Indiana's Two-Step Path to a Motorcycle License

Indiana requires you to pass a written test and a riding skills test before you can ride a motorcycle on public roads. You can take both tests through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), or you can skip the riding test by completing an approved motorcycle safety course. Most riders choose the safety course route because it's faster, teaches you to ride safely, and often qualifies you for insurance discounts.

The process takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on which route you choose and how quickly you can schedule your tests or course. You'll need a valid Indiana driver's license or learner's permit to start.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test and riding test, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course to waive the riding test.
  • The BMV written test covers road signs, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices; you can take it at any BMV branch.
  • Motorcycle safety courses run by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or similar providers take one to three days and include both classroom and hands-on riding instruction.
  • Once you pass both tests or complete a safety course, you explore for your motorcycle endorsement at the BMV with your test results and a small fee.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Indiana, though riders under 18 have restrictions on engine size and riding hours.

Taking the Written Test at the BMV

The BMV written test for motorcycles covers Indiana traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices. You answer 50 multiple-choice questions on a computer at any BMV branch. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes and costs around $20, though fees vary slightly by branch.

Before you go, study the Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual, which the BMV provides free online and in print at any branch. It covers everything the test covers: how to handle your bike in different weather, what your mirrors should show, how to brake safely, and what road signs mean. You can also take practice tests online through the BMV website to see what the real test looks like.

Bring your valid driver's license or learner's permit, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). You do not need an appointment at most BMV branches, but call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times.

Completing a Motorcycle Safety Course Instead

Taking an approved motorcycle safety course lets you skip the BMV riding test. These courses are run by providers certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or similar organizations. Indiana recognizes courses from the MSF and other state-approved instructors. A typical course runs two to three days, with classroom time in the morning and hands-on riding practice in the afternoon.

The course teaches you how to mount and dismount your bike, how to brake and swerve, how to lean into turns, and how to handle emergency situations. You ride a small motorcycle provided by the course, so you do not need to own a bike yet. The course costs between $150 and $250 depending on the provider. Many insurance companies offer a discount of 5 to 15 percent on your motorcycle insurance if you complete an MSF course, which often pays back the course fee within a year.

At the end of the course, you receive a completion certificate. You still need to pass the BMV written test, but the safety course completion waives the riding test. Some riders take the safety course first, pass it, then take the written test at the BMV. Others take the written test first, then the safety course. Either order works.

The BMV Riding Test (If You Don't Take a Safety Course)

If you choose not to take a safety course, you must pass the BMV riding test. You bring your own motorcycle or a borrowed one to a BMV testing site. The examiner watches you perform a series of maneuvers: starting the bike, riding in a straight line, making sharp turns, braking hard, and swerving around obstacles. The test takes about 15 minutes and costs around $20.

You must already have passed the written test before you can take the riding test. The examiner is looking for safe handling, smooth control, and awareness of your surroundings. If you fail, you can retake it, but you'll pay the fee again. Most people who have ridden a motorcycle before pass on the first try. If you're new to riding, the safety course is a better choice because an instructor teaches you the skills first, rather than testing you on skills you may not have learned yet.

explore for Your Motorcycle Endorsement

Once you've passed both the written test and the riding test (or completed a safety course), you go to any BMV branch to explore for your motorcycle endorsement. Bring your test results or safety course completion certificate, your valid driver's license, and proof of your Social Security number and address. The endorsement fee is around $20 to $30, depending on how long you want it to last.

The BMV will add the motorcycle endorsement to your existing driver's license. You do not get a separate card; the endorsement appears on your license itself. The process takes about 15 minutes. You can ride legally as soon as you leave the branch.

Age Restrictions and Learner's Permits

You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Indiana. If you're under 18, Indiana law restricts the size of motorcycle you can ride and the hours you can ride. Riders under 18 cannot operate a motorcycle with an engine larger than 50 cubic centimeters (cc) during daylight hours, and they cannot ride at night at all without a supervising adult.

If you're under 18, you can get a motorcycle learner's permit first. The learner's permit lets you practice riding with a licensed adult on the bike with you. You take the written test to get the learner's permit, then practice for at least 30 days before taking the riding test or completing a safety course. Once you turn 18 or meet the practice requirement, you can explore for your full endorsement.

Finding an Approved Motorcycle Safety Course

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) maintains a list of certified instructors across Indiana. You can search for courses by county on the MSF website. Other approved providers include the Indiana Motorcycle Safety Program and various community colleges and vocational schools that offer MSF-certified courses. Call ahead to ask about class dates, cost, and whether the course includes bike rental or if you need to bring your own.

Most courses fill up weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer. If you're planning to get your license soon, register early. Some providers offer weekend courses, evening courses, or weekday courses depending on your schedule. A few providers offer one-day intensive courses, though the standard two- to three-day format gives you more time to practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit lets you practice with a licensed adult supervising, but you cannot ride alone on public roads. You need the full motorcycle endorsement to ride by yourself. The learner's permit is a step toward the endorsement, not a license to ride.

Do I have to take a safety course, or can I just take the BMV tests?

You can do either. The safety course waives the riding test but costs money and takes time. The BMV tests are cheaper but require you to already know how to ride. Most new riders choose the safety course because an instructor teaches them first. Experienced riders often skip it and take the BMV tests instead.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it. There's no waiting period between attempts, and you pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on the second try if they study the manual more carefully. The BMV can tell you which topics you missed so you know what to focus on.

How long does the motorcycle endorsement last?

Your motorcycle endorsement lasts as long as your driver's license. When your license expires and you renew it, the endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake any tests to renew the endorsement.

Can I take the safety course in another state and use it in Indiana?

Yes, as long as the course is MSF-certified or approved by the other state's motorcycle safety program. Bring your completion certificate to the Indiana BMV, and they will recognize it. You still need to pass the Indiana written test.