Motorcycle Manual in Indiana

SUMMARY: Indiana Motorcycle Manual

By studying the Indiana motorcycle manual, you will take a big step in obtaining your Indiana motorcycle endorsement. The motorcycle manual can help you get a better understanding of the operation of your motorcycle, gear and equipment, as well as alcohol and its effects on motorcycle riding.

Indiana Motorcycle Manual

The Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual (BMV0005), available through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), is loaded with information you need to know in order to become a legal and safe motorcycle rider.

The contents of the motorcycle manual include:

  • Information on how to get your motorcycle endorsement.
  • Guides to properly handling common and emergency situations on your bike.
  • A guide to the proper gear and equipment you need to operate your motorcycle.
  • Information on the effects of alcohol, marijuana, and fatigue on your ability to ride.

Indiana Motorcycle Endorsement

In Indiana, you must get a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license in order to operate a motorcycle. You can get your motorcycle endorsement by way of one of the following avenues:

  • Learner's permit.
  • Indiana Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Program.

Learner's Permit

If you choose this route to get your motorcycle endorsement, you must have a valid driver's license and:

  • Pass a vision screening test.
  • Pass a knowledge test based on information provided in the manual.
    • To ensure you pass on the first time, take a motorcycle practice test and get familiar with the types of questions you'll see.

With the above completed, you will be awarded a motorcycle learner's permit. Use your learner's permit to safely practice operating your motorcycle.

Once you are ready, schedule a motorcycle riding skills test. Passing this test will complete your eligibility requirements for your motorcycle endorsement.

Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Program

Upon completion of a Basic Rider Course, you will be eligible for your motorcycle endorsement.

This course takes place both in a classroom setting and on a motorcycle. You do not need a permit to take this course, and are exempt from the motorcycle skills test once have successfully completed the course. Note

Contact the BMV for course availability.

Operating Your Motorcycle in Indiana

In the Indiana DMV motorcycle handbook you can find information on how to legally and safely operate your motorcycle. Through studying the manual you will learn about the following topics:

  • Basic vehicle control.
  • Gear shifting.
  • Braking.
  • Turning.
  • Proper lane positions.
  • Proper and safe distances between you and other vehicles.
  • Passing.
  • Merging.
  • Sharing lanes.
  • And more.

Gear and Equipment

You can refer to the motorcycle manual to gain a better understanding of your motorcycle gear and equipment, such as:

  • DOT-compliant helmets.
  • Face and eye protection.
  • Gloves.
  • Hearing protection.
  • Protective clothing.
  • Basic motorcycle controls.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Motorcycles

Finally, the IN motorcycle handbook contains information on the effects alcohol and marijuana use can have on your ability to safely operate your motorcycle.

Riding drunk is very dangerous and against the law. Be safe. Don't get on your bike drunk.

To learn about how drugs, alcohol, and fatigue can affect your riding ability, see the DMV motorcycle manual.

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