving cars for decades. Texas treats motorcycle operation as a distinct skill that requires its own testing and endorsement.

Key Takeaways

  • A Class CM license covers only motorcycles with engines of 50cc or smaller, such as mopeds and motorized bicycles.
  • You must be at least 16 years old and pass a written test and riding skills test specific to Class CM motorcycles.
  • You do not need a Class CM license to get a larger motorcycle license — Class M and Class M with Endorsement are separate paths.
  • The written test covers Texas motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and vehicle control; the riding test happens on an actual motorcycle.
  • A Class CM license costs less than larger motorcycle licenses and does not require you to have a car license first.

Age and document requirements to get a Class CM

You must be at least 16 years old to get a Class CM license in Texas. You will need a valid form of identification — usually a birth certificate or passport — and proof of Texas residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian's consent, depending on your county's rules.

Unlike a car license, you do not need to hold a Class C license first. You can go straight to the motorcycle license without ever having driven a car. However, you do need to pass the same vision and medical screening that car drivers take.

The written test for Class CM

The written test for Class CM has 25 questions and covers Texas motorcycle laws, safe riding techniques, and how to control a motorcycle. You need to answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is available in English and Spanish at most Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices.

You can study using the Texas Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free and available online from the DPS website. The manual covers topics like braking on wet roads, how to lean in turns, what to do if your brakes fail, and the meaning of road signs. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test.

The riding skills test for Class CM

After you pass the written test, you take a riding skills test on an actual 50cc motorcycle. The test takes place in a closed course — usually a parking lot or training area — and lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. You will be asked to start the motorcycle, ride in a straight line, make turns, brake, and perform other basic maneuvers.

You must bring your own motorcycle or rent one from a testing location that offers rentals. Some DPS offices partner with motorcycle training schools that provide bikes for the test. If you fail the riding test, you can retake it, but you will need to pay the testing fee again.

Cost and processing time

The cost of a Class CM license varies slightly by county but typically ranges from $25 to $35 for the license itself. The written test and riding test each have separate fees, usually $10 to $15 each. If you use a motorcycle training school's bike for the riding test, there may be an additional rental or facility fee.

Processing time is usually one to two weeks after you pass both tests. You will receive your license by mail or can pick it up at your local DPS office. Some offices offer expedited service for an extra fee if you need the license sooner.

How Class CM differs from Class M and Class M with Endorsement

Texas has three motorcycle license classes. Class CM covers only 50cc and smaller. Class M covers any size motorcycle but requires you to have held a valid driver license for at least one year before you can get it. Class M with Endorsement is an add-on to a Class C (car) license that also covers any size motorcycle.

If you are under 18 and want to ride a full-size motorcycle, you cannot get a Class M yet — you have to wait until you are 18 and have held a car license for a year. A Class CM is the only motorcycle option available to you before that. If you are 18 or older and have never had any license, you can skip Class CM and go straight to Class M if you want a larger bike.

Restrictions and what you can and cannot do with a Class CM

With a Class CM license, you can ride a moped or motorized bicycle on public roads in Texas. You cannot carry passengers unless your motorcycle is designed for two riders and has a passenger seat. You cannot ride on interstate highways or limited-access roads — only on regular streets and roads.

You must wear a helmet at all times, even if you are riding a 50cc bike. Texas law requires this for all motorcycle riders under 21 and for anyone who has held a motorcycle license for less than two years. Riders 21 and older with two or more years of experience can ride without a helmet, but it is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a moped with a regular car license?

No. Texas requires a Class CM, Class M, or Class M with Endorsement to operate any motorcycle, including mopeds and motorized bicycles. A Class C car license does not cover motorcycles of any size.

Do I need a Class CM before I can get a Class M?

No. Class CM and Class M are separate paths. You do not need to get Class CM first. If you are 18 or older and meet the requirements for Class M, you can go straight to that license without ever holding a Class CM.

What happens if I fail the riding test?

You can retake the riding test. You will need to pay the testing fee again, but you do not have to retake the written test if you already passed it. Most people retake the riding test within a few weeks after their first attempt.

Can I take the riding test on my own motorcycle?

Yes, if you own a 50cc or smaller motorcycle that is street-legal and registered in Texas. Some DPS offices also allow you to use a motorcycle from a training school or rental facility. Call your local DPS office to ask what options are available in your area.

Is a Class CM license valid in other states?

Most states recognize a Texas Class CM license, but motorcycle laws vary by state. If you plan to ride in another state, check that state's motorcycle laws before you go. Some states have different engine size limits or additional requirements.