Indiana · Permit testWho can take the Indiana BMV motorcycle permit test?
- Hold a valid Indiana driver's license.
- Under 18, a parent or guardian signs an Agreement of Financial Liability.
- Study the Motorcycle Operator's Manual. It's a separate book from the car manual.
- Arrive at a branch at least one hour before it closes. That's earlier than the 30 minutes the car exam needs.
- For practice, the car manual's Chapter 9 sample questions don't cover the motorcycle exam. They cover the car, for-hire and motor driven cycle exams, so quiz yourself from the Motorcycle Operator's Manual.
Riding on a motorcycle permit
- Wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet.
- Ride only from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- No passengers.
How long the permit lasts
A motorcycle learner's permit is valid for one year. The BMV's permit page says you can renew it once. The manual words it differently: no more than three issues or renewals in five years. Ask at the branch if you're near the limit.
If the renewed permit runs out before you get your endorsement, you wait a year to apply again, unless you finish a Ride Safe Indiana course.
Getting the endorsement
You need either a Ride Safe Indiana safety course, or both the motorcycle knowledge exam and the riding skills exam. If you're getting your first Indiana license at 16 or older and have finished a motorcycle safety course, you can get the endorsement at the same time.
Adding the endorsement costs a one-time $19, as of October 2026.
Sources: Indiana BMV · Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 2 and 2 more. Checked October 2026.
- Indiana BMV: Motorcycle learner's permit ↗
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 2: Restrictions and Endorsements (PDF) ↗
- Indiana BMV: Driver's license fees ↗
- Indiana BMV: Motorcycle Operator's Manual (PDF) ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.