How to Get a Motorcycle License in Indiana

What You Need to Know Before You Start

A motorcycle license in Indiana is called an endorsement, and you add it to your existing driver's license rather than replacing it. You cannot get a motorcycle endorsement without already holding a valid Indiana driver's license. The process involves passing a written test on motorcycle-specific rules, a vision test, and a riding skills test — either through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or the Indiana BMV's own riding exam.

Indiana offers two paths: take an MSF-certified course (which waives the riding test) or go directly to the BMV and pass their riding exam. Most people choose the MSF course because it teaches you to ride safely and removes the need to demonstrate skills in front of an examiner. Either way, you will need to visit a BMV branch in person to complete the written test and pay the endorsement fee.

Key Takeaways

You must hold a valid Indiana driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement.
Taking an MSF-certified motorcycle safety course waives the riding skills test at the BMV.
If you skip the MSF course, you must pass the BMV's riding exam, which tests your ability to control the motorcycle in real conditions.
The written test covers Indiana motorcycle laws and safe riding practices, and you take it at any BMV branch.
The endorsement fee is separate from your driver's license fee and varies depending on how long you want the endorsement to last.

The MSF Course Route (Fastest for Most People)

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course is a two-day classroom and riding program offered at locations throughout Indiana. You do not need to own a motorcycle or have any riding experience — the course provides the bike, helmet, and protective gear. The course teaches you the fundamentals of motorcycle control, hazard awareness, and Indiana traffic laws specific to motorcycles.

When you complete the MSF course, you receive a completion certificate. Bring this certificate to any BMV branch along with your driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. You will still take the written test at the BMV (the MSF course does not replace it), but you will not have to take the riding exam. After you pass the written test and pay the endorsement fee, the motorcycle endorsement is added to your license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the branch.

To find an MSF course near you, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website or call the Indiana BMV at 317-615-8200 to ask for a list of certified instructors in your area. Courses fill up, especially in spring and summer, so register early if you have a specific date in mind.

The BMV Riding Exam Route (If You Already Ride)

If you already own a motorcycle or have access to one, you can skip the MSF course and go straight to the BMV riding exam. You will still need to pass the written test first — schedule this at any BMV branch. Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your riding exam at a BMV location that offers it.

The riding exam tests your ability to start the motorcycle, control it at low speeds, brake smoothly, and navigate turns and obstacles. You must bring your own motorcycle, which must be street-legal and registered in Indiana. The examiner will watch you perform a series of maneuvers and evaluate your control and safety awareness. If you fail, you can retake the exam, but you will pay the exam fee again.

Not all BMV branches offer riding exams — call ahead to confirm that the branch near you does, or ask which branch in your area administers them. The wait time for a riding exam appointment varies by location and season.

Passing the Written Test

The motorcycle written test covers Indiana motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. You can study using the Indiana Motorcycle Operator's Manual, which is free and available on the BMV website or in print at any BMV branch. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.

The test covers topics like proper helmet use, lane positioning, braking in emergency situations, and how to handle skids or loss of traction. Many questions are scenario-based — for example, you might be asked what to do if you hit gravel on a curve. Study the manual thoroughly, and do not rush through it; the written test is the one part of the endorsement process that catches people off guard.

You take the written test at any BMV branch during regular business hours. Bring your driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. The test is administered on a computer at the branch, and you get your results when ready. If you pass, the branch will tell you what to do next (either schedule your riding exam or, if you have an MSF certificate, proceed to pay the endorsement fee).

What to Bring to the BMV

For the written test, bring your current Indiana driver's license, a second form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you are adding the endorsement to a license that is about to expire, you may want to renew your driver's license at the same time, though it is not required.

If you are taking the riding exam, bring the same documents plus your motorcycle, proof of registration, and proof of insurance. Your motorcycle must pass a safety inspection — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, horn, and mirrors before the exam begins. If anything is broken or missing, you will not be able to test that day.

If you completed an MSF course, bring your completion certificate along with your driver's license and proof of residence. You do not need to bring a motorcycle to the BMV if you have the MSF certificate, because the certificate waives the riding exam.

Endorsement Fees and Timeline

The motorcycle endorsement fee depends on how long you want it to last. Indiana offers endorsements for one, two, three, four, or five years. The fee is roughly $15 to $20 per year, though the exact amount changes periodically — call your local BMV branch or check the BMV website for the current fee. You pay this fee at the BMV branch after you pass the written test.

The endorsement is usually added to your license when ready or within a few business days. If you are renewing your driver's license at the same time, the process may take longer. Ask the BMV staff how long it will take and whether you will receive a temporary license to carry while you wait for the permanent one.

The MSF course itself costs money — typically $150 to $200 — and you pay the course provider directly when you register. This is separate from the BMV endorsement fee. If you take the BMV riding exam instead, there is an exam fee (usually $10 to $15) in addition to the endorsement fee.

After You Get Your Endorsement

Once the motorcycle endorsement is on your license, you are legally allowed to operate a motorcycle on Indiana roads. Your endorsement expires on the same date as your driver's license, so when you renew your license, you can renew the endorsement at the same time if you want to keep it.

Indiana law requires you to wear a helmet if you are under 18, or if you are 18 or older and do not have proof of a motorcycle safety course or a motorcycle endorsement. Since you will have the endorsement, helmet use is your choice — but the MSF course and every safety organization strongly recommend wearing one regardless of the law.

You must also carry proof of insurance on your motorcycle. Indiana requires liability coverage, and your insurance company will issue a card or document you must carry with you when you ride. Keep this with your registration and license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the MSF course, or can I just go to the BMV?

You can do either. The MSF course waives the riding exam, so you only take the written test at the BMV. If you skip the MSF course, you must pass the BMV's riding exam instead. Most people choose the MSF course because it teaches you to ride safely and removes the pressure of being tested by an examiner.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay the test fee again depending on the BMV branch. Study the motorcycle manual more thoroughly before your next attempt, and focus on the scenario-based questions.

Can I use someone else's motorcycle for the riding exam?

Yes, as long as the motorcycle is street-legal, registered in Indiana, and insured. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, horn, and mirrors work before the exam begins. Make sure you are comfortable with the bike beforehand — using an unfamiliar motorcycle makes the exam harder.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

If you take the MSF course, plan for two days of class plus one visit to the BMV for the written test and fee payment — roughly one to two weeks total if you can find a course with available seats. If you go the BMV exam route, it depends on how quickly you can schedule the riding exam, which varies by location and season.

What happens if I move out of Indiana after I get my endorsement?

Your Indiana motorcycle endorsement is valid in Indiana only. If you move to another state, you will need to get a motorcycle endorsement in that state. Some states have reciprocity agreements that waive certain tests, but you will need to contact that state's DMV or equivalent to find out what is required.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.