Indiana requires a separate endorsement on your driver's license to ride a motorcycle legally
You cannot ride a motorcycle on public roads in Indiana with just a standard driver's license. You need an M endorsement added to your license, or you can obtain a standalone motorcycle license if you do not hold a regular driver's license. The process involves a written test, a riding skills test, and a fee. You can complete the riding test through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) directly, or you can take an approved motorcycle safety course that waives the riding test requirement.
The fastest path for most people is the Indiana Motorcycle Safety Program (IMSP), a state-approved course that teaches you to ride safely and lets you skip the BMV riding test. If you prefer to test at the BMV without taking a course, you will need to pass both the written exam and demonstrate your riding ability on a motorcycle you bring yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana requires an M endorsement on your driver's license or a standalone motorcycle license to ride legally on public roads.
- You can obtain the endorsement by passing a written test and riding skills test at the BMV, or by completing an approved motorcycle safety course that waives the riding test.
- The Indiana Motorcycle Safety Program (IMSP) is the state-approved course option and costs between $150 and $200 depending on the provider.
- 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.
- The written test covers motorcycle operation, safety, and Indiana traffic laws specific to motorcycles.
Age requirements and restrictions for young riders
Indiana allows riders as young as 16 to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement. However, riders under 18 face restrictions that do not explore to adults. If you are under 18, you cannot ride a motorcycle with an engine larger than 50 cubic centimeters (cc) unless you have held your M endorsement for at least one year. This means your first motorcycle must be a moped or small-displacement bike.
Riders under 18 also cannot ride between midnight and 5 a.m. unless they are traveling to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. These restrictions lift on your 18th birthday. If you are 16 or 17 and want to ride a larger motorcycle, you must wait until you have held your endorsement for a full year before upgrading to a bike over 50 cc.
The written test: what you need to know
The BMV written test for a motorcycle endorsement covers motorcycle-specific knowledge and Indiana traffic laws. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can retake the test if you fail, though you will pay the fee again. The test is offered at any BMV branch during regular business hours and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
The test covers topics like proper braking technique, how to handle skids, lane positioning, visibility to other drivers, and how to navigate curves safely. It also includes questions about Indiana's motorcycle laws, helmet requirements, and when you must use your headlight. You can study using the Indiana BMV Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free and available on the BMV website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare.
Taking the riding skills test at the BMV
If you do not take an approved safety course, you must pass a riding skills test administered by the BMV. You bring your own motorcycle or have someone bring one for you. The test takes place in a closed course and lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. An examiner watches you perform specific maneuvers: starting the bike, accelerating, braking, turning, and stopping. The test is designed to show that you can control the motorcycle safely, not to trick you.
You must wear a helmet and eye protection during the test, and your motorcycle must be street-legal and registered. The bike does not have to be registered in your name, but it must pass a safety inspection. If you fail the riding test, you can retake it, though you will need to pay the fee again and schedule another appointment. Many BMV branches have waiting lists for riding tests, so book your appointment well in advance.
Completing an approved motorcycle safety course instead
The Indiana Motorcycle Safety Program (IMSP) offers state-approved courses at locations throughout Indiana. These courses teach you to ride safely and include both classroom and hands-on riding instruction. The biggest advantage is that completing an IMSP course waives the BMV riding skills test—you only take the written test at the BMV after finishing the course. The course typically costs between $150 and $200, depending on the provider and location.
IMSP courses usually run over a weekend (Friday evening and Saturday, or Saturday and Sunday) or across multiple weekday evenings. The course includes a helmet and motorcycle for practice, so you do not need to bring your own. After you complete the course, you receive a certificate that you take to the BMV along with your written test results. The BMV then issues your M endorsement or motorcycle license. Many insurance companies also offer discounts for riders who complete an approved safety course, which can offset the course cost within the first year.
Documents and fees you will need
To obtain an M endorsement or motorcycle license in Indiana, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to the BMV. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid passport, birth certificate, or military ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process.
The BMV charges a fee for the written test and a separate fee for the riding test if you take it at the BMV. As of 2024, the written test fee is $20 and the riding test fee is $30, though these amounts can change. If you add an M endorsement to an existing driver's license, the cost is lower than obtaining a standalone motorcycle license. An approved safety course costs $150 to $200 and is a separate expense from the BMV fees, but it waives the riding test fee and may may have access to you for insurance discounts.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass the written test (and the riding test if you took it at the BMV, or after you complete an approved safety course), the BMV issues your M endorsement or motorcycle license. If you are adding an endorsement to an existing driver's license, the BMV updates your license on the spot or mails it to you within a few days. A standalone motorcycle license is mailed to your address within one to two weeks.
Your new license is valid when ready for riding on public roads. Before you ride, make sure you have motorcycle insurance—Indiana requires it, just as it does for cars. Wear a helmet every time you ride; Indiana law requires helmets for all riders under 18 and for riders over 18 who have held their license for less than one year. After one year, riders 18 and older can choose whether to wear a helmet, though safety experts recommend it regardless of age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a motorcycle license if I do not have a regular driver's license?
Yes. You can obtain a standalone motorcycle license in Indiana without holding a regular driver's license. You will still need to pass the written test and either the riding test at the BMV or complete an approved safety course. The process and fees are the same.
Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course, or can I just test at the BMV?
You can choose either path. Taking an approved course (IMSP) waives the riding test and costs $150 to $200. Testing at the BMV requires you to pass both the written and riding tests and costs $50 total in BMV fees. Many people choose the course because it includes instruction and waives the riding test, but both paths lead to a valid license.
What if I fail the written test or riding test?
You can retake either test. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the written test, though you pay the fee each time. For the riding test, you also pay the fee again and must schedule a new appointment. Many BMV branches have waiting lists, so book early if you need to retake.
Does Indiana recognize motorcycle licenses from other states?
Yes. If you hold a valid motorcycle license or M endorsement from another state and move to Indiana, you can transfer it to an Indiana license without retesting. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of residency to any BMV branch. The transfer fee is typically lower than obtaining a new license.
What size motorcycle can I ride as a new rider under 18?
Your first motorcycle must have an engine no larger than 50 cc. After you have held your M endorsement for one year, you can ride any size motorcycle. This restriction applies only to riders under 18; once you turn 18, you can ride any motorcycle regardless of how long you have held your license.