Proposal for a Texas Motorcycle Learner License Program for Adults

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Supporting Safer Motorcycle Training and Increased Rider Competency in Texas

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Submitted To: Members of the Texas Legislature and Texas Transportation Committees
Subject: Creation of a Motorcycle Learner License Pathway for Students Who Do Not Successfully Complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse or any approved Texas Motorcycle Curriculum; also for students who want to learn at their own pace.

Prepared By: Texans for Education and eXcellence in Achieving Safe Streets -

(T-E-X-A-S.ORG)

Date: May 2026

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Executive Summary

This proposal recommends the creation of a Texas Motorcycle Learner License (MLL) program for individuals who do not initially pass the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse. The purpose of this program is to improve rider safety, reduce unlicensed motorcycle operation, and create a structured pathway for struggling students to receive individualized instruction from Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) approved motorcycle instructors.

Under the current system, students who fail the MSF course often leave without a clear legal path to continue practicing motorcycle skills. Many individuals either abandon training entirely or continue riding illegally without supervision, insurance compliance, or proper instruction.

This proposal would allow qualifying students to receive a restricted learner license permitting supervised on-road and public-area practice while continuing training with licensed instructors. Additionally, TDLR-approved instructors would be granted authority to issue or finalize MSB-8 completion cards after verifying competency through supplemental instruction.

The proposal emphasizes structured training, public safety, accountability, and improved rider education outcomes.

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Purpose of the Proposal

The primary goals are:

1. Improve motorcycle safety outcomes in Texas.

2. Reduce illegal and unsupervised motorcycle riding.

3. Provide a second-chance training pathway for students who struggle during the MSF course.

4. Increase access to individualized instruction.

5. Allow instructors to tailor training to a student’s learning pace.

6. Create safer transition periods for beginner riders.

7. Improve overall competency before granting a Class M endorsement.​

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Background

Currently, Texas requires completion of a TDLR-approved motorcycle safety course to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. Students who fail the riding evaluation are not granted an MSB-8 completion certificate and therefore cannot legally obtain a motorcycle endorsement.

Many students fail not because they are reckless, but because:

• They need more practice time,

• They experience test anxiety,

• They require one-on-one instruction,

• They learn at a slower pace,

• They are unfamiliar with clutch control or balance techniques,

• Or they lack access to safe practice environments after the course.

Unlike automobile drivers, motorcycle students currently have no structured learner permit system allowing supervised roadway skill development after an unsuccessful course attempt.

Proposed Motorcycle Learner License (MLL)

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Eligibility Requirements

An applicant would qualify if they:

• Are at least 16 years old with parent approval,

• Hold a valid Texas driver license or learner permit,

• Complete the classroom/online portion of a TDLR-approved Motorcycle course,

• Fail only the riding skills evaluation portion of an approved TDLR Motorcycle Course,

• Pass a motorcycle knowledge written test,

• Provide proof of insurance for any motorcycle used during training.

Or

• Receive recommendation from a TDLR-approved motorcycle instructor.

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Restrictions of the Motorcycle Learner License

The MLL would allow limited and supervised motorcycle operation under the following conditions:

Permitted Riding Activities

• Practice on public streets,

• Practice in public parks,

• Practice in parking lots,

• Participation in instructor-supervised training sessions,

• Travel directly to and from training locations.

Restrictions

• No passengers,

• No riding between midnight and 5:00 AM,

• No freeway or interstate riding unless accompanied by instructor,

• Mandatory DOT-approved helmet use regardless of age,

• Zero tolerance for alcohol or drug impairment,

• Motorcycle engine displacement limits for beginner riders if necessary.

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Role of TDLR-Approved Motorcycle Instructors

This proposal would authorize qualified instructors to provide structured supplemental training outside the standard MSF course environment or any other approved Texas motorcycle curriculum.

Instructors would:

• Conduct one-on-one coaching,

• Document student progress,

• Administer structured practice exercises,

• Evaluate rider readiness,

• Access and issue MSB-8 completion documentation after competency is demonstrated.

This authority would only apply to certified instructors and approved by TDLR.

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Practice Exercises and Training Curriculum

The supplemental training program should focus on practical street survival skills and low-speed motorcycle control.  Ten hours of rider training recommended. 

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Phase 1 — Basic Motorcycle Control 2 Hours

Exercises Include:

• Motorcycle mounting and dismounting,

• Friction zone control,

• Clutch and throttle coordination,

• Smooth starts and stops,

• Straight-line riding,

• Controlled braking,

• Engine stall recovery,

• Balance and posture development.

