Class CM is a commercial license for drivers who operate motorcycles for hire or as part of their job

A Class CM license on a Texas driver's license means you are legally permitted to operate a motorcycle commercially — that is, to ride a motorcycle while being paid to do so, or as part of your employment. This is distinct from a regular motorcycle endorsement (Class M), which allows you to ride a motorcycle for personal use only. The "C" stands for commercial, and the "M" stands for motorcycle.

If you hold a Class CM license, you can legally ride motorcycles for delivery services, ride-sharing platforms, motorcycle taxi services, or any other paid work that involves operating a motorcycle. Without this class, riding a motorcycle for money — even occasionally — is a violation of Texas transportation code, regardless of whether you hold a regular Class M endorsement.

Class CM is one of several commercial license classes in Texas. Other commercial classes include Class A (combination vehicles over 26,001 pounds), Class B (single vehicles over 26,001 pounds), and Class C (vehicles under 26,001 pounds used to transport passengers or hazardous materials). Class CM sits alongside these but applies only to motorcycles used in a commercial context.

Key Takeaways

  • Class CM allows you to operate a motorcycle for payment or as part of your job, while a regular Class M endorsement is for personal motorcycle use only.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a motorcycle skills test, and a medical examination to obtain Class CM in Texas.
  • Class CM requires you to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Texas driver's license before you can add the commercial motorcycle class.
  • The Class CM designation appears on your license card itself, making it visible to law enforcement during traffic stops.

Requirements to obtain Class CM in Texas

To obtain a Class CM license in Texas, you must first hold a valid Class C driver's license (the standard passenger vehicle license). You cannot jump directly to Class CM; the commercial motorcycle class is an addition to an existing license, not a standalone credential.

You must be at least 18 years old. Texas does not issue commercial licenses to drivers under 18, regardless of experience or parental consent. If you are younger than 18 and want to ride a motorcycle, you can obtain a regular Class M endorsement on your standard license, but you cannot add the commercial designation until you reach 18.

You will need to pass three separate tests: a written knowledge test specific to commercial motorcycles, a motorcycle skills test (the riding test), and a medical examination. The medical exam is required for all commercial license classes in Texas and must be performed by a certified medical examiner. Your doctor cannot perform this exam; it must be done through the Texas Department of Public Safety's approved medical examiner network.

The written test and skills test for Class CM

The written knowledge test for Class CM covers commercial motorcycle operation, safety, and Texas traffic laws as they explore to motorcycles. The test consists of 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass (80 percent). You can take this test at any Texas Department of Public Safety office. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you may request materials in large print or Braille if needed.

The motorcycle skills test is a practical riding examination conducted by a DPS examiner. You must bring your own motorcycle or borrow one that meets Texas safety standards — the DPS does not provide test motorcycles. The motorcycle must be street-legal, have working brakes and lights, and display a valid license plate. The examiner will observe you performing basic maneuvers: starting the engine, accelerating, braking, turning, and stopping. The test takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and is conducted in a controlled area, not on public roads.

If you already hold a Class M endorsement (regular motorcycle), you may not be required to retake the skills test when upgrading to Class CM, depending on how recently you passed it. Contact your local DPS office to confirm whether your existing Class M skills test result will transfer.

Medical examination requirements for commercial motorcycle licensing

All commercial driver's licenses in Texas, including Class CM, require a medical examination performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. This is not a routine physical; it is a specific examination designed to assess your fitness to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

The examiner will check your vision (you must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, corrected or uncorrected), hearing, blood pressure, and general physical condition. They will also review your medical history for conditions that could impair your ability to ride safely — such as seizure disorders, severe arthritis, or certain medications that cause drowsiness. The examination costs between $60 and $150, depending on the examiner; the DPS does not set a fixed fee.

Once the examiner completes the form (MCSA-5875), you must bring the original to your DPS office when you explore for Class CM. The medical certificate is valid for two years from the date of the examination. If your certificate expires before your Class CM license is renewed, you will need a new medical exam to renew the commercial class.

how the process works for Class CM at the Texas DPS

Visit your local Texas Department of Public Safety driver's license office in person. You cannot obtain Class CM by mail or online; the process and testing must be done face-to-face. Bring the following documents: your current Texas driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your completed medical examination form (MCSA-5875).

At the office, you will complete the process form (DL-44) and pay the fee. The fee for adding a commercial class to an existing license varies but is typically between $20 and $30. You will then take the written knowledge test at the office. If you pass, you will schedule a separate appointment for the skills test, which may be on the same day or within a few days, depending on examiner availability.

Once you pass both the written and skills tests, the DPS will issue your new license with the Class CM designation. The new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Differences between Class CM and Class M endorsements

A Class M endorsement allows you to ride any motorcycle for personal use — commuting, recreation, or hobby riding. A Class M rider can legally operate a motorcycle on public roads but cannot accept payment for doing so. If you are paid to ride a motorcycle and hold only a Class M endorsement, you are in violation of Texas transportation code.

A Class CM license removes that restriction. You can ride a motorcycle for payment, as part of your job, or for personal use. Class CM is a superset of Class M; it grants all the rights of Class M plus the right to operate a motorcycle commercially. You do not need both; Class CM alone covers all motorcycle riding scenarios.

The renewal process differs slightly. A Class M endorsement renews with your regular driver's license every 8 years (or 5 years if you are over 85). A Class CM license must be renewed every 4 years, and you must pass a new medical examination at each renewal. This more frequent renewal reflects the higher safety standards required for commercial driving.

Common reasons Class CM is denied or suspended

The DPS may deny your Class CM process if you fail the written or skills test. You can retake either test, but you must wait at least one day between attempts. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the tests, but each attempt costs the full test fee again.

Your Class CM license can be suspended or revoked if you accumulate traffic violations, are convicted of certain crimes, or fail to maintain a valid medical certificate. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent and requires a new process and testing to restore. If your medical certificate expires and you do not renew it before your license renewal date, your Class CM designation will be removed, though your regular Class C license will remain valid.

If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or refuse a breath or blood test, your Class CM is automatically suspended for at least 180 days, even if the offense occurred in a personal vehicle. Commercial license holders face stricter penalties than regular drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Class CM if I deliver food on a motorcycle for a gig app?

Yes. If you are paid to ride a motorcycle — whether through a delivery app, taxi service, or any other arrangement — you must hold a Class CM license. Gig work counts as commercial operation. Riding without the proper class is a violation, even if you only do it part-time or occasionally.

Can I get Class CM if I have a DUI on my record?

A single DUI does not automatically disqualify you, but it will be reviewed during your process. The DPS considers the age of the conviction, whether you completed any required programs, and your driving record since then. Contact your local DPS office to discuss your specific situation before explore.

How long does it take to get Class CM after I pass the tests?

Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you pass both the written and skills tests. You can use a temporary paper license in the meantime if you need to ride commercially before the card arrives. Ask the DPS office for a temporary license when you complete your testing.

What happens to my Class CM if I move out of Texas?

Your Texas Class CM license remains valid in Texas only. If you move to another state, you must obtain a driver's license in that state. Some states will transfer a commercial motorcycle class from another state, but others require you to retake the tests. Contact the DMV in your new state to learn their transfer policy.

Can I add Class CM to my license without retaking the written test if I already have Class M?

You must still pass the commercial motorcycle written test to add Class CM, even if you hold a regular Class M endorsement. The written test covers commercial-specific rules and regulations that differ from personal motorcycle operation. However, your existing Class M skills test may transfer, so you might not need to retake the riding portion.