Understanding Ohio motorcycle laws is crucial whether you’re a novice rider or a seasoned pro. The Ohio motorcycle license application procedure is simple. You can obtain an Ohio motorcycle license in the brief steps we listed in this post. The conditions for obtaining an Ohio motorcycle license are also listed here.
There are many benefits to riding a motorcycle, from the rush of exploring the open road on two wheels to zooming around town on a highly fuel-efficient and conveniently parkable vehicle. The risks that riders face on every ride are, of course, the biggest disadvantage. Compared to people in cars, trucks, and SUVs, motorcycle riders have a 28-fold higher risk of dying in collisions.
Ohio is a motorcycle enthusiast’s dream because of its scenic landscape and winding roads. Fortunately, anyone wishing to ride a steel horse on the open roads of the Buckeye State can do so by following the simple instructions provided by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
You must successfully complete a motorcycle rider skills course, provide the deputy registrar with proof of completion, and pay a nominal motorcycle license fee in order to obtain a motorcycle license in Ohio. Read this article and you can learn how to get a motorcycle license in Ohio.
Is A License Required To Ride A Motorcycle In Ohio?
If you want to drive a motorized two-wheeled vehicle with an engine larger than 50 ccs in the state of Ohio, you will need to obtain either:
- A stand-alone motorcycle or motorscooter license
- A motorcycle or motor scooter endorsement for your regular Class D Ohio driver’s license
You must be at least 15 and a half years of age to apply for a license or endorsement to operate a motorcycle or motorscooter in Ohio. You can check out more information we have on how to get a motorcycle license in Texas, California, Illinois, Arizona and Florida.
How To Get A Motorbike License In Ohio?
Being an expert at defensive and proactive driving is essential for riding a motorcycle safely. It also necessitates familiarity with motorcycle limitations and distinctions from other passenger vehicles. Before being permitted to take a ride on their own, applicants for motorcycle licenses and endorsements must pass tests on these distinctions to demonstrate their proficiency.
If you’re interested in obtaining a motorcycle license in Ohio, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Determine Whether You’ll Ride A Motorcycle Or A “trike”
For motorcycles and scooters with two wheels and three wheels, respectively, separate licenses are required in Ohio. You can drive a three-wheeled vehicle if you have a license for a two-wheeled vehicle. However, you cannot ride a two-wheeled vehicle with a three-wheeled vehicle license.
Obtain A Motor Scooter Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC)
The first step for anyone trying to get a motorcycle license in Ohio is getting a TIPIC. Find the closest Drivers Exam Office so you can get a TIPIC. Both a motorcycle knowledge test and a vision test are required. You will need to present documentation of your full legal name, birthdate, and social security number before taking either of these tests.
You will have 60 days after completing this step to visit a licensing office and buy the TIPIC. To purchase the TIPIC, you will want to bring proof of the following with you:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (if ever assigned)
- Ohio residency
- Citizenship or legal presence
The presence of a parent or legal guardian is required if you are under the age of 18 to co-sign for the TIPIC. You have to wait 24 hours to retake the knowledge test if you fail it. The number of retries is unbounded.
Learn The Ropes Using Your TIPIC
Learning to ride a motorcycle safely takes experience and knowledge, just like learning to drive a car. Spending actual time on your bike is the best way to acquire both. However, inexperienced riders are subject to a number of limitations because they pose a greater risk to both themselves and other road users. If you have a valid TIPIC, you must abide by the following rules:
- only travel during the day.
- Your bike or scooter may not be used with any passengers.
- It is forbidden to ride on interstates and congested roads.
- At all times, safety equipment like helmets is required.
Pass A Skills Test
The official skills test must be passed in order to receive a motorcycle license or endorsement. When taking their skills test, riders must be at least 18 years old, have a current TIPIC, and don safety gear like a helmet and goggles. They also must ride street-legal motorcycles that are in safe working condition. Riders under age 18 must complete additional requirements in addition to the skills test, which include:
- Complete any probationary driver’s license requirements
- Hold a valid TIPIC for at least six months before applying for a skills test
- Complete at least 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and eight hours of driving time at an approved driving school
- Log at least 50 hours of riding time
- Complete a motorcycle safety course
It should be noted that riders of any age with valid TIPICs who finish a Motorcycle Ohio course within 60 days of applying for their motorcycle license or endorsement are exempt from taking the skills test.
Mandatory Insurance
It’s also important to keep in mind that you must keep your motorcycle properly insured if you drive one in Ohio. The minimum insurance requirements are the same as passenger vehicles in Ohio:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of another person in an accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more individuals in one accident
- $25,000 for property damage suffered by someone else in an accident
How Long Does It Take To Get An Ohio Motorcycle License?
