Driving a motorcycle in Indiana is a thrill—one that is governed by the state and requires you to have a valid license. You must take specialized classes, get a motorcycle endorsement, and pay a state-mandated fee to legally ride a motorcycle. You must also pass the written exam to transfer your license from another state.
As much fun as riding a motorcycle is, it is also a responsibility that must be taken seriously. Part of that responsibility is obtaining and maintaining an Indiana license.
If you are ever injured in an accident and seek compensation, the at-fault party’s representative may examine your driving record. If an Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer represents you, he will help you navigate the complex process of obtaining compensation.
Motorcycle License Requirements in Indiana
According to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), you must meet the following requirements to get a license in Indiana.
If you are 16 years and 90 days old or older at the time of your application, you must:
- Have a valid Indiana driver’s license
- Complete and pass the Safety Course
- Bring appropriate documentation to the BMV
If you are 16 years and 270 days old or older at the time of your application, you must:
- Have a valid Indiana driver’s license
- Complete and pass a written exam
- Complete and pass a motorcycle skills exam
- Bring appropriate documentation to the BMV
- Bring your signed and stamped motorcycle permit
Motorcycle drivers of all ages are required to pass a vision screening. In addition, all drivers under 18 must also have a signed Agreement of Financial Liability from a parent.
According to BMV guidelines, you will not qualify for a license if you are younger than 16 years old, do not pass the riding skills course, do not pass the safety course, or do not have a valid Indiana driver’s license. Applicants with revoked, suspended, or otherwise invalid driver’s licenses also will not qualify for a motorcycle license.
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Enroll in a Motorcycle Driver’s Safety Course
Ride Safe Indiana (RSI) offers two safety courses for beginners and advanced drivers. The beginner’s course provides five classroom hours and 10 on-bike hours of instruction. Motorcycles are provided as needed.
The course teaches:
- Basic motorcycle anatomy
- Control layout and function
- The importance of safety gear
- The danger of drugs and alcohol
Riders will also learn the following handling techniques:
- Straight-line riding
- Proper braking and stopping
- How and when to shift gears
- How to turn and corner safely
- Accident avoidance and emergency braking
You will be required to pass a written and riding exam at the end of the course.
Apply for a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit
A person seeking a license must first obtain a learner’s permit in much the same way as vehicle drivers. Obtaining a permit means you must first pass a knowledge exam and vision screening.
You must have a valid driver’s license and ride only while wearing a qualifying helmet, during daylight, and without passengers.
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Obtain a Motorcycle Endorsement
BMV guidelines offer a motorcycle endorsement. An addendum to your regular driver’s license, a motorcycle endorsement lets you ride your bike in the state legally. If you are new to Indiana, you can transfer an out-of-state endorsement by passing a written test.
An endorsement is added to your existing driver’s license and, once earned, is valid for up to a year. It can typically be renewed alongside your driver’s license.
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Pass the Motorcycle Skills Test
A motorcycle license applicant must complete and pass a one-day motorcycle skills test. You must provide your motorcycle and approved helmet for the seven-hour course.
The skills test refines known skills, teaches new skills, and ensures all motorcyclists on the road are riding safely in multiple-vehicle traffic. You will learn:
- The importance of rider readiness
- The importance of rider awareness
- Risk management techniques
- Responsible ownership and riding
- Motorcycle care and inspection
- The risks of intoxicated driving
You must have a valid driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement or permit from the State of Indiana.
Pay the Appropriate Fee to the State of Indiana
When adding a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license in Indiana, you are required to pay a nominal fee. At the time of this writing, the fee is $9 under IN Code § 9-24-8-3. Additional fees are required for renewal if it is not filed on time.
Indiana BMV Locations
BMV branch offices can be found all over Indiana. Learn more about how to get a motorcycle license in Indiana by visiting one of these BMV locations:
- Bloomington
1531 SOUTH CURRY PIKE
BLOOMINGTON, IN 47403-5174
- Clarksville
1150 EAST LEWIS and CLARK PARKWAY SUITE 104
CLARKSVILLE, IN 47129
- Gary
661 BROADWAY
GARY, IN 46402-2407
- Hammond
7931 INDIANAPOLIS BLVD
HAMMOND, IN 46324-3348
- Schererville
1320 EAGLE RIDGE DR
SCHERERVILLE, IN 46375-1360
Major cities like Indianapolis have multiple locations. You can also search online to find the nearest BMV in your area and apply for your motorcycle license.
Get a Free Motorcycle Accident Case Review from Our Team
At Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., our Indiana personal injury attorney, Randy Sevenish is a motorcycle rider and understands the needs of other riders. Suppose you or someone you love was injured in a collision while riding your bike. In that case, our motorcycle accident attorney in Indiana could help you build a strong case for financial compensation.
You do not have to fight for financial recovery after an accident on your own. Contact our team members to get your no-cost, no-obligation case review today. You might also benefit from our free motorcycle accident ebook.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
