Tennessee Motorcycle License

Types of Licenses

Class M License

The Class M license permits individuals aged 16 and older to operate motorcycles or motor-driven cycles with engine capacities exceeding 50cc legally. This license can be obtained independently or alongside a regular driver's license. To qualify for a Class M license, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in motorcycle operation, which includes passing a knowledge test and completing a motorcycle safety course.

Class M-Limited License

The Class M-Limited license is designed for individuals who wish to ride motorcycles or motor-driven cycles with engine capacities of 125cc or less. This license caters primarily to enthusiasts of smaller motorized cycles and scooters, ensuring that riders have the necessary knowledge to operate their vehicles safely.

Class P-M License (Motorcycle Learner Permit)

The Class P-M license, or Motorcycle Learner Permit, is available for minors aged 15 who want to practice riding motorcycles. This permit allows holders to ride under supervision and comes with specific restrictions. It is valid for one year, after which permit holders can exchange it for a full Class M license upon turning 16.

Hardship Driver License

In certain circumstances, minors aged 14 to 15 may obtain a hardship driver license, designated as Class H or XH. This license is issued only in cases of family hardship and allows teens to drive Class D and Class M vehicles. The license remains valid until the day before the holder's 16th birthday.

Temporary Driver License

The Temporary Driver License is issued to individuals who are authorized by the federal government to be in the United States for a specific period. This license allows them to obtain a photo document for both driving and identification during their authorized stay in Tennessee.

Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirements

The minimum age to apply for a motorcycle license in Tennessee is 16 years old. However, individuals as young as 15 may apply for a restricted Motor-Driven Cycle License, which allows them to operate two- or three-wheel vehicles under 125 cubic centimeters, albeit with certain limitations on hours and distance from home.

Permit Requirements

All applicants must first secure a learner's permit. For those under 18, this involves meeting graduated licensing requirements. Specifically, they must obtain a learner's permit at the age of 15, followed by a full motorcycle license at 16, after having practiced with the permit for at least six months.

Testing and Courses

Applicants must pass a vision test, a written knowledge test, and an on-cycle skills test. However, completing an approved motorcycle safety course can waive the on-cycle skills test if the course is taken within three years prior to applying. Additionally, applicants under 18 are required to complete a motorcycle education course and obtain parental consent before applying for the license.

Documentation

Applicants must submit proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and, for those under 18, a Minor or Teenage Affidavit and proof of school attendance. Acceptable proofs of residency include documents such as bank statements, utility bills, and tax forms.

Application Process

Pre-Application

Before visiting a Driver Services Center, applicants can utilize the online pre-application to confirm they have the necessary documents. This pre-approval can take up to five business days and helps streamline the process on the day of the appointment. Applicants are encouraged to schedule their appointment online and locate the nearest Driver Services Center.

Vision Screening

A vision screening is mandatory for all applicants. To qualify, individuals must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye and both eyes combined, whether they wear glasses or contact lenses. If an applicant does not meet the vision requirements, they must obtain an eye statement from a specialist.

Knowledge Test

Applicants are required to pass a motorcycle knowledge test based on the motorcycle driver's manual, covering important topics such as rules of the road and safe driving principles. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, with at least 24 correct answers needed to achieve a passing score of 80 percent. Successful completion is necessary before proceeding to the practical skills test.

Practical Skills Test

The practical skills test assesses an applicant's ability to operate a motorcycle safely under various conditions. This test, which is conducted on-cycle, evaluates skills such as starting, stopping, turning, and following speed limits. For those already holding a valid Class D license, a motorcycle endorsement can be added to their existing license, allowing them to operate motorcycles legally.

Cheating and Retesting

Cheating on any of the required tests results in an automatic failure, and applicants must wait at least 30 days before retaking the exam. Knowledge tests are administered on a first-come, first-served basis, and retakes on the same day are not permitted.

Fees and Costs

License Fees

The fees associated with obtaining a motorcycle license in Tennessee vary depending on the type of license and any endorsements. A Class M license costs $29.50, with an additional fee of $2.00 for any endorsements. For younger applicants under the age of 18, the costs include a Learner's Permit for Motorcycle, which is priced at $3.50 for one year. A Combination Operator and Motorcycle License costs $52 for eight years.

Additional Fees

In addition to state-mandated fees, county clerk partners charge a $4 administrative fee, and there is a $2 application fee for non-commercial licenses. When it comes to replacing a driver's license, the fees depend on whether it is an initial request or a duplicate. The first duplicate of a regular license costs $8, while subsequent duplicates are priced at $12.

Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods include cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards. It is essential for applicants to confirm the specific fees applicable to their situation when applying.

Renewals and Expiration

Renewal Process

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security sends out renewal notices to drivers approximately eight to ten weeks prior to their license expiration. This notice contains specific instructions tailored to the type of motorcycle license held by the individual. While the renewal notice is not mandatory for the renewal process, it can be helpful. Individuals can still renew their license by presenting their current license at any Driver Services Center.

