A Class CM license is a commercial driver's license restricted to driving only motorcycles
The Class CM designation in Texas means you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) but are restricted to operating motorcycles only. You cannot drive any other commercial vehicle — no trucks, buses, or combination vehicles. This is different from a regular motorcycle endorsement on a non-commercial license; a Class CM is a full CDL that comes with federal medical certification requirements and the same record-keeping obligations as other commercial licenses.
Texas issues Class CM licenses to people who operate motorcycles for hire or as part of a business. Examples include motorcycle delivery drivers, motorcycle taxi operators, or anyone who rides a motorcycle as their primary work vehicle and meets the definition of a commercial driver under federal law. The restriction keeps you from operating any vehicle outside the motorcycle category, even if you hold other endorsements.
Key Takeaways
- A Class CM license is a commercial motorcycle license that requires federal medical certification and carries the same record-keeping rules as other CDLs.
- You must be at least 18 years old to hold a Class CM, and you need a valid non-commercial motorcycle license or endorsement first.
- The written test covers motorcycle-specific commercial driving rules, and you must pass a skills test on a motorcycle.
- Your Class CM license is valid for five years and requires renewal through the Texas Department of Public Safety, with medical certification renewed every two years.
Age and Licensing Requirements to Obtain Class CM
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class CM license in Texas. There is no upper age limit, but you must meet federal medical certification standards, which include vision, hearing, and general health requirements. The medical exam is performed by a certified medical examiner and must be completed before you take the skills test.
Before you can test for a Class CM, you must already hold a valid Texas motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement on a non-commercial driver's license. You cannot jump directly to a commercial motorcycle license without first proving you can operate a motorcycle safely on a non-commercial basis. If you do not yet have a motorcycle license, you will need to obtain one first through the standard motorcycle licensing process.
Documents and Medical Certification You Will Need
Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency to the DPS office. You will also need to present your medical examiner's certificate (Form MCSA-5875), which must be dated within 14 days of your CDL test. This certificate proves you have passed the federal medical examination required for all commercial drivers.
The medical exam covers vision (at least 20/40 in each eye, corrected or uncorrected), hearing, blood pressure, and general health history. You must disclose any conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely, including diabetes, heart conditions, sleep apnea, or medications that impair judgment. The medical examiner will note any restrictions on your certificate — for example, corrective lenses required, or daylight driving only.
If you wear corrective lenses, bring them to both the medical exam and the DPS test. If you use hearing aids, bring them as well. The medical examiner will test you with the aids in place, and your certificate will reflect that requirement.
Written Test and Skills Test for Class CM
You must pass two written tests: the general knowledge test and the motorcycle-specific test. Both are administered at the DPS office. The general knowledge test covers federal regulations, vehicle inspection, and safe driving practices. The motorcycle test covers motorcycle-specific rules, including braking, turning, weight distribution, and hazard recognition on two wheels.
After passing both written tests, you will schedule a skills test on a motorcycle. You must bring your own motorcycle or arrange to use one that meets Texas testing standards. The motorcycle must be street-legal, registered, and insured. During the skills test, an examiner will observe your ability to mount and dismount, perform basic maneuvers, accelerate and brake smoothly, and navigate turns and obstacles. The test typically takes 15 to 20 minutes of actual riding.
You cannot use a motorcycle with training wheels, a sidecar, or an automatic transmission unless you have a specific restriction on your non-commercial license that requires it. If you do use an automatic, your Class CM will be restricted to automatic motorcycles only.
Fees and Timeline for Class CM Licensing
The written test fee is $20 per test (so $40 total for both tests if you fail one and retake it). The skills test fee is $50. The Class CM license itself costs $45 for a five-year license. The medical examination is not performed by DPS and is not included in these fees; you pay the medical examiner directly, and costs typically range from $75 to $150 depending on the examiner.
The entire process from first visit to DPS to receiving your Class CM license usually takes two to four weeks. This timeline assumes you already hold a valid motorcycle license and have passed your medical exam. If you need to obtain a motorcycle license first, add another two to four weeks. DPS will issue your license by mail after you pass the skills test.
Renewal and Medical Recertification Requirements
Your Class CM license is valid for five years from the date of issue. However, your medical certification must be renewed every two years. This means you will need to visit a medical examiner and obtain a new Form MCSA-5875 halfway through your license term, even though your license itself is still valid.
To renew your Class CM license, you can renew online through the Texas DPS website if you have no violations or medical changes, or you can renew in person at a DPS office. If you renew online, you do not need to retake the written or skills tests, but you must submit a current medical certificate. If you renew in person, you may be required to pass the written tests again depending on your driving record and the time elapsed since your last test.
If your medical certification expires before your license renewal date, your Class CM becomes invalid for commercial driving purposes until you obtain a new medical certificate. You can still ride a motorcycle for personal use, but you cannot operate it commercially.
Restrictions and What You Cannot Drive with Class CM
A Class CM license restricts you to motorcycles only. You cannot operate any truck, bus, tractor-trailer, or passenger vehicle, even if you hold endorsements for those vehicles on a separate non-commercial license. If you need to drive both commercial motorcycles and other commercial vehicles, you must obtain a different class of CDL (such as Class A or B) instead of Class CM.
If you receive a traffic violation or conviction while holding a Class CM, it will be recorded on your commercial driving record and may affect your ability to renew or hold the license. Violations include speeding, reckless driving, operating without a valid medical certificate, or riding under the influence. Some violations can result in disqualification from holding a CDL for a set period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Class CM if I already have a regular driver's license?
No. You must first obtain a valid non-commercial motorcycle license or endorsement in Texas. Once you hold that, you can then test for the Class CM commercial restriction. The non-commercial motorcycle license proves you can safely operate a motorcycle before you can do so commercially.
What happens if my medical certificate expires before my license renewal?
Your Class CM becomes invalid for commercial driving when ready when the medical certificate expires. You can renew the medical certificate at any time by visiting a medical examiner. Once you have a new certificate, you can resume commercial motorcycle operation. You do not need to retake the written or skills tests.
Can I use an automatic motorcycle for the Class CM skills test?
Yes, but if you do, your Class CM license will be restricted to automatic motorcycles only. You will not be able to operate a manual transmission motorcycle commercially. If you want to ride both types, you must pass the skills test on a manual transmission motorcycle.
Do I need to renew my Class CM in person or can I do it online?
You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if you have no violations and your medical certificate is current. Online renewal does not require retesting. If you have violations or medical changes, you must renew in person at a DPS office, and you may need to retake the written tests.
What is the difference between Class CM and a motorcycle endorsement on a regular license?
A motorcycle endorsement on a non-commercial license allows you to ride a motorcycle for personal use. A Class CM is a commercial license that allows you to operate a motorcycle as part of a business or for hire. Class CM requires federal medical certification and carries stricter record-keeping and violation reporting requirements.