Entry Level Motorcycle Safety Course:
- Novice riders at least 15 years of age*
- Classroom instruction and practical riding experience in a controlled, off-street setting**
- Knowledge exam and riding-skill evaluation at conclusion of course
Advanced Skills Motorcycle Course:
- Experienced riders with a valid Indiana motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle permit
- One day course for seasoned riders to fine-tune skills needed for safe and successful travel
- Optional knowledge exam and riding-skill evaluation at conclusion of course
Three Wheel Motorcycle Entry Level Safety Course:
- Novice three-wheel motorcycle riders at least 15 years of age*
- Classroom instruction and practical riding experience in a controlled, off-street setting**
- Knowledge exam and riding-skill evaluation at conclusion of course
*Graduation documents are only valid for a period of one (1) year from date of issuance
**Motorcycles provided for new riders in Entry Level Safety Courses.
Entry Level Safety Course
The RSI Entry Level Motorcycle Safety Course is designed for beginning riders of all ages and uses a curriculum that meets standards established by the BMV. Five hours of classroom instruction prepares you for 10 hours of practical riding exercises in a controlled, off-street environment. Motorcycles are provided free of charge for your use during the course.
To become a safer, more responsible rider, your instructors will also discuss:
- Types of motorcycles
- Motorcycle layout and operation of the basic controls
- Types of safety gear worn for protection and comfort
- How alcohol and other drugs impair a rider's ability
Next, you'll move to the riding range and your instructor (an experienced motorcyclist, who meets the standards established by the BMV in motorcycle safety and education) will start you off with straight-line riding, stopping, shifting, and turning. You'll gradually progress to swerving and emergency braking.
The course concludes with a knowledge exam and a riding-skill evaluation. If you have successfully passed both exams, there's no need to visit a branch to get your endorsement. It will be available to apply to your license online.
Three Wheel Motorcycle Entry Level Safety Course
Ride Safe Indiana (RSI) offers a Three Wheel Motorcycle Entry Level Safety Course for three wheel motorcyclists. The RSI Three Wheel Motorcycle Entry Level Safety Course is designed for riders of all ages and uses a curriculum that meets standards established by the BMV. Six hours of classroom instruction prepares you for eight hours of practical riding exercises in a controlled, off-street environment. Course participants use their own motorcycles.
To become a safer, more responsible rider, Instructors/Coaches will also discuss:
- Types of motorcycles
- Layout and operation of the basic controls
- Types of safety gear worn for protection and comfort
- How alcohol and other drugs impair a rider's ability
Next you'll move to the riding range and your instructor (an experienced motorcyclist, who meets the standards established by the BMV in motorcycle safety and education) will start you off with straight-line riding, stopping, shifting and turning. You'll gradually progress to swerving and emergency braking.
The course concludes with a knowledge exam and a riding-skill evaluation. If you have successfully passed both exams, there's no need to visit a branch to get your endorsement. It will be available to apply to your license online.
Motorcycle Safety Courses FAQs
- Who administers/conducts motorcycle safety courses in Indiana?
Motorcycle safety courses are administered by Ride Safe Indiana-approved providers.
- How much does an RSI-authorized course cost?
Schedules and fees varies by provider. Please review our list of providers and contact them for more details.
- How long does the Entry Level Motorcycle Safety Course take?
The course is approximately 20 hours. Seven hours are dedicated to classroom instruction and 13 hours to riding exercises in a controlled environment. The length of the course is dependent upon each provider.
- Do I need to bring my motorcycle and helmet to the course?
Training motorcycles are provided. Some providers offer loaner helmets, but you should plan to provide your own as you are required to wear a DOT-compliant helmet during the riding portion of your class.
- Do I need to wear any special clothing or equipment to attend a course?
Yes. Come to the riding portion of the course with eye protection, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves, long pants (jeans without holes) and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear. You will not be permitted to participate without the required equipment.
- I’ve never operated a motorcycle but I want to take a safety course. Do I need any riding experience prior to signing up?
The Entry Level Motorcycle Safety Course is designed for beginner riders. At a minimum, you must be able to ride a bicycle.
- I have experience with operating a motorcycle, but I’ve never received my endorsement. Do you offer any courses that qualify for more seasoned riders?
Experienced riders may opt for the Advanced Skills Motorcycle Training Course. Riders must bring their own motorcycles and helmets for this course. Participants must possess a valid Indiana motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle permit.
- If I’m under 18 years old, can I enroll in the course?
Yes. You must be at least 15 years of age, hold a valid state-issued identification card or learner’s permit, and have the permission of a parent or guardian to enroll in a course.
- Do I need to get a motorcycle learner’s permit before I take the course?
No. Only a state-issued driver’s license or identification card is required to be presented in order to take a course.
- What if I don’t pass the knowledge exam or the riding skills evaluations at the end of the course?
If you do not pass the written knowledge exam you are not allowed to re-test. You must re-take the safety course and successfully pass the written and riding skills exam to be eligible for a waiver of the BMV’s written and skills exams. You may reattempt the riding skills exam one time the same day after a failed attempt.
- Will I get a motorcycle endorsement after the course?
Upon completion of the course, graduation results are electronically submitted to the BMV by the course providers. Participants must then visit a BMV location to add the endorsement to their driver license.
- Can I receive a waiver of the riding skills and knowledge exam if I complete a safety course in another state?
If an individual completes a motorcycle safety course out-of-state, whether military or not, the completion form is valid for one year from completion date. While out-of-state completion document(s) are not acceptable for processing, the customer may follow the steps below:
- Successfully complete a motorcycle safety course within the last year;
- Submit a copy of a Motorcycle Safety Course Completion document proving successful completion of motorcycle safety course;
- Submit a copy of Indiana driver’s license; and
- Submit a copy of military ID or orders (if applicable)
Submissions must be sent to MotorcycleSafety@bmv.in.gov. After RSI reviews the documentation, the customer will be contacted with further instructions.
- I'm a new resident to Indiana. How do I transfer my out-of-state motorcycle endorsement?
New Indiana residents who hold a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state may transfer their motorcycle endorsement to their Indiana driver’s license after passing a motorcycle knowledge exam.
- Are accommodations made for active U.S. military personnel who complete a safety course in another state?
Yes. Please send an email to MotorcycleSafety@bmv.in.gov for assistance.