Motorcycle/Motor Scooter
To operate a motorcycle or motor scooter on Ohio public roadways, you must hold a valid motorcycle or motor scooter license or endorsem*nt.
- A motorcycle or motor scooter license is issued if you do not have a valid driver license.
- A motorcycle or motor scooter endorsem*nt is displayed on your driver license.
- You are considered a novice for one year. Your license will indicate the date the novice status expires.
Two or Three Wheels
- To operate a 2-wheeled motorcycle, you must have a valid 2-wheeled motorcycle endorsem*nt or license.
- To operate a 3-wheeled motor cycle, you must have a valid 3-wheeled motorcycle endorsem*nt or license.
- To operate a motor scooter, you must have a valid motor scooter endorsem*nt or license.
Motorcycle or Motor Scooter Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC)
To obtain a Motorcycle or Motor Scooter TIPIC, you must be at least age 15 years, six months and pass a motorcycle or motor scooter knowledge test. To prepare, study the Ohio Motorcycle Operator’s Manual and section four of the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws.
Knowledge Test and Vision Screening
You may go to any driver exam station to take the Motorcycle knowledge test and vision screening to begin the temporary permit process. The Motorcycle knowledge test is available in the following languages in both text, and audio: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian, Somali, and Spanish.
If testing in another language is needed, you may schedule a proctored test with your interpreter by visiting a driver exam station. Customers must be able to understand directions and read traffic signs printed in English.
Prior to testing, you must provide proof of:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (if ever assigned)
Once the knowledge test and vision screening are passed, you can proceed to a deputy registrar license agency to purchase a motorcycle or motor scooter TIPIC within 60 days of passing the test. You must provide proof of:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (if ever assigned)
- Ohio residency
- Citizenship or legal presence
For applicants under age 18, a parent or guardian must present identification (driver license or ID card) to co-sign for the TIPIC.
Go to our Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents and links to use our interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a deputy registrar agency.
Test Failure
Applicants who fail the knowledge test must wait at least 24 hours before retesting. There is no limit on how many times the knowledge test can be taken.
TIPIC Restrictions
The TIPIC is valid for one year from the date of purchase. If it expires, you must start over.
- Carry the TIPIC at all times when operating a motorcycle or motor scooter
- May ride during daylight hours only
- No passengers
- No riding on interstates or congested roads
- Must wear a helmet and protective eyewear
Motorcycle or Motor Scooter License or Endorsem*nt
Over Age 18
When you're ready, you can schedule a skills test. The test will take place on an off-street course.
- You must present a valid TIPIC and wear a helmet and protective eyewear at the time of testing.
- Your motorcycle or motor scooter must be street-legal and in safe working condition.
- If any part of the skills test is failed, you must wait one week to retest.
After passing the skills test, you may go to a deputy registrar to purchase a motorcycle or motor scooter license or endorsem*nt before your TIPIC expires.
The Motorcycle Ohio Basic Course completion card is valid to waive motorcycle skills testing for a period of 60 days from the date of issuance.
Under Age 18
Prior to testing for a motorcycle or motor scooter license or endorsem*nt, riders under age 18 must:
- Complete the probationary driver license requirements
- Hold the TIPIC for at least six months
- Complete driver education (to include 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and eight hours of driving time) at an approved driving school
- Complete 50 hours of driving, with at least 10 hours of night driving, in addition to the driver education requirements
- Complete a motorcycle safety education course
The Motorcycle Ohio Basic Course completion card is valid to waive motorcycle skills testing for a period of 60 days from the date of issuance.
After passing the skills test or a Motorcycle Ohio course, you may go to a deputy registrar agency to purchase a motorcycle or motor scooter license or endorsem*nt within 60 days or before your TIPIC expires, whichever comes first.
- A parent or guardian must co-sign for your license.
- Probationary driver license restrictions apply.
Where Do I Go?
- For Motorcycle knowledge testing in person, visit any driver exam station in Ohio.
- For completing a motorcycle safety course and to earn your endorsem*nt.
- To schedule motorcycle skills test visit: BMV Online Services and select the "Schedule a Driving or Skills Test" tile.
- For Temporary Permit, and Driver License, issuance, visit any deputy registrar license agency.
More Information
- Ohio Motorcycle Operator's Manual
- Motorcycle Ohio Training Courses
- Ohio Revised Code Definition of a Motor Scooter
Ohio Revised Code: 4507.05, 4507.11
