How do Minors get their Class M License?

When you look at the DPS Website and the Texas Statutes, you may not come away with a very clear understanding of how a minor gets their M Endorsement in Texas. The use of the word "may" can plant some uncertainties about what to do in different situations. I've had parents call me to say that one Driver License Office (DLO) tells them one thing and another DLO tells them something different. This blog will try to clear up what a minor must do to get a Class M Endorsement so they can ride legally in Texas.

There are 4 prerequisites that a minor must complete before obtaining a Class M license at the DLO. These are:

1. Complete a Driver Education Course and complete Form DE or DEE-964

2. Present a high school diploma or Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form.

3. Obtain a Class C Driver License or Learner License

4. Complete a 2-day Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse. This will include completing a 5-hour online eCourse and 2 days of riding at a state-approved riding school, like ETEX Motorsports Training. Successful completion of this course then will waive the need to take the knowledge test later at the DLO.

After these steps are completed, there are options relating to when or whether or not a Skill Test (Road Test) is required at the DLO. This is where it can really get confusing and inconsistent at different DLOs.

The following summary has been reviewed and approved by DPS for use here.

Skill (Road) Test

• Required for an unrestricted license under 18yo (15yo is not eligible for an unrestricted license)

• If no skill test is given, the license will require a restriction

I restriction

Required for 15yo, 250cc engine size or less until 16yo

• If a skill test was given at the time a license was issued, no skill test is needed to remove it.

  • A duplicate driver license can be obtained in-person or through an online request, which will automatically remove any restrictions that are no longer applicable.

• If a skill test was not given at the time a license was issued, they are automatically given the J restriction.

J restriction

Ride within sight of someone 21yo or older with a Class M license

• This restriction is automatically applied to anyone under 18yo when no skill test is given.

  • If the restriction is requested to be removed before they are 18yo, a skill test is required.

  • For anyone 18yo or older, the skill test is no longer required to remove the restriction. A duplicate driver license can be obtained in-person or through an online request, which will automatically remove any restrictions that are no longer applicable.

To speak to someone at the Driver License Division at Austin Headquarters, email PublicInquiries.DLD@dps.texas.gov or call 512-424-5454. They can also assist with clarifying rules and policies directly with driver license office across the state.