Indiana Motorcycle Knowledge Test — FAQ

The Indiana motorcycle knowledge exam has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 20 of them correctly — 80% — to pass.

You need 20 of the 25 questions correct, which is 80%. The questions are drawn from the Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual.

You must hold a valid Indiana driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement, or a valid motorcycle learner's permit. You are not eligible for either if your driving privileges are revoked, suspended or invalidated.

There are two options. Option One: successfully complete an Entry Level Motorcycle Safety Course with an authorized Ride Safe Indiana provider. Option Two: pass the motorcycle knowledge exam to get a learner's permit, then pass the motorcycle skills exam. Either way, you then visit a BMV branch to add the endorsement.

A motorcycle endorsement may be issued to Indiana residents who are at least 16 years and 90 days of age and hold a valid Indiana driver's license.

You must pass a motorcycle knowledge exam and a vision screening. The written knowledge exam is taken in person at a BMV branch.

The permit is valid for one year and lets you operate a motorcycle on public roads under its restrictions during that time.

A motorcycle learner's permit may be renewed only one time. If you do not obtain a motorcycle endorsement before that second permit expires, you must wait one year before applying for another permit.

No. The law states a learner's permit holder must not carry passengers. You may carry a passenger only after you earn a full motorcycle endorsement.

No. A learner's permit holder may operate a motorcycle only during daylight hours.

Yes. Every learner's permit holder, at any age, must wear a helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation standard under 49 CFR 571.218.

No. Indiana has a partial helmet law. A DOT-compliant helmet is required for every operator and passenger under 18, and for every learner's permit holder of any age. Licensed riders 18 and older may legally ride without one.

The skills exam measures basic control of the motorcycle and your response to hazards. It includes overall control, cornering, starting, a sharp right turn, stopping at designated points, a cone weave, a U-turn, a quick stop, and an obstacle swerve.

You are allowed three attempts. After a third failed attempt, you must wait two months from the date of the last failed skills exam before testing again. Only one skills exam may be attempted per business day.

Yes. Applicants must provide the motorcycle used for the skills exam and must sign a Waiver of Liability before taking it. The exam is given at a motorcycle skills exam site by an approved Ride Safe Indiana provider.

Yes. Completing an approved Ride Safe Indiana Entry Level Motorcycle Safety Course is a full path to the endorsement (Option One) — the provider submits your graduation documents to the BMV electronically, with no separate BMV skills exam.

An approved course includes five hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of practical riding exercises in a controlled, off-street environment, ending with a knowledge and skills evaluation. Motorcycles are provided free of charge for your use during the course.

New Indiana residents who hold a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state may transfer it to their Indiana driver's license after passing an Indiana motorcycle knowledge exam.

If you are less than 18 years of age when you apply for a motorcycle endorsement, you must have a parent or guardian sign an Agreement of Financial Liability.

Training course completion documents issued by an approved Ride Safe Indiana provider are valid for one year from the date of issuance.