How to Obtain a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to just under 200,000 registered motorcycles. With glorious rides available from one corner of the state clear across to the other, it's easy to see why so many people want to get out on a motorcycle. Whether you ride to get to work, release some stress, or challenge yourself along a winding route, you'll need a Tennessee Motorcycle license before your first ride. You'lll also need to ensure the motorcycle is properly insured and registered, and that you comply with relevant Tennessee laws.

At Steelhorse Law, we believe in educating our motorcycling community on how to stay safe and avoid accidents. Safe riding starts with having the proper license.

Do You Need a Motorcycle License in TN?

You need a special license to operate any motorcycle 50cc or larger in Tennessee. Riders can either choose to receive just a Motorcycle License, obtain an endorsement on their regular driver's license, or receive a limited motorcycle license for scooters and other motorcycles between 51 and 125cc. Tennessee law further requires that drivers possess a valid license for the type of vehicle they operate.

How Old Do You Have To Be to Get a Motorcycle License in Tennessee?

In order to obtain a Tennessee motorcycle license, you must be 16 years of age or older. That doesn't mean that aspiring riders aged 15 years old are out of luck. Drivers at that age can apply for a Tennessee Motorcycle Permit, instead. These drivers must pass the same tests that apply for obtaining a Tennessee motorcycle license, but receive the Class P-M permit instead of a license. The permit restricts how and when the learner can ride as follows:

• Not allowed to carry passengers
• Cannot use on interstate highways or roadways
• Must operate only between 4:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Cannot travel further than 7 miles from home
• Can only operate a motorcycle with a max size of 650cc.

Once you receive your permit, you will be required to operate the motorcycle for at least 50 hours before you can apply for the license.

Applying for a Tennessee Motorcycle License Only

There are various pathways to a Tennessee motorcycle license depending on whether you have a regular driver's license and pass certain courses before applying for the license. For riders without a regular driver's license and who don't take any optional safety courses, here are the required steps:

1. Pass the Regular Driver's License Knowledge Test: Tennessee requires you to pass the Regular Driver's License Test first. The state's comprehensive driver license manual provides the information a potential rider would need to study in preparation.
2. Submit to a vision screening: You'll also have to submit to a vision screening before taking the skills test.
3. Take the Motorcycle Rules of the Road Test: To receive a Tennessee motorcycle license, you will need to take the Motorcycle Rules of the Road Test and get a score of at least 24 out of 30.
4. Pass the pre-trip inspection and skills test: You must demonstrate that you know how to operate the vehicle responsibly. Your motorcycle will undergo a pre-trip inspection, and you will be required to operate the vehicle for an employee from the full-service driver's license center.

In addition to the above steps, you will need to arrive at the service center with a licensed driver over the age of 21. When applying, you will also need the following:

• Your birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship
• Primary and secondary proof of identification
• Two pieces of mail in your name and address
• Your social security number

Applying as a Licensed Motorist in Tennessee

If you already have a driver's license in Tennessee, you do not need to re-take the Regular Driver's License Road Test. Instead you will complete steps 2-4 above and provide the required information.

Applying with an MREP Course

If you complete and pass approved Motorcycle Rider Education Program courses, you can bypass the Motorcycle Rules of the Road Test and the Skills test entirely. Tennessee allows this because these courses educate potential riders on the laws surrounding motorcycles and practice building their riding skills.

Can You Get Your Motorcycle License Online?

When you search for things like "motorcycle license tn" to find information on getting your license, you might think the entire process can be done online. Unfortunately, obtaining a TN motorcycle license online cannot be done. You have to go in person for both the knowledge tests that are required and the skills test.

Maintaining Insurance Coverage

Every vehicle in Tennessee is required to be insured before entering the road. Riding a motorcycle is no exception. Motorcyclists must maintain insurance that meets the minimum requirements in the state. This includes coverage in the amount of:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• and $50,000 per accident
• $25,000 to cover property damage per accident

Riders and drivers can always purchase more coverage, and it can help limit out-of-pocket expenses if you do so. Riders can also purchase Uninsured Motorists coverage to ensure full coverage if a driver with low limits or no insurance at all causes an accident.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident without insurance coverage, you will be required to cover all damage repair expenses and medical expenses resulting from the accident. Violating insurance requirements could result in license suspension and other consequences.

If you have been in an accident, it is essential that you reach out to a motorcycle accident injury lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers at Steelhorse Law are committed to rider safety and demanding justice for injured clients.