You might be jumping out of your skin with excitement at the thought of riding that new motorcycle of yours, but you'll need to have a motorcycle license or endorsement before you can take it on any Indiana public street or highway.

The process of obtaining your license or endorsement depends on whether you already have an operator's license (meaning driver, commercial driver, or public passenger/chauffeur) of some sort.

Top If You Have a License

The first thing you'll need to do is obtain a motorcycle operator's learner permit. The best way to do this is to stop by any license agency, and pick up a copy of the Motorcycle Operator Manual or download one here.

You will need to pass a written test based on motorcycle laws and safety before you may get your permit. The information you'll need to pass the test is contained in the manual. When you feel confident enough with your motorcycle knowledge, head back to the agency to take the test. It is free to take, and no appointment is necessary.

If you pass the test and pay the $9 fee for the learner permit, you will receive a permit that is valid for one year. It allows you to ride your cycle on public streets and highways. However, you can't ride with passengers, and you can only ride during daylight. Also, you'll need to wear a helmet and eye protection.

After you've had your permit for at least 30 days, you may apply for a motorcycle endorsement, which will simply be added to your existing license. You may achieve this by either passing a motorcycle skills (road) test, or by showing that you've successfully completed an approved motorcycle safety course. The following section will give details on how to do both.

Top Motorcycle Training and Testing

All motorcycle training and testing in the state goes through ABATE of Indiana (ABATE). For a listing of training schedules, testing locations and times, and other information, just visit their site, or call them at (800) 232-2283.

If you decide just to opt for the on-cycle skills test, there is a $10 fee. Make sure to bring along your operator license.

If you decide to take the safety course instead, you may register online or call ABATE. The course costs $75. If you pass the course, you will be given a waiver good for one year, which will allow you skip the skills testing.

Once you've either successfully completed the skills test or the safety course, take your completion card and permit to any license agency, and you'll receive a new operator's license that will have a motorcycle endorsement.

Top If You Don't Have a License

If you fall under this category and are 15 or older, you can still get a motorcycle license.

The first thing you should do is enroll in the safety course offered through ABATE. The cost of the course is $75. Then, bring your enrollment card to any license agency for a learner's permit.

You'll also need to bring along acceptable proof of identity. Also, if you're younger than 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign the financial responsibility section of the permit application form.

If everything checks out and you pay the $9 fee, you will get a motorcycle permit, which is valid for one year. Even with this permit, though, you will not be allowed to drive on public streets or highways. You must first pass the safety course and obtain a safety completion card. Then the permit is considered "validated" and you may drive on the roads.

You should note that with a permit you won't be allowed to have passengers, and you can only drive during daylight.

Also, you'll need to wear a helmet and eye protection. And, you'll need to be under the supervision of someone who is at least 18 and has a motorcycle license or endorsement. (Namely, riding on a cycle nearby.)

After you've held your permit for at least 30 days, you can go to any license agency and apply for a motorcycle only license. You'll need to be at least 16 years and 30 days old to do so, however.

However, before going to the branch you should study the Motorcycle Operator Manual thoroughly. You may pick up a copy at any branch, or
download it. It contains the information you'll need to pass the written test given to you before you can get your license.

You don't need to make an appointment to take the required written and vision exams, and both tests are free. Also, if you're younger than 18, be sure to bring along a parent or legal guardian to sign the financial responsibility section of the form.

If all goes well, you will receive your license, which only allows you to drive motorcycles.

Top Expiration

If you're younger than 18, your license will expire on your 21st birthday. If you're between 18 and 75 years old, your license or endorsement will be valid for six years. If you're between 75 and 85, it's good for three years. And, if you're older than 85, it's good for two years.

Top Fees

The fees for your license or endorsement vary according to age:

• Younger than 18: $14

• 18 to 65: $21

• 65 to 75: $14

• 75 to 85: $11

Top Other Information

Have you taken a safety course through another state or though the military? Do you have a motorcycle endorsement from another state?

For direction on what to do if any of this applies to you, visit the Motorcycle Frequently Asked Questions page on the state's official Web site.

Lastly, enjoy your time riding on your cycle, and be especially sure to follow the rules of the road and apply the proper safety techniques.

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