Wondering if a motorcycle would be a more fuel-efficient means to get to work or around town? Interested in the thrill of the open road? Moved to Ohio from a different state where you previously held a motorcycle license? Whatever the reason, don't fret. We've found all about how to obtain a motorcycle license in the great state of Ohio and will share our findings.
If you are under age 18, the first step to obtaining your motorcycle license in Ohio is obtaining a Motorcycle Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC). To obtain a Motorcycle TIPIC, you must be at least age 15 years six months, and pass a motorcycle knowledge test.
If you are over age 18, you will obtain your TIPIC. Then, when you are ready, you can schedule to take a Motorcycle Skills Test to obtain the license or license by endorsement on your driver's license.
How much time does all this take? What is the cost? Can you purchase a motorcycle without a license? Continue reading for in-depth answers to common questions about motorcycle licenses and permits in Ohio.
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Motorcycle License Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC)
Obtaining a TIPIC is the first step for anyone looking to get a motorcycle license in Ohio. To obtain a TIPIC, you will want to find your nearest Drivers Exam Office. You will need to take both a motorcycle knowledge test and a vision exam. Prior to taking either of these tests, you will have to provide proof of full legal name, date of birth, and social security number.
Once this step is completed, you will have 60 days to head to a licensing office and purchase 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
To check which documents meet these requirements, you will want to visit the Ohio BMV acceptable documents page. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to be present to co-sign for the TIPIC. If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait 24 hours to retake the test. There is no limit to the number of retakes allowed.
Motorcycle License/License Endorsement
The TIPIC is valid for one year. This means you have one year to complete the motorcycle skills test. If your TIPIC expires and you have not taken your motorcycle skills test, you will have to start the process over and obtain a new TIPIC.
If you do not have a valid driver's license in Ohio, a motorcycle license will be issued to you. Alternatively, if you have a valid driver's license once you meet the requirements and pass your skills test, your motorcycle license is an endorsement on your valid driver's license. Per the Ohio BMV, if you intend to operate a 2- or 3-wheeled motorcycle, you will need valid endorsements or licenses for these specifically.
When you are prepared and ready, schedule your motorcycle skills test. If you are over age 18, you must present a valid TIPIC and wear a helmet and protective eyewear at the time of testing. Your motorcycle must be street-legal and in safe working condition.
If you are under 18, in addition to the above tasks, you will need to complete the probationary license requirements. These are to hold the TIPIC for a minimum of six months, complete a driver's education course at an approved driving school, complete a motorcycle education course, and complete 50 hours of driving. Ten of those hours need to be at night. A parent or guardian will need to be present at the licensing agency to co-sign for the motorcycle license.
The skills test is waived if a Motorcycle Ohio course is completed within 60 days of applying for a motorcycle license. If you fail any part of the skills test, you will need to wait one week to retest.
Street Legal
To comply with the street-legal requirement at the time of testing, your motorcycle will need to have all of the following functional:
- A brake light
- A tail light
- A headlight
- Both front and rear brakes
- A horn
- Turn signals
- 2 mirrors
New Residents
If you are age 18 or over and have changed your residency to Ohio but were previously licensed in another state and held a valid motorcycle endorsement on that license, when you obtain a new license in Ohio, the motorcycle endorsement should transfer over. You will want to be sure the endorsement is on your new license before you sign your new license.
Mandatory Insurance
It's also important to note that if you are operating a motorcycle in Ohio, you must maintain proper insurance on your motorcycle. 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 A Motorcycle License In OH?
If you are under age 18, you must hold the TIPIC for at least 6 months. If you are over age 18, you can schedule a skills test as soon as you are ready after you obtain your TIPIC. The TIPIC expires after one year. If you do not complete the skills testing within the year the TIPIC is valid, you will need to start the entire process over again.
How Much Does A Motorcycle License Cost In OH?
- 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
Can You Buy A Motorcycle Without A License In OH?
It is possible to legally buy a motorcycle without a license. Neither a private owner nor a dealership will require proof of licensure. However, you must hold a valid motorcycle license or endorsement and insurance to operate a motorcycle on Ohio public roadways.
How Much Is A Motorcycle Safety Course In OH?
A basic riders course has a cost of $50.00 and is non-refundable. The course consists of a 16-hour program to familiarize the new rider with motorcycles and gain basic knowledge and skills for safe riding.
What Happens If You Get Pulled Over Without A Motorcycle License In OH?
If you are caught operating a motorcycle without ever having had a proper license or endorsement in Ohio, it is treated as an unclassified misdemeanor. You may be fined up to $1,000 and ordered to serve up to 500 hours of community service. If you repeat this offense, the repercussions become more severe.
If you have a valid license but not the proper endorsement, you will be ticketed, fined, and receive 2 points on your license.
In Closing
A motorcycle is a fantastic fuel-efficient way to get around. We hope we have answered all your questions about obtaining proper licensure or endorsements for a motorcycle in Ohio.
If you've enjoyed this article, please consider these for further reading:
15 Of The Best Commuter Motorcycles To Consider