There’s nothing like exploring the open roads of Texas in the open air. A motorcycle ride or even a ride on a simple scooter is an exhilarating and eco-friendly option for transportation in Texas. But Texas considers two-wheeled or three-wheeled, motorized forms of transportation as vehicles that require regulation for operators. To legally ride a motorcycle or scooter in Texas, the state requires motorcyclists to have a Class-M license.
Whether you already have a driver’s license and need a motorcycle endorsement, or you have no Texas driver’s license and are seeking only a motorcycle license, you need to know what to expect and what’s expected of you when seeking a motorcycle license in Texas, including requirements for underage riders.
Speak to an Austin motorcycle accident attorney today if you have been involved in an accident and are seeking legal representation.
Applying for a Class-M License in Texas If You Are at Least 18 Years Old
Before an adult motorcyclist can legally ride the roadways in Texas, they must have a valid Class-M license or the addition of the Class-M endorsement to their existing Texas driver’s license. The first step is to complete a DPS-approved motorcycle safety course. After completing the course, they must take the certificate of completion with them to the driver’s license office. This certificate is only valid for 24 months from the date it was issued. If a motorcyclist waits too long to apply for their Class-M license after completing the course and the certificate expires, they must retake the class for a new certificate of completion.
A Motorcyclist with a valid Class-M license from another state doesn’t need to complete a Texas motorcycle safety course to obtain their Texas motorcycle license.
Besides a certificate of motorcycle course completion, adult applicants for a Texas motorcycle license must also have the following:
- Proof of identity and U.S citizenship
- A social security number
- Proof of valid motorcycle insurance coverage
- A motorcycle registration
Adults who do not have a driver’s license must also complete an Adult Driver’s Education course and bring a current certificate of completion. All applicants must pass a written test and a motorcycle street-riding test. This means on the day they apply, motorcyclists must bring a driver and a dependable motorcycle for the test. All applicants must pass a vision test and pay the license fee to obtain the Class-M license.
Under-Age Applicants for a Motorcycle License in Texas
Under-age motorcyclists must be at least 15 years old to legally obtain a license and operate a motorcycle in Texas. As with adult applicants, underage applicants between ages 15 and 18 must have proof of U.S. citizenship, a social security number, and proof of motorcycle registration and insurance as well as a certificate of completion for a motorcycle safety course. In addition, underage motorcyclists must have either a valid learner’s permit or proof of completion of the classroom portion of a driver’s education class (DE964). All applicants must pass a vision test and both a written motorcycle knowledge test and a motorcycle riding test on the street.
A parent must sign an authorization for an underage motorcyclist to obtain a Class-M license. Since an underage applicant for a Texas motorcycle license must bring a motorcycle and a driver, it’s often easiest for a parent to bring their child to apply for their motorcycle license so they can sign the authorization.
Class – J Learner License Restrictions For Under-18 Motorcyclists
You may practice riding while supervised by a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 21 years old and remains within your sight. To remove the “J” restriction, you must complete the Motorcycle Safety Course and submit the certificate to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Minors under 18 years old must pass the motorcycle driving test to have the “J” restriction removed.
Class – I Learner License Restrictions For 15 Year Old Motorcyclists
This restriction applies exclusively to 15-year-olds with a Class M license, limiting them to riding motorcycles with an engine size of 250 cubic centimeters (cc) or smaller. Upon turning 16, you may apply to have the restriction lifted, which requires passing a motorcycle driving test.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Texas?
In Texas, there is a time limit for filing motorcycle accident lawsuits. While most claims are resolved through settlements, you may choose to file a lawsuit if the insurance company fails to offer a satisfactory settlement. To proceed with a lawsuit, you must file a petition within the state’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases; otherwise, the court will not hear your case.
There are exceptions to this time limit. For example:
- If the accident victim is unconscious or incapacitated, they have two years from the date they regain cognitive ability to file.
- Minors have until two years after their 18th birthday to file a claim.
- In cases of delayed injury discovery, the statute of limitations may be extended to two years from the date the injury was reasonably discovered.
How Can Our Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help?
- Comprehensive Claim Management: Motorcycle accident cases often involve unique legal and medical challenges, from proving liability to addressing severe injuries. With extensive experience, Shaw Cowart LLP has the knowledge and skills to effectively manage these complexities. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, our dedicated Round Rock motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to provide expert assistance and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- No Upfront Costs: At Shaw Cowart LLP, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we successfully resolve your case. Our Cedar Park motorcycle accident attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your motorcycle accident claim, examine the details of your case, and develop a strategy to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Objective and Reliable Legal Counsel: Motorcycle accidents can be overwhelming, but our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in San Marcos offer clear, unbiased guidance throughout the process. Shaw Cowart LLP is committed to helping you make informed decisions that prioritize your well-being and best interests every step of the way.
Contact Our Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Shaw Cowart LLP Today
The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Shaw Cowart LLP in Austin are ready to assist you. We are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at 512-499-8900 today for your free case consultation or contact us here and we’ll help set up your appointment.