The TIPIC must be held for at least six months if the holder is under the age of 18. If you are older than 18, you can schedule a skills test as soon as you are prepared after getting your TIPIC. After a year, the TIPIC is no longer valid. The entire process will need to be repeated if the skills testing is not finished within the TIPIC’s valid year.
How Can A Person Who Is Older Than 18 Get A License Or Endorsement?
You can schedule your skills to test online once you’ve used your TIPIC to practice driving on a motorcycle or scooter. What should you bring for the skills tests?
- A valid TIPIC
- A helmet and protective eyewear
- A legal and safe motorcycle/motorscooter
You must wait one week before retaking the skills test if you fail any portion of it. When you pass the exam, you can pick up your license or endorsement at the DMV deputy registrar’s office that is closest to you.
Anyone who has finished the BMV’s Motorcycle Ohio program within 60 days of applying for their license is exempt from having to take the skills test. Once you’ve passed Motorcycle Ohio, you have 60 days—or until your TIPIC license expires—to go get your license or endorsement.
What Are The Requirements If I’m Under 18?
- Fulfill all probationary driver’s license requirements
- Have your TIPIC for at least 6 months
- Complete driver education with 24 classroom hours and 8 behind-the-wheel hours
- Complete 50 hours of driving, 10 of which must be at night
- Complete a motorcycle safety course
You must also pass a skills test for riding a motorcycle or motor scooter, which can be scheduled online.
Anyone who has finished the BMV’s Motorcycle Ohio program within 60 days of applying for their license is exempt from having to take the skills test. After passing Motorcycle Ohio, you have 60 days or until your TIPIC license expires, whichever comes first, to go get your license or endorsement.
What Does An Ohio Motorcycle License Cost?
- TIPIC cost is $22.50
- Motorcycle-only licenses are $24.50 for 4 years; $48.00 for an 8-year one
- Driver’s license fees if over 21 – a 4 year is $24.50 and an 8 year is $48.00
- All license fees if under 21 are good for a 4-year span and are as follows:
- Age 20 is $20.75
- Age 19 is $22.00
- Age 18 is $23.25
- Age 17 is $24.50
- Age 16 is $25.75
Ohio Motorcycle Laws
Risks of collisions in motorcycles are higher. Therefore, it is crucial that riders understand how to handle their vehicles safely. Furthermore, automobile users must be prepared to share the road with motorcycles.
Here are the rules of Ohio motorcycle laws:
Ohio Motorcycle Licenses & Endorsements
In Ohio, you need to have a current operator’s license to ride a motorcycle on the open road. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) states that a motorcyclist can either seek:
- A motorcycle license, which will only allow them to operate a bike; or
- an endorsement for motorcycles, which allows them to operate motorized bikes in addition to their regular license.
Any of the other 50 states (or DC) may accept motorcycle licenses and endorsements in Ohio. A rider must either pass a skills test or complete an Ohio motorcycle training course in order to obtain an Ohio motorcycle license or endorsement.
General Rules of the Road for Motorcycles
The standard traffic laws apply to motorcycles in Ohio. According to Ohio law, bikers are subject to many of the same obligations as regular drivers because they are treated similarly to full-sized cars. Naturally, this also implies that bikers have the same rights as drivers. Even on congested highways, motorcycle riders have every right to drive in the center of the road.
FAQs
Can You Buy A Motorcycle Without A License In Ohio?
Without a license, a motorcycle can be purchased legally. Both a private owner and a dealership won’t request documentation of their legal status. To ride a motorcycle on a public road in Ohio, you must, however, have a current license or endorsement for motorcycles as well as insurance.
Where Can I Take My Motorcycle Skills Test in Ohio?
Visit any driver exam station in Ohio to take the test. You can obtain a license in Ohio by going to any deputy registrar agency. for earning your endorsement and finishing a course in motorcycle safety.
How Hard is the Ohio Motorcycle Permit Test?
You must be familiar with the laws governing driving, riding, and using the roads. There are 40 questions on the Ohio motorcycle test. To pass, you must receive at least a 30 (75%).
Conclusions: Get Your Ohio Motorcycle License
It’s an exciting accomplishment to get your motorcycle license. It’s up to you to keep using the defensive driving techniques and safety precautions you learned while studying and practicing once you get your license. We believe we have addressed all of your concerns regarding obtaining the necessary endorsements or licenses for a motorcycle in Ohio.
