# Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-51-103: Instructor requirements and training

> Tennessee · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T55_C51_S55-51-103

## Section

- **Citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-51-103
- **Heading:** Instructor requirements and training
- **Jurisdiction:** Tennessee
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** TN Code / Title 55 / Chapter 51 / Section 55-51-103

## Text

(a) The department shall establish standards for an approved motorcycle rider education instructor preparation course. Successful completion of the course shall require the participant to demonstrate knowledge of the course material, knowledge of safe motorcycle operating practices, and the necessary aptitude for instructing students. (b) The department shall establish minimum requirements for the qualification of a rider education instructor. The minimum requirements shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) The instructor must have a high school diploma or its equivalent; (2) The instructor must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and must hold a valid motorcycle operator's license or endorsement; (3) The instructor must have at least two (2) years of recent motorcycle riding experience; (4) The instructor's driver license must not have been suspended or revoked at any time during the preceding two (2) years; (5) The instructor must not have any convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the preceding five (5) years; (6) Instructors who are licensed in other states must furnish certified copies of their driving records to the department. An applicant shall not be eligible for instructor status until the applicant's driving record for the preceding five (5) years is furnished; and (7) The instructor must have an approved instructor certificate that may be a state or motorcycle safety foundation certificate, and the instructor must be registered as a currently active instructor. Acts 1987, ch. 446, § 3; T.C.A., § 55-25-103 .
(a) The department shall establish standards for an approved motorcycle rider education instructor preparation course. Successful completion of the course shall require the participant to demonstrate knowledge of the course material, knowledge of safe motorcycle operating practices, and the necessary aptitude for instructing students.
(b) The department shall establish minimum requirements for the qualification of a rider education instructor. The minimum requirements shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) The instructor must have a high school diploma or its equivalent; (2) The instructor must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and must hold a valid motorcycle operator's license or endorsement; (3) The instructor must have at least two (2) years of recent motorcycle riding experience; (4) The instructor's driver license must not have been suspended or revoked at any time during the preceding two (2) years; (5) The instructor must not have any convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the preceding five (5) years; (6) Instructors who are licensed in other states must furnish certified copies of their driving records to the department. An applicant shall not be eligible for instructor status until the applicant's driving record for the preceding five (5) years is furnished; and (7) The instructor must have an approved instructor certificate that may be a state or motorcycle safety foundation certificate, and the instructor must be registered as a currently active instructor.
(1) The instructor must have a high school diploma or its equivalent;
(2) The instructor must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and must hold a valid motorcycle operator's license or endorsement;
(3) The instructor must have at least two (2) years of recent motorcycle riding experience;
(4) The instructor's driver license must not have been suspended or revoked at any time during the preceding two (2) years;
(5) The instructor must not have any convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the preceding five (5) years;
(6) Instructors who are licensed in other states must furnish certified copies of their driving records to the department. An applicant shall not be eligible for instructor status until the applicant's driving record for the preceding five (5) years is furnished; and
he instructor must not have any convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the preceding five (5) years;
(6) Instructors who are licensed in other states must furnish certified copies of their driving records to the department. An applicant shall not be eligible for instructor status until the applicant's driving record for the preceding five (5) years is furnished; and
(7) The instructor must have an approved instructor certificate that may be a state or motorcycle safety foundation certificate, and the instructor must be registered as a currently active instructor.
Acts 1987, ch. 446, § 3; T.C.A., § 55-25-103 .

## Nearby sections

- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-51-101 Chapter definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T55_C51_S55-51-101.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-51-102 Motorcycle rider education program](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T55_C51_S55-51-102.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-51-103 Instructor requirements and training](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T55_C51_S55-51-103.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-51-104 Motorcycle rider safety fund](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T55_C51_S55-51-104.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-51-105 Advisory committee](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T55_C51_S55-51-105.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-51-106 Insurance discount](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T55_C51_S55-51-106.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-51-107 Licensing skills test examination](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T55_C51_S55-51-107.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T55_C51_S55-51-103. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.