Inexperience and lack of training create a heightened risk of motorcycle accidents in Fort Worth, Texas. States require motorcycle operators to earn a motorcycle license to minimize this risk. You can only receive a license by meeting qualifications designed to teach motorcyclists how to ride safely.
In Texas, motorcycle operators must apply to the state for a motorcycle license. The requirements for a Texas motorcycle license depend on your age and prior licensing status.
Learn more about the motorcycle licensing requirements in Fort Worth and how having a license can affect your right to injury compensation after a motorcycle crash. Contact our law firm at (817) 294-1900 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Fort Worth attorney.
How Anderson Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Worth, TX?
Anderson Injury Lawyers has been helping accident victims for more than 15 years. In this time, the firm’s Fort Worth motorcycle accident attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in injury compensation for their clients.
Anderson Injury Lawyers have decades of experience in injury law and have earned many notable honors and recognitions, including:
- Board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo
- Texas Super Lawyer since 2014, according to SuperLawyers.com
The firm can assist with your case by:
- Internally investigating your case to gather the evidence necessary to prove your claim and assess the extent of your damages
- Negotiating a fair settlement with the other party on your behalf
- Bringing your case to court if the other side refuses to negotiate in good faith
Even a minor motorcycle accident in Fort Worth, TX, can leave you with temporary or permanent disabilities. Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss the compensation you may be entitled to following a motorcycle crash.
How Common Are Motorcycle Licensing Requirements?
Every state in the U.S. requires motorcyclists to carry a valid motorcycle license. Furthermore, every state except Alabama requires applicants for motorcycle licenses to take a motorcycle safety course. Some states also require applicants to take a skills test, knowledge test, or both.
States have special motorcycle licenses to ensure motorcycle riders have the training to ride safely. Motorcycles are inherently unstable and require balance and skill to operate.
Studies show that licensing affects motorcycle crash risk. Unlicensed motorcyclists only make up about 20% of riders, but roughly 36% of riders killed in motorcycle accidents lack a valid license. In other words, motorcyclists without training and experience die at double the rate of licensed riders.
Overview of Motorcycle Licensing Requirements in Fort Worth, Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues motorcycle licenses for the entire state, which ensures uniform licensing requirements regardless of location.
All riders in Texas must have a valid motorcycle license. You can use your valid out-of-state motorcycle license to ride a motorcycle while visiting Texas. However, if you move to the state, you must obtain a Texas motorcycle license.
Texas has four different sets of requirements for getting a motorcycle license depending on your license status and age:
Out-of-State Motorcycle License Holders In Texas
If you have a valid, unexpired motorcycle license from another state when you move to Texas, the DPS waives all testing requirements.
You’ll receive a Texas motorcycle license if you turn in your out-of-state motorcycle license and provide:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Texas residency and U.S. citizenship or lawful residency
- Your Social Security Number
- Thumbprints
- Your Signature
- A small application fee
As part of the licensing process, DPS will administer a vision test and take your picture.
Texas Driver’s License Holders Over 18
If you have a Texas driver’s license and are over 18, you can get a motorcycle license by passing an approved motorcycle safety course. You’ll also need to prove your identity, residency, and U.S. citizenship or residency.
You don’t need to take the knowledge test, as you already passed the test when you received your driver’s license. DPS also waives the skills test requirement for riders over 18 who have passed the motorcycle safety course.
Unlicensed Riders Over 18
An unlicensed rider over 18 must:
- Pass an approved motorcycle safety course
- Pass a skills test
- Prove identity, residency, and U.S. citizenship or residency
You don’t need to pass the written test since you’ve already passed the motorcycle safety course.
Minors Between 15 and 17
If you’re between 15 and 17 years of age, you have the highest level of motorcycle licensing requirements, including:
- Obtaining a provisional license, learner’s license, or driver’s education form
- Passing an approved motorcycle safety course
- Passing a skills test
- Submitting a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance form from a high school
DPS waives the knowledge examination because you must possess a temporary license or have passed driver’s ed.
Effect of Licensing on Injury Claims In Texas
You’re less likely to get into a motorcycle accident if you hold a motorcycle license. And if you are involved in a crash, holding a license could preserve your right to full injury compensation.
Texas uses comparative negligence to determine compensation after accidents. If the accident victim contributed to their injuries, they could only receive compensation for a portion of their damages.
If a jury determines that you bear 20% of the blame for your injuries because you failed to get the training needed for a motorcycle license, you could only recover 80% of your total eligible damages. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot receive compensation.
Consult With Our Fort Worth Motorcycle Crash Lawyers
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries, even if you have a valid motorcycle license. Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss the compensation you can seek for your motorcycle accident injuries.