How to get a motorcycle license in Indiana? Did you know that Indiana is home to the iconic Indy 500? So, as you can imagine, the state has many motorsports enthusiasts, including motorcycle enthusiasts.

You need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to legally ride a motorbike in Indiana. And to get an endorsement, you need to have a valid Indiana driver’s license.

How to get a motorcycle license in Indiana?

You must be at least 16 years and 90 days old to get a motorcycle endorsement. There are two ways you can do it.

One way is to get a motorcycle learner’s permit. After this, you must pass motorcycle skills and a written exam. The second way is to complete a motorcycle operator safety education course. You can do this from Ride Safe Indiana.

Going about getting your Indiana motorcycle endorsement

Getting a motorcycle endorsement in Indiana is a simple process. But what is essential is that you must have a valid Indiana driver’s license. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you can find details on how to get one here.

Earlier, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) used to offer a motorcycle-only license and two types of permits. But now, it provides only one type of permit and a motorcycle endorsement (instead of a separate license).

There are two ways Indiana residents can go about getting a motorcycle endorsement.

By getting a motorcycle learner’s permit and then passing a road test and written exam.

For this option, you must be at least 16 years and 270 days of age. And hold a valid driver’s license.

The first step is to apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. For this, you must provide a valid Indiana driver’s license.

You should also give proof of identity, U.S. citizenship, social security number, and two documents of Indiana residency. Find the list of documents you need on the BMV website.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application giving their consent. Then, you must pass a vision test and a written motorcycle knowledge test at a local BMV branch.

The written test is based on the Motorcycle Operator’s Manual. The manual is available in six languages. Once you pass the exam, you will get a motorcycle permit.

The next step is to show your valid motorcycle permit at a BMV office. And then pass a motorcycle skills exam at an authorized Ride Safe Indiana training location. Here is a list of RSI Providers & Skills Exam Locations.

You get three tries to pass the test. If you don’t, you will need to wait two months from your last testing date to retake it.

Once you pass the road test, you will get a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. For this, you should make an appointment with Ride Safe Indiana.

At the appointment, provide proof of identity, social security number, and Indiana residency. Don’t forget your learner’s permit and proof that you passed your road test too.

You will also need to undergo another vision screening. Alternatively, you can provide Vision Screening Documentation – State Form 56520.

After this, you will receive a new standard license with a motorcycle endorsement on it. Your endorsement will expire when your license expires.

Note: If you are under 18, you also need to submit an agreement of financial liability. This must be signed by your parent or guardian.

By completing a motorcycle operator safety education course

If you are at least 16 years and 90 days of age, you can opt for this option for your Indiana motorcycle endorsement.

For this, you can take a motorcycle safety course from Ride Safe Indiana. It offers three kinds of courses.

• Entry Level Motorcycle Safety Course. This is a basic rider course for a new rider.
• Advanced Skills Motorcycle Training Course
• Three-Wheel Motorcycle Entry-Level Safety Course

Once you pass your chosen course, you should take the certificate of completion to any Indiana license branch. There, the certificate will allow you to waive the knowledge and skills tests.

Then, you will get a new regular driver’s license with the endorsement. The endorsement expires when your license does. You have one year from the date you passed the course to present your completion certificate.

Note: Indiana does not accept certificates of out-of-state motorcycle safety courses from the motorcycle safety foundation.

Fee

Check the fee chart for the latest list of fees.

• Currently, the motorcycle permit fee is $9.
• For riders under 75 years old, the fee for a 6-year endorsement is $19.
• For riders between 75 and 84 years old, the fee for a 3-year endorsement is $11.

License Renewal

Your endorsement is valid for as long as your standard driver’s license validity. Your birthday marks the date of expiration for your endorsement and your license.

You have up to two years before the expiration date to renew your license or endorsement. You can do this online or at any local BMV licensing office.

Restrictions while riding with a learner’s permit

Indiana law states that if you hold a motorcycle learner’s permit, you must wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet when you ride. You can ride only during the period from half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset. You won’t be able to carry passengers too.

A motorcycle learner’s permit is valid for one year. You are only allowed to renew your permit once.

Motorcycle safety courses for those under 18 years

New riders under 18 years of age can also enroll in an approved motorcycle safety course. But you must be at least 15 years of age. You must also hold a valid state-issued identification card or learner’s permit. And a parent or guardian must consent to your enrollment in the course.

Is motorcycle insurance necessary in Indiana?

Yes, it is necessary. You must show proof of insurance before registering your motorcycle. Motorcycle owners have a liability policy with minimum coverages as below:

• $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person.
• $50,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more persons.
• $10,000 for damage or destruction of property.
• $50,000 for uninsured/under-insured motorists.

FAQs

How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license in Indiana?

There is a one-time fee of $19.00 for motorcycle and for-hire endorsements. The fee is charged only when applying the endorsement to the license for the first time. As long as the endorsement stays valid on your license, you will not be required to pay the fee again when you renew your license.

Is a motorcycle license required in Indiana?

According to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, in addition to meeting the requirements necessary to obtain a regular driver’s license, individuals must obtain a motorcycle endorsement to operate a motorcycle. Find out how to obtain an Indiana motorcycle endorsement here.

What happens if you drive a motorcycle without a license in Indiana?

Indiana requires all motorcyclists to have a valid motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle endorsement. If caught riding without the proper licensure, you can be fined up to $500.00.

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