Traveling on a motorcycle offers a fun and thrilling experience that a car cannot provide. It is this fun and the motorcycle’s mobility that attracts a lot of people into getting one and working towards a license.
Sadly, there is always some issue in getting a license, either due to documents or a lack of requirements.
How to get a motorcycle license in Ohio is always in the back of the minds of all Ohio residents who aim to get a motorcycle license.
This is likely due to the rules and requirements you must follow to proceed with the entire process. The process, in general, is deceptively simple.
You go to your BMV, apply for a license and carry out all the tests. Once you pay the fees for these tests, you get your license.
Sadly, there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to this, which leads to a lot of problems. I’ll outline all the requirements and documents you need to get a motorcycle license.
Motorcycle License Requirements In Ohio
There are plenty of documents and papers that you need to submit to achieve a motorcycle license in Ohio. Most of these will depend on age and your desired license type.
Knowing Your Age
Your age is important when getting a motorcycle license, as it will directly influence which license you can get and the documents you need to provide.
Age 15 – 17
Here is a small and meaningful list of all the documents you need if you are between 15 and 6 months and 17 years of age.
- Your Birth certificate or your passport. This will be used as proof of your name and your date of birth.
- Your Social Security Number, with a proof document.
- Proof of your residence and your legal presence in the United States.
- Proof that you are attending a school, if applicable.
- Official documents which provide proof of any change in name.
Age 18 And Above
Here are the documents you will need to give if you are above 18 years of age.
- An Original or Certified Copy of your Marriage Certificate, if applicable.
- Certified Copy of a Court Ordered Name Change, if applicable.
- Birth certificate or your passport to provide proof of your name and your date of birth.
- Residence proof and your legal presence in the United States.
- Social security number.
Types Of Motorcycle Licenses
While there is only one motorcycle license in the state, you also need a TIPIC. I’ll explain both of them in this part of the article.
1. Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card
This is the first step to getting an actual license. This card allows you to practice your motorcycle driving under adult supervision.
This involves passing the vision test and knowledge test. You will also need a parent to cosign the card.
2. M Class Motorcycle License
This is your basic motorcycle license. It allows you to drive without adult supervision and any other restrictions.
How To Apply For Your Ohio Motorcycle License
Here are all the steps you must go through to get your motorcycle license as efficiently as possible.
Step 1: Get A Driver’s License
You need a D-class license to proceed with getting your motorcycle license. For this, you will need to apply for a TIPIC card.
Once you get to practice in, you will have to upgrade to a probationary driver’s license. Finally, you can then apply for a permanent driver’s license and take a road test.
Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License
At this stage, you will need to undergo a series of tests and pass all of them to get your motorcycle license. Three exams are spread across the two different licenses.
1. Motorcycle Written Test
The first test that you will have to pass is the written test. This test will go over all that you have learned when it comes to road sense and motorcycle knowledge.
The test itself is very simple to carry out. It is an MCQ-based exam; you must pass it with a 75% score.
2. Vision Exam
Surprisingly, you do not need to carry out a vision exam if you are going for a full M class unrestricted license.
This is because you will most likely already have passed the vision exam while moving toward your Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card.
The vision exam is very simple and does not require much prep. All you need to have is a 20/40 vision to pass. If you fail the test, you will need to wear prescribed glasses issued by your doctor to retake the test and pass.
3. Motorcycle Road Test
The final test that you will need to pass is the road test. This test will require a lot of practice, so you should spend a good deal of time riding your motorcycle properly.
The test will be invigilated on either a motorcycle course or public roads. You will be asked a series of actions that you will need to execute to pass.
These actions include accelerating, turning, swerving, braking, U-turns, and more. Once you execute all of these actions, you should pass with relative ease.
During the exam, you cannot crash, get into an accident, or accidentally stop the motorcycle. Make sure that you give a flawless exam.
Step 3: Collecting Your Paperwork
Now that you have passed all the tests, you must complete the proper paperwork. Since you have passed the tests, you must provide proof to the licensing office.
These proofs will then go with the rest of your documents so that you can work toward the rest of the process. You may also be asked to fill in other documents as well.
Step 4: Go To Your Local Driver’s License Office
At this point, most of the heavy lifting has to be done. All left is for you to return to the license office and pay the test and license fees.
Upon doing so, you will be handed a temporary license that you can use for a limited time. Your permanent license will also last a few years, depending on its type, and will be sent to your house. This is done via email.
Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In OH
You need a valid motorcycle license or endorsement to drive a motorcycle license in Ohio. Luckily, the two seem to be interchangeable, and once you get your motorcycle license, you will also get your motorcycle endorsement.
Here is how you can obtain an endorsement in Ohio.
Step 1: Apply For A License And Fulfill All Requirements
Before getting into the endorsement, you must go to your local BMV and apply for a motorcycle license.
Similar to the process above, you will need to provide all the documents mentioned above. Additionally, if you are going for a TIPIC, you must have all your hours covered.
Step 2: Pass The Skills Tests
Once you have completed step 1, you can move into the motorcycle skill test or the road test.
Unlike most states, you must take this test and cannot skip it via a motorcycle safety course. You will need to pass this test. Once you do so, you become eligible to get an endorsement.
Step 3: Purchase The Endorsement
Finally, once all the documents are provided and the tests have been passed, you will have to return to the BMV and pay for your endorsement.
Once you do so, you can expect your license or endorsement in your mail within 1 to 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In Ohio?
It will take you at least 2 to 3 weeks to get a standard motorcycle license if you decide to go through the test route.
If you are under 18, you must go through an additional 100 hours from your safety course hours and minimum driving hours.
Q2: How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In Ohio?
A TIPIC license will cost you at least $22.50 every 2 years and 6 months. The motorcycle-only license will take $24.50 or $48 for a 4 and 8 year period, respectively, if you are over 21.
If you are under 21, your maximum fee will be $25.75 at 16 and $20.75 at 20, with the price dropping in between per year.
Q3: Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Ohio?
You are required by law to have a motorcycle license in Ohio if you plan to drive it. Being a misdemeanor, you will have this written on your record, and additionally, you will have to pay up to $1,000 as a fine and be charged with community service.
Conclusion
Motorcycle licenses are very easy to obtain if you know what to provide to the BMV. There are various documents you need to keep on you at all times and an array of tests you need to go over.
With all this being said, you should no longer ask “How to get a motorcycle license in Ohio?”.
Make sure you are working towards the license corresponding to your age group and getting a good amount of practice. This will help increase your odds of getting the motorcycle license first and avoid excess test fees.
I am a passionate blogger who wants to spread my interest in motorcycles. Fueled by my love for motorcycles, I provide readers with valuable insights and updates on motorcycles’ informative and engaging topics and document the latest happenings in the biking community. Despite my hectic schedule, I can provide these blogs, which involve regular trips to the gym and sports like mountain biking and BMX. I am usually available most of the time, so be sure to join me on my journey of motorcycles and bikes! I appreciate a quiet and simple life and am always eager to interact with my readers to provide helpful information on my blog site.
