How to get an Ohio Motorcycle License
- Ohio Motorcycle License Guidelines
- How to Prepare for the Written Exam
- Required ID and Paperwork
Ohio DMV Motorcycle License Rules
Ready to take your motorcycle on the open road? We'll walk you through the steps to get your Ohio motorcycle license with an extra emphasis on safe driving.
You'll need to be familiar with the Ohio Driver's Manual. Think you know the material?
Take our Motorcycle License practice test now and test your knowledge here first!
First Time Motorcycle Riders
Under Ohio DMV guidelines, anyone who drives a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit.
A temporary motorcycle learner's permit may be purchased at any license agency statewide. To help you study for the written test, be sure to pick up a Motorcycle Operator Manual and a Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws. After studying for the test, visit a driver's license exam station and take a vision test and the written test for motorcycle. After passing the written test, the examiner will fill out and validate the red permit from your packet. The temporary permit is not valid unless validated by the examiner.
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must show proof of completing all GDL requirements and a motorcycle safety course before you are eligible to take the On-Cycle Test, to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement. You are not required to complete either course to take the On-Cycle Test if you 18 years or older. However, completion of the motorcycle course will help provide you with the skills to pass the test.
Contact a driver's license examination station to make an appointment for the on-cycle examination. The examination stations are located in the back of the Motorcycle Operators Manual. You must bring a street legal motorcycle to the examination site and you must wear a helmet and eye protection during the test. After you have passed the On-Cycle Test, the examiner will fill out and validate the driving permit from your packet. The permit, and your driver's license (if you have one) must be presented to the license agency to receive your motorcycle license or to add a motorcycle endorsement to your current valid license.
Like most states, Ohio will waive your skills test and issue you a license if you complete an approved basic motorcycle rider safety course. These courses last anywhere from two to six weeks and include classroom instruction as well as driver training in a controlled, off-street environment. When you successfully complete this course, you have 60 days to present the completion certificate in order to be eligible for a waiver of the On-Cycle Test.
Prepare for the Motorcycle License Written Test
The Ohio DOT requires that all applicants must pass a written motorcycle knowledge test on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least until the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.
All motorcyclists are encouraged to study for this written test so you don't take a chance on standing in line at the DMV Office only to go home empty-handed. Test your motorcycle safety and driving knowledge and take our Ohio motorcycle practice test today!
Required Paperwork
Before you head to the Ohio DMV Office, make sure you have the following required documents to get your motorcycle license. Bring your current driver's license or temporary permit along with the motorcycle safety course completion certificate.
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, a Class M endorsement will be added to your driver's license. Remember... the safe operation of a motorcycle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the operator, the machine, and the environment.
