Are you ready to get out on the open roads of Texas on your motorcycle? Lawfully riding a motorcycle requires you to obtain a motorcycle license. Don't worry-this's pretty much a cut-and-dry process if you know what to do. This guide will provide you with the step-by-step procedures that you will need to acquire your motorcycle license in Texas, whether you're 15 or older!
Texas Motorcycle License Requirements.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has specific requirements for a motorcycle license in the state. The main things to know include the following:
Age: A minimum of 15 years old is required to apply for a motorbike license. Yet if you are under 16 years of age, you are limited to motorcycles having engines 250cc or less.
Safety Course: You are required to take a motorcycle safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for any new rider.
Documents: This contains identification, residency, and citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. A Social Security card may also be requested.
Vision Test: You will have to pass a vision test to show that you can safely operate a motorcycle.
Motorcycle Skills Test: Some DPS offices will demand that you pass a motorcycle skills test, aside from the safety course.
How to Get Your Motorcycle License Step by Step.
Step 1: Take the Motorcycle Safety Course.
Texas requires all newly licensed motorcycle riders to take a Motorcycle Safety Course. This will give you the skills to ride your motorcycle safely, handle your motorcycle, and prevent you from having an accident on the road. First, you will need to sign up for a course with the TDLR, which is their approved list.
Why?
The safety course teaches new riders how to operate a motorcycle safely, and the less accident-prone they are, the better.
Experienced riders can also join the course for refreshing-up of their skills.
Once you pass through the motorcycle safety course, you'll be able to receive a Motorcycle Safety Course Certificate. This certificate will help in the provision of the license, so keep it safe also.
Step 2: Get the Essentials Doc.
You must gather all the required documents before applying for your motorcycle license.
Before going to the DPS office, here are the requirements and documents that you need to bring:
1. Proof of Identity- Birth certificate or Passport
2. Proof of Texas Residency- Utility bills, lease agreements, etc.
3. Social Security Number
4. Motorcycle Safety Course Certificate
Step 3: Apply for a Motorcycle Learner's Permit (Optional).
If you are below 18 or feel like just practicing before taking the test of your skills, you can obtain an application for a learner's permit. With this permit, you can practice riding but must have someone above 21 years old who has a motorcycle license to be with you.
Obtaining this learner's permit requires you to:
1. Finish motorcycle safety course
2. Present all documents requested
Undergo a written knowledge test of which one of its main purposes is to test your knowledge concerning motorcycle riding and all the rules and regulations observed.
Step 4: Take the Vision and Written Test.
You are going to take a vision test at the DPS once you complete the motorcycle safety course. Now, it is not a prerequisite to acquiring your motorcycle license, but it simply makes sure that you can see better to ride safe. Then you will be presented with a written test concerning the road rules as well as the motorcycle laws.
Questions On:
1. Traffic signs and signals
2. Motorcycle control
3. Safe riding techniques
4. Road laws
Study the Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual, available online or at your local DPS office, prior to test.
Step 5: Skills Test.
If you are 18 years of age or older and have completed a safety course, you will likely not have to take the motorcycle skills test however, some DPS offices still require the test, so you may want to prepare yourself in case a test is required.
On the motorcycle skills test, you will be tested to see how well you can
1. Balance and control the motorcycle
2. Use proper signals
3. Ride through cones
4. Execute fast stops
By practicing on a controlled area, you will build up confidence about this test. You will get a Class M license if passed.
Step 6: Pay the Fees.
You have to be willing to pay fees as a requirement for having a motorcycle license. As said, the fees vary from course to course.
Motorcycle Safety Course: The amount collected may vary, but generally, it is between $100-$250.
License Fees: A Texas Class M license will run a person $33 for an adult. If you are younger than 18, it's $16. You can add a Class M endorsement to an existing driver's license for $15.
Come prepared to the DPS office with your payment.
Cost of Getting Motorcycle License in Texas
In all, the cost of obtaining a motorcycle license in Texas may depend on the cost of getting the safety course and the license. For that reason, you expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $300, which usually depends on the course provider and on whether you're applying for a new license or adding an endorsement for a motorcycle to your current license.
Age Restrictions: What You Need to Know
In case you fall between 15 and 17 years, you can still apply for a motorcycle license. However there are restrictions in these cases:
For 15 years: you can only be allowed on 250cc or smaller motorcycles
16 years and above: this allows you to ride any motorcycle size. Of course after you have fully completed the safety course and succeeded in passing the relevant tests, which is a must. On the other hand, for younger applicants, prior approval by the parent or guardian is also necessary on submitting an application.
Buying a Motorcycle at Full Throttle Houston.
So now that you have your motorcycle license, it's time to buy your new motorcycle. Full Throttle Houston is glad to present a fantastic inventory of new and used motorcycles with the great name-brand motorcycles such as Kawasaki, Ducati, and Suzuki. You can find the perfect ride whether you are looking for a beginner-friendly bike or you need something powerful; you will definitely find it at Full Throttle Houston. Check out 7090 SW Freeway, Houston, TX 77074 or call us at (877) 551-9538. We'll find your dream motorcycle today!
Conclusion.
Getting a motorcycle license in Texas may seem somewhat daunting at first glance, but when taken step-by-step, is pretty manageable. First, you take the mandatory safety course, gather all your requirements, and then head to the DPS office. In no time, with a fairly good score, hit the open roads with confidence. And, of course, along the side, pop by Full Throttle Houston for the best motorcycles and expert advice for an improved ride.
For more info on motorcycle licenses in Texas, visit the Texas DPS website.
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Ride safe!