Purpose

These exercises help students build confidence and muscle memory while reducing fear and panic responses.

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Phase 2 — Low-Speed Maneuvering 2 Hours

Exercises Include:

• Tight turns,

• U-turns,

• Figure-eight patterns,

• Cone weaving,

• Offset weaving,

• Parking lot navigation,

• Counterbalancing techniques,

• Slow-speed balance drills.

Purpose

Low-speed control is one of the most difficult skills for beginners. This phase develops coordination and balance necessary for real-world traffic situations.

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Phase 3 — Emergency Skills Development 2 Hours

Exercises Include:

• Emergency braking,

• Obstacle avoidance,

• Swerving techniques,

• Quick stop drills,

• Hazard recognition,

• Escape path selection,

• Progressive braking methods.

Purpose

This phase teaches riders how to react safely during emergencies and avoid collisions.

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Phase 4 — Public Street Training 2 Hours

Exercises Include:

• Residential street riding,

• Lane positioning,

• Traffic signal navigation,

• Stop sign procedures,

• Left and right turns in traffic,

• Speed management,

• Intersection scanning,

• Mirror and head-check usage,

• Grouped traffic interaction.

Purpose

Students transition from closed-course practice to real-world traffic environments under instructor supervision.

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Phase 5 — Advanced Street Readiness 2 Hours

Exercises Include:

• Multi-lane traffic navigation,

• Defensive riding strategies,

• Highway entrance and exit practice,

• Night visibility awareness,

• Weather condition preparation,

• Rider risk management,

• Collision avoidance scenarios.

Purpose

This phase ensures the student is capable of safe, independent motorcycle operation.

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Implementation Plan

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Step 1 — Legislative Authorization

The Texas Legislature would authorize:

• Creation of the Motorcycle Learner License classification,

• Instructor authority expansion,

• Supplemental training documentation standards,

• TDLR oversight procedures.

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Step 2 — TDLR Administrative Oversight

TDLR would:

• Establish instructor certification requirements,

• Develop supplemental curriculum standards,

• Create digital training logs,

• Monitor compliance,

• Audit training providers,

• Maintain MSB-8 issuance accountability.

• Ensure TDLR Coaches who offer one to one training are bonded and insured.

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Step 3 — Digital Training Tracking System

A statewide digital tracking system would:

• Record student training hours,

• Log instructor evaluations,

• Track completed exercises,

• Prevent fraudulent certifications,

• Allow DPS verification of eligibility.

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Step 4 — Student Completion Requirements

To receive a Class M endorsement, students must:

• Complete minimum supervised riding hours 10,

• Demonstrate competency in all required exercises,

• Pass a final skills evaluation,

• Receive instructor approval,

• Obtain finalized MSB-8 certification.

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Public Safety Benefits

This proposal would produce measurable public safety improvements by:

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Reducing Illegal Riding

Many failed students currently continue practicing illegally. The learner license creates a legal, monitored pathway.

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Increasing Skill Development

Students receive individualized instruction instead of repeating entire courses without targeted improvement.

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Reducing Crash Rates

Graduated training systems are proven to improve rider competency and reduce beginner accidents.

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Improving Instructor Accountability

Structured oversight and digital tracking create higher standards for quality training.

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Encouraging Responsible Riding Culture

Students remain connected to professional instruction instead of becoming discouraged or riding unsafely.

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Economic and Community Benefits

The proposal would:

• Support Texas motorcycle training schools,

• Create additional instructor employment opportunities,

• Encourage motorcycle tourism and recreation,

• Reduce emergency medical costs associated with preventable crashes,

• Improve insurance compliance among beginner riders.

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Conclusion

Texas can modernize motorcycle education by creating a structured learner license program that supports struggling students while prioritizing public safety.

Rather than forcing unsuccessful students out of the system, this proposal creates a responsible pathway toward competency through supervised practice, individualized instruction, and accountability.

By allowing TDLR-approved instructors to continue training students and finalize MSB-8 certifications after demonstrated improvement, Texas can reduce illegal riding, improve motorcycle safety outcomes, and produce better-prepared riders for public roadways.

This proposal respectfully requests legislative review and consideration for implementation during the next Texas legislative session.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION Please contact:

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T.E.X.A.S.

P.O. Box 442

Victoria, TX 77902

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Email:  texassaferoads@gmail.com