What you need to ride a motorcycle in Texas

Texas requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license before you can legally ride a motorcycle on public roads. You cannot straightforward ride with a regular car license. The endorsement proves you have passed a written test and a riding skills test specific to motorcycles.

You have two paths: get a motorcycle permit first (which lets you practice under restrictions), or skip the permit and go straight to the endorsement test. Most riders choose the permit route because it gives you time to build skills before the final exam.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues both the permit and the endorsement. You will explore at your local DPS office, bring specific documents, and pay a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A motorcycle permit in Texas costs $16 and lasts for 180 days; you can renew it once for another 180 days if you need more practice time.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to get a permit, and riders under 18 need parental consent and must complete a safety course to skip the riding test.
  • With a permit, you can only ride during daylight hours, cannot carry passengers, and must wear a helmet and eye protection at all times.
  • To convert your permit to an endorsement, you pass a written test at the DPS office and either pass a riding skills test or show proof of completing an approved motorcycle safety course.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and motorcycle-specific hazards; you need 70 percent to pass.

Age requirements and parental consent

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle permit in Texas. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form at the DPS office. Bring a photo ID of the parent or guardian along with your own documents.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent. You can explore on your own with just your identification and proof of residency.

Documents you need to bring

Bring these documents to your local DPS office when you explore for a motorcycle permit:

  • A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • Proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days)
  • Your Social Security number or an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents)
  • If you are under 18: a parent or guardian's photo ID and their signature on the consent form

If you do not have a current Texas driver's license, you will also need to pass a vision test at the DPS office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

The written test and what it covers

The motorcycle permit written test has 25 questions. You must answer at least 18 correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and situations specific to riding a motorcycle—such as how to handle a skid, why lane splitting is illegal in Texas, and how to position yourself in traffic.

You take the test on a computer at the DPS office. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can retake it the same day if you fail, though you may have to pay the fee again depending on your local office's policy.

Study materials are free on the DPS website. The official motorcycle manual covers everything on the test. Many riders also use online practice tests to prepare.

Permit restrictions and how long it lasts

Once you have a motorcycle permit, you can practice riding, but only under these restrictions:

  • You can only ride during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset)
  • You cannot carry passengers
  • You must wear a helmet and eye protection (goggles or a face shield) at all times
  • You cannot ride on interstate highways

Your permit is valid for 180 days from the date of issue. If you need more time to practice, you can renew it once for another 180 days. After that, you must pass the endorsement test or let the permit expire.

The permit costs $16. Renewal costs the same. These fees are paid at the time of process.

Converting your permit to a motorcycle endorsement

To get your full motorcycle endorsement, you must pass a written test and a riding skills test. Both are administered by the DPS.

The written test is the same 25-question test you took for the permit. If you already passed it, you do not take it again—your permit proves you passed. You only need to pass the riding skills test.

The riding skills test is a practical exam where a DPS officer watches you perform specific maneuvers on a motorcycle: starting, stopping, turning, and emergency braking. You must use your own motorcycle or borrow one. The test takes about 20 minutes.

However, if you are under 18 or prefer not to take the riding test, you can skip it by completing an approved motorcycle safety course. The course is usually one or two days long and costs between $100 and $200 depending on the provider. Upon completion, you receive a certificate that you bring to the DPS office, and they issue your endorsement without a riding test.

Approved motorcycle safety courses in Texas

Texas recognizes courses taught by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and other state-approved providers. The most common is the Basic Rider Course (BRC), which teaches classroom and hands-on skills over one or two days.

Many courses provide motorcycles for the test, so you do not need to own one. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, which can offset the cost.

You can find approved courses through the DPS website or by searching for "motorcycle safety course near me." Availability varies by region, and courses often fill up, so book early if you plan to take one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride on the highway with a motorcycle permit?

No. Permit holders cannot ride on interstate highways or limited-access roads. You can only ride on regular streets and state highways during daylight hours. Once you have your endorsement, you can ride anywhere a licensed rider can go.

What happens if my permit expires before I pass the endorsement test?

Your permit is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once for another 180 days. If it expires without renewal, you must reapply and retake the written test. You cannot convert an expired permit to an endorsement.

Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course to get my endorsement?

No. You can pass the riding skills test instead. However, if you are under 18, completing an approved course lets you skip the riding test. Many riders choose the course anyway because it builds confidence and some insurance companies offer discounts for completion.

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a regular driver's license?

No. Riding without a motorcycle permit or endorsement is illegal in Texas and can result in a fine. You must have at least a permit to ride on public roads.

How much does the whole process cost?

The permit costs $16. The endorsement test at the DPS office is free if you already have a permit. If you take a motorcycle safety course instead of the riding test, courses typically cost $100 to $200. Insurance and gear are separate costs not covered by permit or endorsement fees.