How to Get a Motorcycle License in Ohio

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: February 19, 2023 References

Riding a motorcycle and feeling the breeze through your hair is one of life’s many perks. If you live in Ohio, you’ll have to get a motorcycle license in order to ride your two or three wheeled scooter in the state. The steps to get there might seem overwhelming, but by getting your temporary permit, studying for your skills test, and purchasing your license, you can be riding your motorcycle legally in Ohio in no time.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Getting Your Temporary Instruction Permit

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Be older than 15 ½ years of age. You have to be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card, or a TIPIC.^{[1]
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- If you are younger than 18 years old, you’ll need to have a parent or guardian go with you to take the knowledge test as well as give their written permission to allow you to take it.
2
Study for the motorcycle knowledge test. The motorcycle knowledge test is different than the standard vehicle knowledge test. The motorcycle knowledge test will consist of multiple choice questions about starting your motorcycle, inspecting your motorcycle, approaching an intersection on a motorcycle, safely swerving on a motorcycle, and more.^{[2]
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- You can study Ohio’s Motorcycle Operator’s Manual by clicking the link here: https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/mop0001.pdf.
- For example, a question on the test might say: When starting the motorcycle, what gear should the engine be in?
  - First gear
  - Neutral
  - Third gear
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3
Schedule a test at a driver exam station in Ohio. You can schedule a test online, in person, or over the phone.^{[3]
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Research source} Ohio has 88 driver exam stations.
- Search online to see which one is closest to you by clicking this link: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/locations.aspx.
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Bring documents that prove your name, date of birth, and SSN. You have to bring identifying documents when you go in to take the knowledge test to prove who you are. Usually, these are a driver’s or state license, a birth certificate, and a social security card.
- You can click the link here to see a full list of acceptable documents to take in for your test: https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/bmv2430.pdf
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Take your knowledge and vision test at the driver exam station. In order to get your TIPIC, you have to pass both the motorcycle knowledge test and a vision test. Your vision has to be at least 20/40 to not have any restrictions on your TIPIC.
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Retake the test in 24 hours if you need to. If you don’t pass your knowledge test the first time, you can retake it in 24 hours. Schedule an appointment in person right after you fail so that you can get an appointment as soon as possible, and make sure to study again before you retake the test.^{[4]
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- There are no limits on how many times you can take the knowledge test.
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Go to the DMV to register for your TIPIC. Once you pass your knowledge and vision test to get a TIPIC, you can take your receipt to your local DMV office and purchase your temporary license for $22.^{[5]
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Research source} You will have to bring documents that prove your full legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, Ohio residency, and citizenship or legal presence in the United States. You have 60 days from the time you pass your knowledge and vision test to purchase your TIPIC. Your temporary license is valid for one year.^{[6]
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- If you are under 18, you will need to bring a parent or guardian with you to the DMV and get their written permission in order to purchase your TIPIC.
- Your TIPIC comes with restrictions. If you have a TIPIC, you:
  - can only ride during daylight hours
  - cannot have any passengers
  - cannot ride on interstates or congested roads
  - have to wear a helmet and eyewear while riding
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Practice your motorcycle driving skills with your TIPIC. With your temporary license, you can practice your motorcycle riding and driving skills for up to one year. You should practice as much as you can so that you are prepared for the driving test.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying for a License

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Schedule your skills test. Once you feel like you are ready to get your motorcycle license, you can schedule a skills test at a driver exam station online, in person, or over the phone. You can find which driver exam station is the closest to you by clicking this link: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/locations.aspx.
- If you are under 18, you will have to have a probationary driver's license, have your TIPIC for 6 months, complete a driver’s education course, and complete a motorcycle education safety course before you can schedule your skills test.
2
Bring your TIPIC, a helmet, eyewear, and a road legal motorcycle. You’ll have to show your instructor that you have your temporary license before you can begin the test. You will also need to bring your helmet and your eyewear along to wear during the test. Make sure your motorcycle is road legal and ready to ride before you schedule your test.^{[7]
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Take your motorcycle skills test. The skills test will be on an off-road course and will include an obstacle course, weaving through cones, accelerating a decelerating, and more.^{[8]
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- You can get your motorcycle skills test waived if you complete a Motorcycle Ohio course within 60 days of applying for a license.^{[9]
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Retake the test in 1 week if you need to. You can schedule a second skills test one week after the date that you failed if you need to. You should schedule your second skills test as soon as you can so that you can try again as soon as possible.
5
Go to a deputy registrar’s office to purchase a motorcycle license. Once you have passed your skills test, you can visit a deputy registrar’s office to buy your motorcycle license for around $20. The exact amount that you pay depends on your age, and can fluctuate between $19 and $25.^{[10]
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