First-time renewals require the applicant to visit a Driver Service Center in person and provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency. Conversely, individuals with a valid photo license who are not renewing for the first time may qualify to renew their license online using the e-Services platform.

License Renewal Requirements

In Tennessee, motorcycle licenses must be renewed every eight years before the expiration date or within one year after expiration. For drivers aged 21 and older, the renewal process is straightforward, as they must renew their license every eight years from the issuance date. It is crucial to note that once a license has expired, driving privileges are suspended, and drivers may face penalties similar to those incurred by unlicensed drivers.

License Expiration and Replacement

Motorcycle licenses expire after eight years. In the event of a lost, stolen, or damaged license, holders must obtain a replacement license, which can be done at a Driver Service Center or through the e-Services platform. A replacement license does not alter the original expiration date.

Legal Regulations

Helmet Laws

Tennessee has a universal helmet law that mandates all motorcycle riders and passengers wear helmets, regardless of their age or experience level. The helmets must be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation and display the appropriate DOT sticker or label. Non-compliance with this law can lead to a fine of up to $50, a potential 30-day jail sentence, and may also affect liability for injuries sustained in an accident. Studies indicate that helmets are significantly effective in reducing the risk of fatal injuries, with estimates suggesting a 37 percent effectiveness for motorcycle operators and 41 percent for passengers.

Insurance Requirements

Motorcyclists in Tennessee are required to maintain proof of financial responsibility, typically fulfilled through liability insurance. The minimum coverage amounts mandated by state law are $30,000 for bodily injury or death to one person, $60,000 for two or more persons, and $15,000 for property damage. In addition to this mandatory insurance, riders may consider optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage to enhance their protection in the event of an accident.

Equipment Requirements

Tennessee law stipulates that motorcycles must be equipped with essential safety features. This includes functioning headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, front and rear brakes, two mirrors, and a horn. If a motorcycle lacks a windshield, riders are required to wear protective eyewear, such as goggles or safety glasses with impact-resistant lenses. Riders must also ensure that their motorcycles have a separate passenger seat and securely attached footrests when carrying passengers.

Safety and Protective Gear

While Tennessee law requires only minimal safety gear, studies show that riders who invest in comprehensive protective gear such as armored jackets, riding pants, boots, and gloves experience significantly lower rates of catastrophic injuries in crashes.

Statistics and Safety Data

Overview of Motorcycle Crashes in Tennessee

Motorcycle riding is a popular activity in Tennessee, offering both freedom and excitement. However, it is also associated with significant risks. From 2016 to 2021, Tennessee recorded a total of 17,127 motorcycle crashes, which resulted in 914 fatalities and 3,923 serious injuries, indicating the severe consequences that often accompany these incidents.

Crash Patterns and Injury Severity

Motorcyclists account for approximately 15 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States, despite making up only 3 percent of all registered vehicles. In Tennessee, motorcycle accidents frequently lead to severe injuries due to the lack of protective features found in cars, such as seatbelts and airbags. The fatality rate for motorcycle accidents is considerably higher than that for car accidents, underscoring the heightened risks involved in motorcycle riding.

Temporal and Spatial Trends

Analysis of accident data indicates that motorcycle crashes are more prevalent during weekends, particularly between 6 p.m. on Friday and 6 a.m. on Monday, accounting for 46 percent of fatalities in 2022. The majority of serious accidents occur during the late afternoon to early evening hours, specifically between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Urban counties such as Davidson County (Nashville) and Shelby County (Memphis) report the highest motorcycle crash totals, but rural areas are also significant contributors due to winding roads and high-speed highways that increase risk factors.

Helmet Use and Safety Measures

Helmet use plays a critical role in preventing fatalities and severe injuries among motorcyclists. State data indicates that 7 percent of motorcyclists killed had non-compliant helmets, while another 7 percent were not wearing helmets at all. The adoption of safety measures and adherence to helmet laws are essential components of improving rider safety and reducing the severity of injuries sustained in accidents.

Resources

Motorcycle Education and Training

Tennessee offers various educational resources for aspiring motorcyclists, including the Basic RiderCourse, which consists of five hours of classroom instruction and ten hours of practical riding in a controlled environment. This course is designed to introduce students to motorcycle types, risk awareness, and the importance of proper personal protective gear. Additionally, students receive motorcycles for use during the training sessions, with necessary course materials provided. The Tennessee Department of Safety publishes the official Tennessee Motorcycle Manual, which is highly recommended for all new riders to read before taking the motorcycle knowledge test.

Licensing Requirements Documentation

To obtain a motorcycle learner's permit or license in Tennessee, applicants must present identification documents, proof of Tennessee residency, proof of U.S. citizenship, and their Social Security Number.

Safety and Accident Awareness

Motorcycle safety is a significant concern, with injuries often resulting from exposure to road hazards such as potholes and limited visibility. By staying informed about local routes and potential hazards, motorcyclists can enhance their riding experience and safety.