Indiana Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License Endorsement, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated in December 2025. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (“BMV”) and the Ride Safe Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual.
Operating a Motorcycle in Indiana
To legally operate a motorcycle on a public roadway in the state of Indiana, you must:
- Hold a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement; or
- Hold a valid motorcycle learner’s permit.
You are not eligible for a permit or endorsement if your driving privileges are revoked, suspended or invalidated.
Motorcycle Endorsement
There are two main pathways you can take to obtain a motorcycle endorsement if you are at least 16 years and 90 days old:
- Pass a knowledge exam to obtain a permit and then pass a skills exam; or
- Provide proof that you have successfully completed an approved Ride Safe Indiana motorcycle safety training course. Whether you have a permit or not, you can complete this safety course and obtain an endorsement at any time.
You may be required to pass a vision screening exam too. If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must sign an Agreement of Financial Liability for you to obtain an endorsement.
Motorcycle Learner’s Permit: Key Details
To apply for a motorcycle permit, you must: (1) hold a valid Indiana driver’s license; (2) pass the knowledge test; and (3) have a parent or guardian sign an Agreement of Financial Liability if you are under 18 years of age.
- Permit is valid for one (1) year. If it expires, you must take the knowledge test again and apply for a new permit.
- You can only renew your permit once. If you renew your permit and it expires before you obtain a motorcycle endorsement, you have to wait one (1) year before you can apply for a new permit again.
Permit Restrictions
While riding with the permit you must abide by specific restrictions:
- You must wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet while riding.
- You can only ride during daylight hours (i.e. half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset).
- You may not carry passengers.
Motorcycle Skills Exam
The skills test measures your ability to control your motorcycle respond to dangerous situations by examining your ability to:
- Start
- Control
- Turn
- Brake
- Stop at designated points
- Cone weave
- Make left U-turns
- Make a quick stop
- Obstacle swerve
The exam will be held at a skills exam site by an approved Ride Safe Indiana provider. You can only make one (1) attempt to pass the skills exam per day.
Once you pass, you have to visit a BMV branch with your permit to receive your endorsement. If you do not pass, you have to wait one (1) day before taking the test again. If you fail the skills exam three (3) times while on your permit, you have to wait two (2) months from the date of your last failed attempt to take the skills exam again.
Transferring an Out-of-State Motorcycle Endorsement
If you are new to Indiana and hold a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state, you may transfer the endorsement to your Indiana driver’s license after passing a motorcycle knowledge exam.
Indiana Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
The BMV requires registered motorcycle operators, to maintain minimum liability coverage as required by state law.
Summary: Be Prepared & Ride Safe
As a prospective or current motorcycle rider in Indiana, make sure you:
- Confirm you meet the age requirement.
- Decide whether you’ll pursue an endorsement via the safety course route or the permit route.
- Gather any required documents, such as your signed and stamped permit, driver’s license and signed Agreement of Financial Liability.
- For permit holders: pass the knowledge test, adhere to permit restrictions, and pass the skills exam.
- For applicants who complete a safety course: complete the approved course, then add your endorsement.
- If you’re a new resident to Indiana with a valid endorsement, transfer your endorsement to your Indiana driver’s license after passing the knowledge exam.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute as legal advice. This article is based on the most reliable information available on the date of publication. Motorcycle laws are subject to change. For legal guidance and to ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please consult qualified legal counsel or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
The IN BMV requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Indiana, make sure your coverage meets the state’s requirements.
To make sure you have the right coverage at the right price, come see what Rider can do for you.
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