Applying for a Tennessee Motorcycle License or Motorcycle Permit

Choose the credential for the actual motorcycle

Tennessee's motorcycle application page describes Class M for riders at least 16 and distinguishes full motorcycle authority from limited-cycle privileges. Motorcycle authority can appear alone or with a regular license. If the rider plans to drive cars as well, check that the final credential contains both privileges. A motorcycle-only license should not be mistaken for permission to operate every vehicle covered by an ordinary Class D license.

The state identifies full Class M with motorcycles over 125 cubic centimeters and the limited category with smaller motor-driven cycles in the 51-125 cc range. A vehicle marketed as a scooter can therefore require motorcycle licensing. The regular driver license guidance should be read with the vehicle's design classification. Do not decide solely from a seller's informal description, particularly with an electric machine or a small engine that resembles a motorized bicycle.

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Understand the permit available at age 15

Tennessee describes the PM motorcycle permit as an option for a 15-year-old, with a maximum motorcycle engine size of 650 cc. It prohibits passengers and interstate use, and it carries additional time and home-area limits. The department's motorcycle licensing rule and current application page contain differing descriptions of those time and distance limits. Have Driver Services identify the restrictions that will appear on the issued permit before planning a practice route.

An applicant old enough for full Class M should follow the full-license testing or training-waiver process instead of assuming Tennessee offers the same adult motorcycle learner arrangement used elsewhere. The PM-to-M exchange at 16 also requires an issuance transaction; a birthday does not physically update the credential. Ask the center what must be presented for the exchange and confirm the resulting restrictions before expanding riding to highways or carrying a passenger.

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Use rider education to build skills and qualify for waivers

The state-administered Motorcycle Rider Education Program offers instruction for different experience levels. Its Basic Rider Course combines classroom discussion with riding practice and provides training motorcycles. More experienced riders and trike riders have different course options. Select the course for the licensing outcome and machine you intend to ride, and confirm whether that particular completion qualifies for the application or restriction change you need.

Use the official MREP course-location list to contact a provider about availability, tuition, and required equipment. Program instructions identify a compliant helmet, eye protection, ankle-covering footwear, durable long pants, long sleeves, and full-finger gloves. Ask which items the provider supplies before purchasing or arriving without them. Weather preparation matters because the scheduled practical instruction takes place outdoors, and missing part of the required course can prevent completion.

The current Tennessee application instructions distinguish course origins. Completing Tennessee MREP waives the motorcycle knowledge and road skills tests, while an MSF course completed in another state or country waives only the motorcycle road skills test. The state gives the completion certificate a one-year validity period for this purpose. Check that the certificate identifies the rider correctly and present it during issuance; finishing the class does not automatically place motorcycle authority on the existing license.

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Prepare for the knowledge and document requirements

A rider without an existing Class D license or learner permit must also satisfy the Class D knowledge requirement described by the motorcycle page, even after MREP. Study the comprehensive Tennessee driver manual along with the state's Motorcycle Operator Manual. The general examination and the motorcycle examination cover related but different responsibilities. Vision screening remains part of the licensing process when a course waives the motorcycle tests.

Prepare original identity and status documents, Social Security evidence as applicable, and the required Tennessee residence proofs. Use the current requirements linked through Driver Services helpful information instead of a commercial-driver document list from an unrelated application. Temporary credentials have their own status and expiration rules. If a name changed, assemble the connecting legal document before the appointment so the course certificate, identification, and license application can be reconciled.

For an applicant younger than 18, examine the minor-related documentation in the official forms collection and the motorcycle application requirements. Arrange any required parent or guardian participation and school-related evidence in advance. The adult who gives permission, the adult accompanying an unlicensed applicant to the center, and the person supplying a test motorcycle may have different roles. Confirm those arrangements rather than expecting a course instructor to satisfy them automatically.

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Schedule the correct service and arrive lawfully

The Driver Service Center directory identifies locations and appointments. Confirm that the selected full-service location conducts the motorcycle transaction or test required. Tennessee points applicants to its online scheduling tools, including Driver Services e-Services for available road-test scheduling. A general issuance appointment and a riding-test reservation may involve different arrangements, so state clearly whether you are presenting a waiver certificate or need an on-cycle examination.

An unlicensed applicant cannot treat a test reservation as authority to ride there. Tennessee requires an applicant without a valid driver license to be accompanied by a licensed individual at least 21. Arrange lawful transportation for both the applicant and the motorcycle, consistent with any existing permit. The testing route is not a way to obtain informal practice permission. If the bike is borrowed, make certain its owner authorizes the use and the required vehicle documents are available.

Without an applicable waiver, the examination includes motorcycle knowledge, vision, a pre-trip inspection, and road skills. Bring a motorcycle suitable for the test and lawful for road use; the state excludes off-road vehicles from road testing. Before leaving for the appointment, inspect controls, brakes, tires, signals, lights, and any leaks. Ask the center about its equipment requirements and cancellation procedure if the motorcycle becomes unsafe or the weather prevents a proper test.

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Pay the applicable fee and maintain the credential

The published Tennessee fee schedule lists an eight-year motorcycle-only Class M at $29 and a combined DM at $55. The PM permit entry totals $6.50. These are the table's issuance categories, not a promise that every existing driver pays the full combined-license price to add M. The center calculates the applicable combined, replacement, or renewal transaction. Course tuition and any separate provider charges are additional expenses.

Current renewal instructions explain the standard eight-year credential for adults 21 and older and the in-person photo required every other renewal cycle. Check the actual expiration on a temporary or younger rider's credential. A missing courtesy renewal notice does not extend permission to ride. Before leaving an issuance transaction, inspect the class and restrictions, especially when combining motorcycle privileges with a commercial license or exchanging an age-limited credential.

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Continue safe riding after the application

Tennessee's traffic safety guidance states the helmet requirement for motorcycle operators and passengers. NHTSA's helmet-selection advice explains fit, the federal certification label, and the risks of novelty helmets. Choose equipment that fits the rider securely rather than relying on decorative appearance or a sticker alone. Fasten the chin strap properly and replace equipment according to the applicable safety guidance after damage.

NHTSA's motorcycle safety material also emphasizes pre-ride checks, visibility, and familiarity with an unfamiliar machine. Practice braking and handling in a controlled setting before adding difficult traffic, rain, or a passenger. This guide's motorcycle sources were checked October 21, 2026. Completing the state's application establishes licensing qualification, while the daily decisions about speed, protective clothing, fatigue, and impairment determine how safely that privilege is used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Tennessee issue a motorcycle license without a car license?
Tennessee offers motorcycle-only Class M credentials, while riders who want ordinary car-driving privileges as well need the appropriate combined credential.

Does Tennessee MREP waive both motorcycle tests?
The current state application page says Tennessee MREP completion waives motorcycle knowledge and road skills testing, while vision and any separate Class D knowledge requirement remain.

Is an out-of-state MSF certificate treated the same way?
Tennessee describes an out-of-state or foreign MSF completion as a road-skills waiver only, with the motorcycle knowledge requirement still applicable.

Can a PM permit holder carry another rider?
The Tennessee PM motorcycle permit prohibits passengers, so two-person riding must wait until the issued privilege and vehicle lawfully allow it.

How long is a course completion certificate usable for the waiver?
Tennessee's motorcycle instructions provide a one-year validity period for the completion certificate used in the licensing transaction.

What should I do when published PM restrictions disagree?
Ask Driver Services to confirm the restrictions that apply to the issued permit and plan riding within those confirmed limits before using a disputed route or time period.

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More Tennessee DMV guides

The other Tennessee DMV guides, 52 of them: