Harlene Labrum | July 25, 2022 | Tennessee Law
How To Get A Motorcycle License In Tennessee?
In every state, motorcyclists must have a valid license to operate motorcycles and other motor vehicles. However, the requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license vary from one state to another. We want to help those interested understand how to get a motorcycle license, as the requirements for obtaining a license in Tennessee differ from other states. Motorcyclists can apply for a motorcycle-only license without having a standard driver’s license. However, motorcyclists who do not have a driver’s license in Tennessee must complete additional requirements to get a motorcycle license. Motorcyclists or other motorists who have been involved in a traffic accident involving motorcycles may want to consider speaking with a knowledgeable car accident attorney at Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers. Our personal injury attorneys are prepared to answer questions and may be able to help those involved in motorcycle accidents understand their legal rights. Feel free to visit our team at (615) 685-8546 for a free case evaluation.
What Is a Motorcycle License in Tennessee?
Generally, when people say a “motorcycle license,” they are referring to a Class M motorcycle operator license. In Tennessee, an individual must be at least 16 years of age to be eligible for obtaining a Class M motorcycle license. In order to obtain a Class M license in Tennessee, the individual must meet specific requirements, including but not limited to passing the knowledge test, vision screening, and motorcycle ability skills test.
Motorcyclists can hold a Class M license as a single license or in addition to another license (e.g., a driver’s license). Our state also allows individuals 15 years of age to obtain a special permit to operate motorcycles and motor-driven cycles. However, the permit comes with certain restrictions.
Types of Motorcycle Licenses in Tennessee
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, there are four different types of motorcycle licenses in Tennessee. It is vital to understand the type of license you will apply for to understand how to get a motorcycle license. The requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license vary from one license type to another.
Motorcycle Only (Class M)
The individual who has this motorcycle license can operate two- and three-wheel motor vehicles of more than 126 cubic centimeters. If the individual does not have a standard driver’s license to operate passenger cars, they must also pass the knowledge test to get a Class M motorcycle-only license.
Motorcycle Secondary (Class M)
If the individual has a valid driver’s license, obtaining a Class M license will result in the addition of a motorcycle as the secondary position on their license. Individuals over the age of 16 who have this license can operate motorcycles in addition to passenger vehicles.
Motor-Driven Cycles (Scooters) (Class M-Limited)
This motorcycle license class applies to two- and three-wheel motor vehicles, including scooters, with a convert volume of 125 or less cubic centimeters. If an applicant is 15 years of age, they will be allowed to drive a motorcycle or scooter between 4 am and 8 pm. This type of license also prohibits 15-year-olds from riding beyond a 7-mile radius of the holder’s home.
Motorcycle Learner’s Permit (Class P-M)
Applicants below the age of 16 can obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit if they follow strict rules. The cylinder size of the motorcycle cannot exceed 650 cubic centimeters. The holder of the Class P-M license is not allowed to ride with passengers. Holders of the license are also prohibited from riding motorcycles on interstate highways and any other unmarked roadways. Riders with a motorcycle learner’s permit may only ride during daylight hours within a 20-mile radius of their home.
Victims who have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Tennessee may want to consider contacting a skilled attorney at Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss their legal rights and determine the best course of action to obtain compensation for your losses.
How to Get a Motorcycle License in Tennessee?
Those interested can apply for a motorcycle license at a full-service Driver Service Center in their area. For example, in Rutherford County, a full-service Driver Service Center is in Murfreesboro. The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security provides a list of Driver Service Center locations.
At the Driver Service Center, motorists can file an application for a motorcycle license as well as take a mandatory motorcycle knowledge test and road skills test. The tests and examinations required for a motorcycle license depend on whether you have a standard driver’s license.
Applicants who hold a driver’s license and demonstrate a certificate of completion from a Certified Motorcycle Rider Education Program are not required to take a motorcycle knowledge and road test when applying for a motorcycle license in Tennessee. An MREP certificate is valid for 12 months.
Individuals applying for a motorcycle license may also waive the ability skills test if they show a certificate of completion of a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course in Tennessee or another state. The applicant might get a waiver if they completed the course within three years of the date of filing their application.
Note: Motorcycle Safety Foundation certificates cannot be used to waive the mandatory knowledge test when applying for a Class D license.
Tests and Examinations for a Motorcycle License in Tennessee
The tests and examinations that a person applying for a motorcycle license in Tennessee must take depend on whether the applicant has a valid driver’s license. Applicants who hold a Class D license are required to submit to tests and examinations including:
- Vision screening
- Motorcycle skills and road test
- The motorcycle road knowledge test
- Pre-trip motorcycle inspection
If the applicant does not have a Class D license, the required examination and tests will include:
- Vision screening
- Motorcycle skills and road test
- The motorcycle road knowledge test
- Pre-trip motorcycle inspection
- The regular road knowledge test
Individuals applying for a motorcycle license in Tennessee cannot use all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or other off-road vehicles to pass a motorcycle skills and road test.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers
Those involved in motorcycle accidents may want to consider speaking with an experienced attorney to protect their legal rights. Seeking compensation as an injured motorcycle rider or passenger vehicle occupant can be complicated.
There are many inexperienced motorcyclists on Tennessee roadways which contribute to accidents. Not all motorcyclists know or obey traffic laws, which is why collisions are sometimes unavoidable. Those with questions or who want more information regarding how to get a motorcycle license may want to consider scheduling a free case evaluation with Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers.
We proudly serve Nashville, Brentwood, and its surrounding areas in Tennessee:
Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers – Nashville
315 Deaderick St, Suite 1525
Nashville, TN 37238
(615) 685-8546
Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers – Brentwood
320 Seven Springs Way, Suite 250
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 455-3384