Texas laws and your license
Questions and answers
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What must you complete before you can obtain a Texas motorcycle license?
A TDLR-approved motorcycle operator training course
Texas requires every applicant to complete a TDLR-approved motorcycle operator training course before licensing.
The Rider and the Motorcycle · THE RIDER AND THE MOTORCYCLE ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which of these is on the list of equipment Texas law requires on a motorcycle?
A horn and a mirror
Required motorcycle equipment includes a horn, mirror, brakes, lamps, a rear red reflector and more. A windshield is not on the list.
Riding Texas Highways · EQUIPMENT ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How many head lamps does Texas law require on a motorcycle?
One
The required equipment list calls for one head lamp, one tail lamp and one stop lamp.
Riding Texas Highways · EQUIPMENT ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What must a motorcycle have at the rear besides a tail lamp and a stop lamp?
A license plate lamp and a rear red reflector
Texas law requires a license plate lamp and a rear red reflector on motorcycles.
Riding Texas Highways · EQUIPMENT ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What equipment must a motorcycle have for a passenger, under the Texas equipment list?
Footrests and handholds for the passenger
The required equipment list includes footrests and handholds for a passenger.
Riding Texas Highways · EQUIPMENT ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which list matches the equipment Texas law requires on a moped?
Brake, head lamp, reflector, rear lamp
For mopeds the law requires a brake, a head lamp, a reflector and a rear lamp.
Riding Texas Highways · EQUIPMENT ↗PDF, 8 MB -
The law requires only minimum equipment. What does the manual recommend for surviving in traffic?
A mirror on each side
Beyond the legal minimum, a mirror on each side and extra reflectors are recommended.
Riding Texas Highways · EQUIPMENT ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What license does a person need to operate a moped on a public highway in Texas?
A Class M motorcycle license
The Class M requirement also covers three-wheel motorcycles, motor driven cycles and mopeds.
Riding Texas Highways · RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which motorcycles must be ridden with the headlight on?
Motorcycles manufactured after 1975
Texas law requires the headlight on for motorcycles built after 1975, day or night.
Riding Texas Highways · RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which helmet standard does Texas require for operators and passengers?
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218
Required helmets must meet FMVSS-218.
Riding Texas Highways · RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Does the Texas helmet requirement apply to mopeds and three-wheel motorcycles?
Yes, regardless of size or number of wheels
The helmet rule covers all motorcycles and mopeds of any size and any number of wheels.
Riding Texas Highways · RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
At what age can a rider be exempt from wearing a helmet in Texas?
21 or older
Riders 21 and older can be exempt if they completed an approved course or have medical insurance.
Riding Texas Highways · RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
A 23-year-old rider has medical insurance. What must the proof of insurance show to qualify for the helmet exemption?
The insurer name, the policy number and the policy period
The card or certificate must contain the insurer, the policy number and the policy period.
Riding Texas Highways · RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What license restriction applies to someone who completes a course for three-wheel motorcycles?
They may operate only three-wheel motorcycles
Texas law restricts people trained on three-wheel motorcycles to operating only three-wheel motorcycles.
Riding Texas Highways · RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
An adult age 20 has never held a driver license of any class. What must they complete in addition to the motorcycle course?
An Adult Driver Education course
Adults 18 through 24 without a current driver license must complete Adult Driver Education.
Riding Texas Highways · Adult Motorcycle Operator Licensing ↗PDF, 8 MB -
When is the Class M knowledge test waived?
When you completed a TDLR-approved course and present the completion certificate
Presenting the course certificate at application waives the Class M knowledge test.
Riding Texas Highways · Adult Motorcycle Operator Licensing ↗PDF, 8 MB -
You take the skills test on someone else’s motorcycle and you are 19. What must you wear?
A helmet
An operator using a borrowed motorcycle for the test must wear a helmet unless 21 or older and meeting the course or insurance rule.
Riding Texas Highways · RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Who has the motorcycle skills test waived?
Applicants 18 and older with a course certificate and an unrestricted Class A, B, or C license
Adults with a valid course certificate and an unrestricted Class A, B or C license skip the skills test.
Riding Texas Highways · RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
A 17-year-old completed the approved course. Must they still pass a skills test?
Yes, minors must pass a skills test before getting a Class M license
Minors are not eligible for the skills test waiver.
Riding Texas Highways · RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
When may a motorcycle operator carry a passenger?
Only if it has a permanent passenger seat, footrests and handholds
A passenger may be carried only on a motorcycle with a permanent passenger seat, footrests and handholds.
Riding Texas Highways · RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
For how long is the course completion certificate valid for licensing?
Two years from the date of issuance
The course certificate can be used for licensing for two years, which is 24 months.
Riding Texas Highways · LICENSING AND OPERATION ↗PDF, 8 MB -
You move to Texas holding another state’s motorcycle license. Must you show proof of course completion?
No, out-of-state motorcycle license holders are not required to
Out-of-state applicants who already hold a motorcycle license do not need to show course completion.
Riding Texas Highways · LICENSING AND OPERATION ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What must you provide to take a skills test?
Your own motorcycle plus a passenger vehicle and licensed driver for the examiner
Applicants supply their motorcycle and a car with a licensed driver to carry the examiner, with liability insurance on both.
Riding Texas Highways · Skills Test and Waiver Information ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How many basic skills are scored on the motorcycle skills test?
Four
The skills test scores control, observation, positioning and signaling.
Riding Texas Highways · Skills Test and Waiver Information ↗PDF, 8 MB -
On the skills test, what does “Observation” mean?
Your ability to see what other traffic is doing
Observation is seeing what other traffic is doing and other things that may create problems.
Riding Texas Highways · Skills Test and Waiver Information ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is the youngest age at which a minor can take the approved course and apply for a motorcycle license?
15
Minors ages 15 through 17 must pass the approved course before applying.
Riding Texas Highways · Requirements for Licensing ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What must a minor complete before taking the motorcycle course?
The entire classroom phase of a driver education course
Minors must finish the full classroom phase of driver education first and should hold a Class C learner or unrestricted license.
Riding Texas Highways · Requirements for Licensing ↗PDF, 8 MB -
A 15-year-old gets a motorcycle license. What engine size limit applies?
No more than 250cc piston displacement
Minors under 16 are limited to motorcycles of no more than 250cc. The limit may be removed at 16.
Riding Texas Highways · Requirements for Licensing ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which restriction code on the license shows the 250cc limit for riders under 16?
Code “I”
The 250cc restriction for riders under 16 is shown as restriction code I.
Riding Texas Highways · Requirements for Licensing ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which feature is part of the Texas definition of an auto cycle?
A steering wheel
An auto cycle has no more than three wheels on the ground, a steering wheel and a seat that is not straddled.
Riding Texas Highways · Auto Cycle ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Under Texas law, where must the approach for a right turn and the turn itself be made?
As close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge
A motorcycle right of center in its lane complies with this law while still protecting its lane position.
Riding Texas Highways · Requirements for Licensing ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Where must a motorcycle or moped be registered?
Through the County Tax Assessor-Collector in the county of residence
Vehicles ridden on public roads are registered with the county tax assessor-collector where the owner lives.
Riding Texas Highways · Registration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How often must a Texas-registered motorcycle be inspected?
Yearly
All Texas-registered motor vehicles, including motorcycles, mopeds and scooters, are inspected every year.
Riding Texas Highways · Inspection ↗PDF, 8 MB -
For registration purposes, how long is the Vehicle Inspection Report valid?
90 days from the month of inspection
Keep the printed report, which counts for registration for 90 days.
Riding Texas Highways · Inspection ↗PDF, 8 MB -
When must you show proof of liability insurance?
When the vehicle is registered or inspected, or for an original Texas license
Liability insurance proof is needed at registration, inspection and when getting an original Texas license.
Riding Texas Highways · Insurance ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Without a helmet, how much more likely are you to suffer a critical head injury in a crash?
Five times
Head injuries cause most motorcycle deaths, and riding without a helmet makes a critical head injury five times more likely.
Riding Texas Highways · BE ROAD READY ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is the fine for parking a motorcycle in a disabled person parking space without authorization?
$500 to $750
Parking, standing or stopping in a disabled space without a disabled plate or placard carries a $500 to $750 fine.
Disabled Parking · DISABLED PARKING ↗PDF, 8 MB -
When may you use a disabled parking windshield identification card?
Only when transporting the disabled person it was issued to
The card may not be used unless the person it was issued to is being transported, and it may not be lent.
Disabled Parking · DISABLED PARKING ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why should a motorcycle not be parked in the striped area next to a handicap space?
The striped area is for wheelchair lifts
The striped areas next to disabled spaces and in front of entrances must stay clear for wheelchair lifts.
Disabled Parking · Do NOT park in striped areas ↗PDF, 8 MB -
For how long is a Motorcycle Safety Course certificate valid?
24 months
The certificate is good for 24 months and lets DPS waive the knowledge test.
Earning your license · EARNING YOUR LICENSE ↗PDF, 8 MB -
In the group riding hand signals, what does a left arm raised with the index finger extended straight up mean?
Single file
One finger up means single file. Index and middle finger up means double file.
Hand Signals · HAND SIGNALS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which hand signal means stop?
Left arm extended straight down, palm facing back
Stop is the left arm straight down with the palm facing back.
Hand Signals · HAND SIGNALS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What does a left arm extended straight out, palm facing down, swinging down to your side mean?
Slow down
Palm down swinging down means slow down. Palm up swinging upward means speed up.
Hand Signals · HAND SIGNALS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How do you signal a hazard in the roadway on the right side?
Point with your right foot
Point with the left hand for a hazard on the left and with the right foot for one on the right.
Hand Signals · HAND SIGNALS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What does tapping the top of your helmet with an open palm down signal?
Highbeam
A tap on the helmet with the palm down is the highbeam signal.
Hand Signals · HAND SIGNALS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which hand signal asks for a refreshment stop?
Fingers closed, thumb to mouth
Thumb to mouth means refreshment stop. A clenched fist moving up and down means comfort stop.
Hand Signals · HAND SIGNALS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What does opening and closing your hand with fingers and thumb extended tell another rider?
Your turn signal is on
This signal tells a rider that their turn signal has been left on.
Hand Signals · HAND SIGNALS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Who is required to take a TDLR-approved Motorcycle Operator Training Course?
Everyone who wants a motorcycle operator’s license
Completing the approved course is a condition for every motorcycle license applicant.
Frequently Asked Questions · FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
At about how many sites in Texas are the motorcycle courses available?
More than 200
Courses run at more than 200 sites around the state, on varying days and times.
Frequently Asked Questions · FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which group riding signal is a left arm extended straight up from the shoulder, palm forward?
Follow me
Follow me is the left arm straight up with the palm forward. Stop is the left arm straight down.
Hand Signals · HAND SIGNALS ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How do you signal the group to speed up?
Left arm extended straight out, palm facing up, swing upward
Palm up swinging upward means speed up. Palm down swinging down means slow down.
Hand Signals · HAND SIGNALS ↗PDF, 8 MB