Unlicensed Riders in Texas
The Problem in Texas
In 2018, there were 398 motorcycle operator fatalities in Texas. Of these, 184 motorcycle operators did not have a motorcycle endorsement or license, known as a Class M, at the time of the crash. 
Unlicensed riders accounted for 46% of motorcycle operator fatalities in Texas in 2018. Unlicensed motorcyclists are over-represented when compared to unlicensed drivers in Texas. In 2018, there were 1,861 driver fatalities in Texas. Of these, 233 did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash, which accounted for 13% of driver fatalities that year.
In 2019, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) surveyed motorcyclists in Texas to investigate reasons motorcyclists don’t get their Class M. The survey was part of a larger project funded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The project’s primary purpose was to promote rider knowledge, skill, and safety by encouraging riders to complete motorcycle safety training.
Some of the questions asked in the survey focused around:
- What about unlicensed riders in Texas?
- Why don’t unlicensed riders get their Class M license?
- Were unlicensed riders aware of the 1-day intermediate safety course?
The Solution in Texas
If you are a rider in Texas without your Class M license, schedule your class today! Numerous training schools across Texas offer these courses. To find the nearest TxDPS-certified course to you, visit https://www.dps.texas.gov/msb/map/.
The results of the survey can be found in these two summary documents: