How to Get a Motorcycle License in Indiana – [Step by Step Guide]

In this guide, I explain how to get a motorcycle license in Indiana. I will discuss the requirements, documents, and fees for getting your license.

There is also a step-by-step procedure for adding a motorcycle license endorsement to your driver’s license.

I am an Indiana resident with a valid Indiana motorcycle license. You need to know how to get an Indiana driver’s license, and I am here to help.

I will describe in detail the best practices and give you a more comprehensive understanding of the entire process. 

Do You Need a License to Operate a Motorcycle in Indiana?

Yes. A rider must hold a valid motorcycle license or have a learner’s permit to operate a motorbike legally on public roads. This is per the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Driving a motorcycle without a license can attract huge fines and penalties, including points on your driver’s license.

The process of acquiring a license differs with age. For minors below 16 and a half, you must first attend a motorcycle safety course. However, if you’re above 16 and a half, it is not compulsory to undertake the course.

Motorcycle License Requirement in Indiana

According to the Indiana BMV, applicants must meet some basic requirements. Here are the requirements for obtaining your motorcycle license in Indiana:

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have a valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Issue appropriate documentation, including proof of identity, residence, and legal presence. 
• Complete and pass a motorcycle knowledge exam at a BMV office.
• Complete and pass a motorcycle skill test at a BMV office or provide proof of completing the test with a certified third-party tester.
• Pay the required fees to add your endorsement to your license.

Required Paperwork

You should have the following documents before heading to the Indiana BMV Office:

• US passport.
• Social Security Number, if issued.
• Indiana ID card.
• US military ID card (active duty, reserve, retired).
• Birth certificate issued from any state.
• Signed parental consent form.
• Marriage certificate.
• Driver’s license or learner’s permit.
• Documents from a court of record.

For Applicants Who Are Under 18:

• You must obtain a learner’s permit.
• You must provide an Agreement of Financial Liability. A parent or a guardian has to sign the form for you to obtain a learner’s permit.

For Applicants Who Are Under 16 Years and 90 Days Old:

The State of Indiana allows applicants above the age of 16 years and 90 days to apply for motorcycle endorsements.

However, for applicants below 16 years and 90 days and above 15 years, there are some restrictions:

• You must apply for a learner’s permit.
• You must complete and pass the Motorcycle Operator Safety Training course. Present the proof of completion to the BMV office to receive your learner’s permit.
• You will receive a motorcycle permit. However, you can only practice riding with the oversight of an instructor.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Indiana

To drive a motorcycle legally in Indiana, you must hold a valid Indiana motorcycle license (Class M) or learner’s permit.

Having a valid motorcycle license means adding a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license. But you must be at least 16 years and 90 days or older to apply. 

Here is a complete Indiana licensing process.

Register for License Classes

First-time motorcycle riders below the age of 18 years must obtain a learner’s permit. But before applying for a motorcycle permit, you must take license classes.

These classes provide instructions on traffic laws and test-driving motorcycles.

Ensure Indiana’s BMV approves the driving institution or instructor providing the course. The training organization that offers license classes is the American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE).

It has partnered with Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles and is very well qualified and recommended by the state.

The course also teaches handling techniques like: 

• Emergency braking and accident avoidance.
• Safe turning techniques
• How and when to shift gears
• Correct braking and stopping
• Straight-line riding

Obtain a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit

Motorcycle license applicants are required first to get a learner’s permit. When applying for a Learner’s permit, visit your BMV office and:

• Provide proof of identification, residency, and legal presence.
• Provide a social security number.
• Present a valid driver’s license.
• Pay the required application and testing fees.
• Provide an insured and registered motorcycle during the skills test (optional). Ensure you are familiar with all its controls. However, most Indiana BMV offices provide motorcycles for these tests.
• Have a parent or legal guardian consent to your application if you are under 18.
• Present a lawful US status, including;

• US Passport
• Permanent resident card
• Birth certificate
• Alien registration card
• Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship

In addition to the above requirements, you must also:

Pass the Knowledge Exam

Several practice tests are available online to help you prepare for these exams. You can also get more information from the BMV website or study the Indiana Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook.

Usually, you can complete the knowledge exam at your local BMV office.

You don’t need to schedule an appointment. However, you must arrive at a BMV office at least one hour before the end of office hours.

If you fail the examination after 3 trials, you must wait 2 months to retake the test. You will have to pay a re-examination fee.

Pass a Vision Screening Test

You must pass Indiana’s minimum vision standards to obtain your permit.

This test is necessary to measure the applicant’s visual ability. If you don’t meet the state’s standards, you are referred to an optometrist for an eye examination.

Pass the Motorcycle Road Skills Test.

The road skills test refines the rider’s response to hazardous situations and basic motorcycle control. You will learn the following:

• Starting
• Stopping at designated points
• Overall control
• Quick stop
• Cornering
• Obstacle swerve
• Changing traffic lanes
• Braking
• Sharp right turn
• U-turn

The exam tests your ability to:

• Turn, swerve, and stop quickly.
• Adjust speed depending on the traffic situation.
• Communicate with others
• Accelerate, turn, and brake safely.
• Completing normal and quick stops.
• Know your motorcycle and riding limits.
• Risk management techniques
• Performing maneuvers
• Selecting safe speeds
• Completing normal and quick swerves or turns.

An Indiana motorcycle learner’s permit has the following regulations:

• You must have a valid Indiana driver’s license.
• A licensed adult must always accompany you when practicing riding.
• You cannot carry any passengers.
• You can ride only during the period from half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.
• According to the US Department of Transportation, riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet.

You will receive your motorcycle learner’s permit once you submit your application and meet all these requirements.

Obtain a Motorcycle Endorsement

According to the Indiana BMV, applicants must obtain a motorcycle endorsement and add it to their regular driver’s license.

Transfer Your License From Another State When Moving to Indiana

You can transfer an out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement if you recently moved to Indiana.

Bring the following to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles:

• Your valid out-of-state license.
• Your Social Security number.
• Proof of identification, residence, and legal presence.
• Required application fees.

To transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license:

• Complete the application.
• Pass the Indiana motorcycle knowledge exam.
• Pass an eye exam.

You don’t have to complete a motorcycle safety course or road test if you have a valid out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement.

But you must issue documents proving you have completed a motorcycle safety program.

On the Road After Getting Your Motorcycle License

After meeting your licensing requirements, you will receive a Class M motorcycle license. You can now operate your motorcycle legally within the state of Indiana.

When riding, you should know the limitations imposed by your motorcycle and the environment.

Wear the right gear when riding. This ensures you get the best chance to avoid serious injury in case you crash. Wear:

• A DOT-compliant helmet.
• Protective clothing.
• Eye or face protection.

How to Get an Indiana Motorcycle Endorsement

If you don’t have a driver’s license, it is essential that you apply for one before getting an endorsement.

The requirements for getting an endorsement for applicants who are 16 years and 270 days of age or older are as follows:

• Obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit from your local BMV.
• Have a valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Pay the necessary fees.
• Pass the knowledge examination. The information is in the Indiana Motorcycle Manual.
• Pass the motorcycle skills test with a licensed Ride Safe Indiana testing provider.
• Pass a vision screening test.
• Have your parents or guardian sign the Financial Liability Agreement if you are below 18 years old.

In this category, you don’t have to complete the safety course; it is optional for all applicants.

You will get a motorcycle endorsement on your Indiana driver’s license after completing these steps.

The requirements for getting an endorsement for applicants who are 16 years and 90 days old are quite different. They are as follows:

• Have a valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Pay the required fees.
• Pass a vision screening.
• Have your parents or guardian sign the Financial Liability Agreement. This form places legal responsibility on your parents or guardian in case you get into an accident.
• You must ​​issue documents proving that you completed a safety course with a licensed Ride Safe Indiana provider.

Indiana Motorcycle Endorsement Restrictions

Applicants may have the following restrictions placed on their motorcycle license:

• 3-wheeled motorcycle only
• Motor Driven Cycle (MDC) – Class A
• Side-car Only

New Indiana residents

If you recently moved to Indiana and have a valid out-of-state motorcycle endorsement, you can transfer it at Indiana BMV.

You can only transfer the endorsement after passing the vision test and motorcycle knowledge exam.

Transferring an Out-Of-State Motorcycle Endorsement

You can transfer an out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement if you recently moved to Indiana.

