How To Get a Tennessee Motorcycle License

You’ll need to complete a learning course, vision screening, skills exam, and more to get your Tennessee motorcycle license.
Written by Cassandra Hamilton
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
You’ll need a vision screening, skills exam, and rules of the road test to get your Class M Tennessee motorcycle license. 
If you feel the call of the open road and want to experience it with the wind at your back and a bike between your knees, you’re not alone. Tennessee is home to some of the twistiest and most fun roads to ride a motorcycle on in the entire country, making it popular with chopper enthusiasts all across the nation. If you’re a resident of Tennessee, you need a special license before you can legally operate your motorcycle.
You’ll need a Class M Tennessee driver’s license before you can rattle off into the sunset, and the
licensed insurance broker
app
Jerry
has all the details you need on how to get one. We’ll talk about motorcycle license details plus how to save on your
Tennessee car insurance costs
icon
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now

Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Tennessee?

Yes. To operate a motorcycle or scooter in Tennessee, you will need a Class M driver’s license and to be at least 16 years of age

How to get a Class M secondary Tennessee driver’s license

Instead of getting an endorsement on your existing driver’s license, you need to get a secondary license for operating motorcycles in Tennessee. If you already hold a valid driver’s license in any class, you’ll need to get Class M certification in Tennessee before you cut back to two or three wheels. 
It can be a somewhat time-consuming process that involves a
Motorcycle Rider Education Program
(MREP), a vision test, a skills exam, and other components. You’ll need to read the
Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
and visit a
full-service Driver Services Center
If you get a certificate of completion from a Certified Tennessee MREP (valid for one year after the date of issuance), the skills portion of your licensing exam will be waived. You’ll still need to complete the other portions of the test, which include:
  • Vision screening
  • Motorcycle rules of the road test
  • Motorcycle pre-trip inspection
  • Motorcycle skills/road test (waived if you have a certificate from an MREP)
The Class M license is valid for eight years from the date of issuance. After that, you’ll have to get it renewed by following the same steps as you did when you first applied for it.
Your license will be awarded to you based on what type of vehicle you tested on. A Class M license is given for motorcycles. If you test on a motor-driven cycle, also known as a scooter, you’ll be granted a Class M-Limited license. Note that you cannot test for a primary or secondary Class M license on an off-road vehicle. 
You’ll need to pay all the associated fees to get your motorcycle license in Tennessee. The cost is $3.25 per year for a motorcycle license and $3.25 per year for a standard driver’s license. Each can be renewed for up to eight years. If you have both licenses, you’ll need to pay $52.
You also need to bring documentation of your identity. You will need:
To get a REAL ID, you will need to bring
additional documentation
.
Once you’ve completed your training, passed all your exams, paid your fees, and provided your documentation, you’re ready for your Class M driver’s license. Great job!
rating reverse-full
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”

How to get a motorcycle-only Class M license in Tennessee

If you don’t already hold a driver’s license in Tennessee, there are additional steps to getting your primary Class M license. 
In addition to all of the steps we mentioned above, you will also need to take the regular rules of the road test that is given to drivers applying for standard driver’s licenses. This test does not take the place of the motorcycle rules of the road test. 

How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Tennessee

Car insurance
in Tennessee is a little lower than the national average, which is good news if you’re planning to add a motorcycle to your garage. Motorcycle insurance might be less expensive than car insurance, but it’s still an additional cost.
To help you save on your comprehensive vehicle budget, the
licensed broker
and car insurance comparison shopping app
Jerry
is here with tips on saving on car insurance costs.
The best way to save on your insurance costs is to comparison shop, and it’s never been easier to do it than with the Jerry app. In less than two minutes, you could be browsing multiple competitive quotes from 55+ insurance companies across the nation. 
The Jerry team is standing by to help you with the paperwork and cancelling your old policy. Switching over is barely a blip on your radar, leaving you with more mental focus for the road ahead—and savings that average $800 per year or more!
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged

FAQs

Yes, you need a special Class M license in Tennessee to legally operate a motorcycle or scooter.
The annual fee for a motorcycle license is only $3.25. The cost of the full licensing process depends on whether or not you need an MREP, which can cost $500 or more.
Yes, you are required to carry motorcycle insurance in Tennessee. You will need to provide proof of insurance before you can register your motorcycle.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings