Motorcycle License

A Motorcycle Operator (Class M) License allows the holder 16 years of age or older to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle over 50cc. A Motorcycle License may be issued on its own or with your Regular Driver License.

Applicants wishing to attain a Motorcycle License should read the Motorcycle Operator Manual which is available online below and in print at all Driver Services Centers.

Two and three-wheeled vehicles are categorized by cylinder capacity and other design features. Anyone with a valid Regular Driver License may operate a motorized bicycle that is 50cc or less.
 

Motorcycle License Types


MOTORCYCLE ONLY (Class-M) (126 cc or more)

A Motorcycle Only License allows the holder 16 years of age or older to operate any two- or three-wheel vehicle of more than 125 cubic centimeters (125 cc). The rider examination will include a vision screening, knowledge test and an on-cycle road skills test. Note: if the applicant does not already have a valid Regular Driver License, the knowledge test for Class D is also required.
 

MOTORCYCLE-SECONDARY (Class-M) (126 cc or more)

The Motorcycle-Secondary License allows the holder 16 years of age or older, to operate any two- or three-wheel vehicle of more than 125 cubic centimeters (125 cc) in the secondary position in addition to other vehicles. The rider examination will include a vision screening, written test and an on-cycle road skills test. The Motorcycle-Secondary License expires when the primary license expires.
 

MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLE (AKA SCOOTER) (Class M-Limited) (from 51-125cc)

The Motor-Driven Cycle License allows the holder 16 years of age or older, to operate any two- or three-wheel vehicle less than 125 cubic centimeters. This includes many scooters. This license issued to a person 15 years of age will be valid only between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. and within a seven (7) mile radius of the rider’s home. The license issued to a person over 16 will only be restricted as deemed necessary by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Minors, 15 years of age, may apply for a restricted license to operate a motorized bicycle that is 50 cc or less, just as they would to operate a motor-driven cycle. The applicant must take a written test, vision test and demonstrate the ability to operate the motorized bicycle. The license issued will be restricted to a motorized bicycle only.
 

MOTORCYCLE LEARNER PERMIT (Class P-M)

A Motorcycle Learner Permit is a special permit allowing minors who are 15 years of age to operate a motorcycle after completing the requirement established for a Motorcycle License with the following restrictions:

  • Must be limited to a motorcycle with a maximum cylinder size of 650 cubic centimeters (650cc)
  • Must not carry passengers
  • Must be restricted from use on interstate highways or roadways otherwise marked
  • Operation between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. only
  • Must be limited to a seven (7) mile radius of the rider’s home

Permits are valid for one (1) year from date of issuance. At the age of 16, the holder of a Motorcycle Learner Permit may return to a Driver Service Center and exchange their permit for a Motorcycle License to retain the privilege of operating a motorcycle.

Note: No tests are required for this exchange. After the exchange some restrictions and size limits are removed.
 

How to Apply for a Motorcycle License

You can apply for a motorcycle license including completing the knowledge and road skills tests at any full-service Driver Services Center in Tennessee. The requirements vary slightly depending on your age and whether you have a valid Regular Driver License or not.

If you successfully complete a Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) course or Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course from another state, you are exempt from taking the motorcycle knowledge and road skills tests. After completing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion and/or a wallet card. The certificate is valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. This course does NOT waive the required knowledge test if you do not already have a Regular (Class D) Driver License.

If you have NOT taken a Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) or Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, but do hold a valid Regular (Class D) Driver License or Teen/Graduated Driver License, your Motorcycle License examination will consist of:

  • Vision screening
  • Motorcycle rules of the road knowledge test
  • Motorcycle pre-trip inspection
  • Motorcycle road skills test

If you do NOT already have a Regular License or Teen/Graduated Driver License, your examination will also include a Regular (Class D) Driver License knowledge test.

To prepare for the Motorcycle rules of the road knowledge test, you will need to study the Motorcycle Operator Manual. To prepare for the Regular (Class D) Driver License knowledge test, you will need to study the Comprehensive Driver License Manual. Both manuals are available online below and in print at all Driver Services Centers.

If you do NOT already have a Regular License or Teen/Graduated Driver License, you will also need to provide:

If you are under eighteen (18) years of age and do not already have a Regular (Class D) Driver License or Teen/Graduated Driver License you will need to provide Motorcycle License plus:

Any unlicensed driver visiting a Driver Services Center to take a skills/road test, must be accompanied by an individual, age 21-years-or-older, with a valid driver license. If an unlicensed driver visits the center and is not accompanied by licensed driver, the individual will not be allowed to proceed with the test. Tennessee law does not allow a person to operate a motor vehicle unless the person has a valid driver license for the type or class of vehicle being driven.  T.C.A. § 55-50-301.

“Off-road” motor vehicles cannot be used for the motorcycle road skills test. It is also important to know that “Off-road” motor vehicles or All-terrain Vehicles (ATVs) may not be driven on any state or federal highways or interstates.