Bring the following to the Indiana BMV:

• Your valid out-of-state license.
• Your Social Security number.
• Proof of identification, residence, and legal presence.
• Required application fees.

Military Personnel

Active duty military applicants stationed outside the state but are Indiana residents can get a motorcycle endorsement by completing these steps:

• Provide documentation proving you completed a Ride Safe Indiana Motorcycle Safety Course.
• Submit a copy of your military ID.
• Provide a copy of your valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Complete and pass the motorcycle safety course via the military, where you are deployed within the past year.

How to Add a Motorcycle endorsement to your Indiana driver’s license

There are two ways of adding a motorcycle endorsement in Indiana.

Option 1: Apply for a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit and Complete the Motorcycle Skills Test

For this option, you must hold a standard driver’s license and be at least 16 years and 270 days of age. You must have a parent or guardian sign the Financial Liability Agreement if you are under 18.

For an applicant to acquire a motorcycle learner’s permit, they must:

• Complete a Motorcycle Knowledge Exam

The knowledge examination contains information based on the Indiana driver’s manual. This exam includes multiple-choice questions on safe driving, motor vehicle laws, and traffic signs.

• Pass a Vision Screening Test.

This test is necessary to measure the applicant’s visual ability. If you don’t meet state standards, you should see an optometrist for an eye examination.

Once you pass both the knowledge exam and the vision test, you’ll get a learner’s permit. The permit is valid for a year.

The Indiana BMV allows you to renew your permit once when adding a motorcycle endorsement. But you will start the process over again during renewal.

The next step is to bring your motorcycle permit to a BMV office to apply for a motorcycle skills test.

• Pass the Motorcycle Road Skills Test.

You need to apply for the skills exam at an approved Ride Safe training center. Applicants should sign a Liability Waiver before taking the skills exam.

On the day of application, you must bring:

• A motorcycle learner’s permit.
• A valid Indiana driver’s license.
• A DOT-approved helmet.
• Your motorcycle for the road test.

You get three trials to pass the test and must pay an exam fee for each attempt. If you do not pass, you must wait 2 months before taking another skills exam.

Once you complete the motorcycle skills exam, you will receive a new license with a motorcycle endorsement.

To do this, you need to schedule an appointment with Ride Safe Indiana. Bring:

• Documents proving you passed the road skill test.
• Your motorcycle learner’s permit.
• Social security number.
• Vision screening documentation
• Identity and residency proof and proof of your legal presence.
• Submit an agreement of financial liability signed by your parent or guardian if you are below 18 years.

Option 2: Complete a Motorcycle Safety Course

A second option is to complete an approved Ride Safe Indiana Motorcycle Safety Training Course. Applicants are not required to hold a motorcycle permit to take this course. They, however, must be at least 16 years and 90 days old.

Ride Safe Indiana offers three motorcycle safety courses:

• 3-wheel Motorcycle Entry-Level Safety Course. This is for applicants interested in driving 3-wheeled motorcycles.
• Advanced Skills Motorcycle Training Course. This is a motorcycle course for applicants who already have basic skills.
• Entry Level Motorcycle Safety Course. This is a basic rider course for new riders.

These courses last between 2 and 6 weeks. They involve 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of driver training in a controlled, off-street environment. Motorcycles are provided for free to all applicants during the course.

After passing your chosen course, the Indiana license branch will issue you a certificate of completion.

Like most states, Indiana waives the knowledge and road skills test once you complete an approved ABATE safety course.

You have one year from the date you complete the course to present the completion certificate to your local BMV.

Once you submit the certificate, you will receive a new driver’s license with the motorcycle endorsement.

You must pay a nominal fee when adding a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license.

Please note that the state of Indiana does not accept motorcycle safety courses from out-of-state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The Indiana BMV guidelines require motorcycle operators to have a valid license to ride their motorcycles legally. Riders would need to complete several steps when applying for a motorcycle license.

They’ll have to be familiar with license requirements, license classes, and passing tests. Generally, licensing can be puzzling, especially for novice riders new to Indiana driving laws.

This is why it is important to research and learn about licensing laws to avoid hefty fines and other penalties.

Pro Tip: In Indiana, applicants must provide proof of motorcycle insurance to keep their motorcycle license. You can contact your local BMV to get more information on how to get motorcycle insurance.