Before you get on and ride into the sunset, you need to get a special license for motorcycles and motor scooters. If you already have a valid driver license, you will apply for an endorsement that is shown on your license. If you do not have a valid driver license, you will apply for a motorcycle or motor scooter license.
What are the restrictions for two-wheeled vs three-wheeled rides?
In Ohio, if you have a two-wheeled motorcycle or motor scooter endorsement or license, you are allowed to drive either a two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycle or motor scooter. However, if you have a three-wheeled motorcycle or motor scooter endorsement or license, you may only drive a three-wheeled motorcycle or motor scooter.
How to get a Motorcycle or Motor Scooter TIPIC?
Before you get your motorcycle or motor scooter license or endorsement, you need to get your temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). To get this you must be older than 15 ½, and you have to pass a motorcycle or motor scooter knowledge exam. The BMV recommends you study the Ohio Motorcycle Operator’s Manual and section four of the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws . Once you feel prepared to pass the exam, you can go to any driver exam station in Ohio and take the knowledge exam and a vision test.
What do I need to bring to the BMV to get my TIPIC?
- US Birth Certificate or US Passport
- Social Security Card or W-2 Form
- A document that proves your street address like a utility bill or school record
Check out this BMV form with more information on acceptable documents
If you fail the exam, don’t worry, you can take it again 24 hours later. After you pass both the knowledge and vision exam and receive a receipt, you have 60 days to make your way over to your nearest DMV deputy registrar's office to get your TIPIC. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must go with you and give written permission for you to get your TIPIC. Your TIPIC will be valid one year after you get it, and if it expires, you will have to start the whole process over again.
What restrictions do I have with a TIPIC?
- You may only ride during daylight hours
- You may not have any passengers
- You may not ride on interstates or congested roads
- You must wear a helmet and protective eyewear
How to get a license or endorsement if you’re over 18?
After practicing driving on your motorcycle or motor scooter with your TIPIC, you can schedule your skills test online .
What to bring to the skills tests?
- A valid TIPIC
- A helmet and protective eyewear
- A legal and safe motorcycle/motor scooter
If you fail any part of the skills test, you will have to wait one week before retaking the test. After you pass the test, you can then head over to your nearest DMV deputy registrar's office and get your license or endorsement.
Note: The skills test is waived for anyone who has completed the BMV's Motorcycle Ohio program within 60 days of applying for their license. You have 60 days or until your TIPIC license expires, (whichever comes first), to go get your license/endorsement after completing Motorcycle Ohio.
How to get a license or endorsement if you’re under 18?
If you're under 18, you have to fulfill the probationary license requirements of a driver license before you can get your motorcycle/motor scooter license. Check out this post with everything you need to know about a probationary license.
What are the requirements if I'm under 18?
- Fulfill all probationary driver 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 also need to pass a motorcycle/motor scooter skills test which can be scheduled online .
Note: The skills test is waived for anyone who has completed the BMV's Motorcycle Ohio program within 60 days of applying for their license. You have 60 days or until your TIPIC license expires, (whichever comes first), to go get your license/endorsement after completing Motorcycle Ohio.
Once you meet all of these requirements, you can go to the BMV and get your license or endorsement. You will need to bring a parent or guardian to the BMV to co-sign your license and give their permission.
Note: Probationary license restrictions still apply to you.