# Are There Different Types of Motorcycle Licenses in Texas? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Class M Motorcycle Operator’s License 2. Class M Restricted Licenses 3. Step-by-Step Guide To Obtaining a Motorcycle License in Texas 4. Once You Obtain Your License 5. Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 6. Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Are There Different Types of Motorcycle Licenses in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Are-There-Different-Types-of-Motorcycle-Licenses-in-Texas-300x200.jpg) Driving a car is one activity, but operating a motorcycle is another. Riding a motorcycle requires a different set of skills than driving a car. That is why [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/), like other states, requires you to obtain a separate [motorcycle license](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/motorcycle-license) before you can legally operate a motorcycle on public roads. Texas offers more than one type of motorcycle license. ## Class M Motorcycle Operator’s License Texas offers a Class M motorcycle operator’s license, which represents full qualification to operate a motorcycle. You must be at least 16 years old to obtain an unrestricted Class M license. See the section farther below for step-by-step instructions on how to obtain one. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Class M Restricted Licenses A Class M motorcycle license is the least restricted motorcycle license that Texas offers. Following are descriptions of more restricted versions. ### The “J” Restriction: Learner License A “learner license,” commonly known as a learner’s permit, allows you to operate a motorcycle while you are practicing your skills. The aim is to prepare you so that you can eventually test for an unrestricted license. You must be at least 14 years old to obtain a learner’s permit. Under this license, you can only operate a motorcycle if a fully licensed motorcyclist over 21 years old is in sight and watching you. ### The “I” Restriction: 15-Year-Olds You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a Class M motorcycle operator’s license. If you have not yet turned 16, however, Texas will apply an “I” restriction to your motorcycle operator’s license. The I restriction will limit you to operating a motorcycle with no more than 250ccs of piston displacement. You can ask the Texas driver’s license office to remove the 250cc restriction as soon as you turn 16. ## Step-by-Step Guide To Obtaining a Motorcycle License in Texas To obtain a Class M Texas motorcycle operator’s license, you must generally complete the following steps:  1. If you are under 18 and you want an unrestricted M license, you must first either obtain a Class C (automobile) learner’s permit or driver’s license, or you must successfully complete the classroom portion of a driver’s ed class. 2. Take a [motorcycle safety course](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/training-operations-tod) that has been approved by the Texas state government. You have to go on location; you cannot do this online. Some schools allow you to use one of their motorcycles. 3. Go to the [Texas Driver License Office](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license) with your Class C license or proof that you have completed driver education. You will also need to prove your identity and your Texas residency. 4. If you are under 18, you need the signature of a parent or guardian or a signed high school [Certificate of Enrollment and Attendance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certificate_of_attendance). 5. Take a vision test. 6. Pay the appropriate testing fees. 7. Take a knowledge test (Texas will waive this requirement if you’ve already passed the [TX Basic Rider Course](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mot/find-schools.htm)). 8. Take the motorcycle skills exam. This is a road test. You will need to bring a motorcycle, a car, and a driver for the car (to follow you while you’re taking the test). There will be a fee to collect the license. You may be able to waive some of the foregoing requirements in certain situations, such as if you already have a motorcycle license from another state (see [here](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/motorcycle-license) for full details). You need special endorsements to operate certain types of motorcycles, such as three-wheeled motorcycles or a motorcycle with a sidecar. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Once You Obtain Your License Once Texas issues you a motorcycle operator’s license, it is your responsibility to comply with all legal requirements that apply to motorcycle operators.  ### Helmets By default, motorcyclists are required to [wear helmets in the State of Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/do-you-have-to-wear-a-motorcycle-helmet-in-texas/). However, if you are over the age of 21 and have completed a Motorcycle Operator Training Course or have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage, you are not legally required to wear one. ### Insurance Texas requires motorcycle operators to purchase “20/60/25” liability insurance. This insurance will cover up to $30,000 liability per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 in [property damage](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/property-damage/) liability. This insurance will not cover your losses, only your liability to others if you cause an accident. You have the option of purchasing better insurance coverage if you are willing to pay for it. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer [Motorcycle accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/) frequently result in [death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/) and catastrophic injury. If you believe someone else caused your motorcycle accident, the odds are better than 50/50 that you’re right. In the [United States](https://www.usa.gov/), most motorists simply aren’t watching out for motorcyclists.  Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer for a free initial case consultation to learn about how you could hold the at-fault party liable for your damages. ## Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Motorcycle Accidents Blog Posts: [![Laws For Electric Scooters In Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Laws-For-Electric-Scooters-In-Texas-300x225.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/laws-for-electric-scooters-in-texas/) [Laws for Electric Scooters in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/laws-for-electric-scooters-in-texas/) In Texas, electric scooters provide a fun, convenient way of commuting short distances in busy neighborhoods like The [![Common Road Dangers for Motorcyclists in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/common-road-dangers-for-motorcyclists-in-houston-tx/) [Common Road Dangers for Motorcyclists in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/common-road-dangers-for-motorcyclists-in-houston-tx/) Motorcyclists face many road dangers. Because of the balance required to operate a motorcycle, surface [![Facts About Road Rash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/facts-about-road-rash/) [Facts About Road Rash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/facts-about-road-rash/) Road rash is a physical injury that is all too familiar to those who ride motorcycles. The injury is not exclusive to [![Motorcycle Roadway Hazards](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Motorcycle-Roadway-Hazards-300x188.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-roadway-hazards/) [Motorcycle Roadway Hazards](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-roadway-hazards/) Every day, Texas roadways carry residents and visitors across our great state. In fact, Texas has more than 683,000 --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/are-there-different-types-of-motorcycle-licenses-in-texas/