Motorcycle Licensing Law In Ohio: When Did It Begin?

To operate a motorcycle on public roads in Ohio, you must have a valid operator's license. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) states that a motorcyclist must have a motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license. The requirements for obtaining a license differ based on age, with those under 18 needing to complete a Motorcycle Ohio Basic Course and all requirements of Graduated Driver Licensing. In Ohio, to legally operate a motorized scooter, you must have a motorcycle/motor scooter endorsement or license, and your scooter must be insured and registered with the state.

Requirements for those under and over 18

To operate a motorcycle in the state of Ohio, you must meet the state's minimum age requirement and obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement. The minimum age requirement to operate a motorcycle in Ohio is 15 years and 6 months old.

Requirements for those under 18:

If you are under the age of 18, you must complete a Motorcycle Ohio Basic Course and all requirements of Graduated Driver Licensing. This means you need to obtain a motorcycle learner's permit, also known as a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC), which you can do by passing the knowledge test. You will also need your parent or legal guardian to sign a permission slip.

TIPIC restrictions:

• You must carry your TIPIC at all times when operating a motorcycle or motor scooter
• You can only operate your motorcycle in daylight; nighttime driving is not permitted
• You cannot carry any passengers
• You cannot operate a motorcycle on interstate highways or congested roads
• You are required to wear a helmet and eye protection

The permit is valid for one year from the date you obtain it and you must carry it with you whenever you are riding your bike. If your permit expires before you obtain a license, you will have to take the knowledge test again to obtain another permit. After holding the permit for six months, you can obtain a license or endorsement by completing the following:

• A Motorcycle Ohio Course, which takes 16 hours and includes classroom and on-cycle instruction and testing
• A driver education course, which includes 24 hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of driving
• Driving for at least 50 hours, including 10 hours of driving at night

The Motorcycle Ohio Course is typically the last step, and once you pass it, you have 60 days to go to a deputy registrar agency to purchase your license or endorsement.

Requirements for those over 18:

If you are 18 years old or older, you can obtain an endorsement or license by passing the motorcycle skills test and a knowledge test. The knowledge test is a multiple-choice exam that assesses your knowledge of riding a motorcycle and traffic laws. All of the questions on the test are based on information in Ohio's Motorcycle Operator Manual. For instance, you will need to know what to do when you are stopped at an intersection and a car is waiting to enter the intersection. The on-cycle skills test will assess your ability to control the vehicle and avoid crashes. The test covers many skills, including:

• Adjusting speed to the traffic situation
• Making quick stops and turns
• Making decisions in a crisis situation
• Communicating with other drivers

The Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC)

In Ohio, all new drivers are required to obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) or learner's permit before they can begin behind-the-wheel driver training.

How to Get a TIPIC

To obtain a TIPIC, you must be at least 15 and a half years old and pass a standard driver's or motorcycle-specific knowledge test. The written examination covers Ohio motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs. You must answer 75% of the questions correctly to pass.

You can apply for your temporary learner's permit at your local Deputy Registrar License Agency. You will need to bring documents to prove your Social Security Number and, if you are under 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide proof of identification. You will also need to pay any associated fees for your Temporary Permit.

Restrictions

Once you have received your TIPIC, you are ready to begin behind-the-wheel training. You must be accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or certified driving instructor who occupies the seat beside the driver. If you are 16 or older, you may drive with any licensed driver over the age of 21.

If you are under 18, you will not be permitted to operate a vehicle with more than one non-family member as a passenger unless you are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or legal custodian. You are also prohibited from driving between midnight and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Motorcycle-Specific TIPICs

Motorcycle-specific TIPICs are available for those seeking to operate a motorcycle or motor scooter on Ohio roadways. To obtain a motorcycle TIPIC, you must be at least 15 years and six months old and pass a motorcycle or motor scooter knowledge test.

The TIPIC is valid for one year from the date of purchase. If it expires, you must start the process over. You must carry the TIPIC at all times when operating a motorcycle or motor scooter, and you may only ride during daylight hours and on non-congested roads. You must also wear a helmet and protective eyewear.

The skills test

To obtain a motorcycle license in Ohio, individuals over the age of 18 must pass a motorcycle skills test and a knowledge test. The skills test assesses your ability to control the vehicle and avoid crashes, while the knowledge test is a multiple-choice exam that assesses your knowledge of riding a motorcycle and traffic laws. Here is a detailed breakdown of what to expect from the skills test:

• Accelerating and braking: You will need to demonstrate control over the acceleration and braking mechanisms of the motorcycle.
• Adjusting speed: You will be tested on your ability to adjust your speed according to the traffic situation.
• Making quick stops and turns: The test will include scenarios where you will need to make quick decisions and react accordingly, such as sudden stops and turns.
• Crisis management: Your ability to make decisions and communicate with other drivers in a crisis situation will be evaluated.
• Communicating with other drivers: Effective communication with other drivers is essential for safe riding.
• Traffic scenarios: The skills test will simulate various traffic situations to assess your ability to navigate them safely.

Preparation

To prepare for the skills test, you should study the Ohio Motorcycle Operator's Manual, which covers all the information you need to know for the test. Additionally, you can take a Motorcycle Ohio Basic Course, which will provide you with classroom and on-cycle instruction. This course can also waive the skills test for 60 days after completion.

Requirements

On the day of the test, you must present a valid Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) and ensure your motorcycle is street legal and in safe working condition. Remember to wear a helmet and protective eyewear during the test.

If you fail any part of the skills test, you will need to wait one week before retesting. Once you pass, you can proceed to purchase your motorcycle license or endorsement within 60 days.

Age Requirements

The requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license differ for those under the age of 18. If you are under 18, you must complete a Motorcycle Ohio Basic Course and all requirements of the Graduated Driver Licensing program. This includes obtaining a TIPIC, which allows you to operate a motorcycle during daylight hours without carrying passengers or riding on interstate highways. After holding the TIPIC for at least six months, you can obtain a probationary license by completing a driver education course, accumulating at least 50 hours of driving (including 10 hours of night driving), and passing a road test.

Insurance

Regardless of your age, if you plan to operate a motorcycle in Ohio, you must have motorcycle insurance or proof of financial responsibility. The minimum insurance requirements are the same as those for other motor vehicles in the state.

By thoroughly preparing for and understanding the requirements of the skills test, you can confidently pursue your motorcycle license in Ohio.

Insurance requirements

In Ohio, it is illegal to operate a motorcycle without insurance or proof of financial responsibility. The minimum insurance requirements for motorcycles are the same as for other motor vehicles.

The minimum insurance requirements for motorcycles in Ohio are as follows:

• $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

You can meet these requirements without insurance by establishing proof of financial responsibility. You will need to obtain one of the following:

• A Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) certificate showing that you have $30,000 in cash or government bonds deposited with the State Treasurer
• A BMV-issued bond secured by real estate with at least $60,000 in equity
• A certificate of proof of financial responsibility
• A surety bond certificate worth $30,000
• A BMV-issued certificate of self-insurance, which is only available to individuals with at least 26 vehicles registered in their name

Ohio motor scooter owners are required to maintain the same minimum level of liability insurance as motorcycle owners. If you ride an electric kick scooter, moped, or motorized bicycle, you do not need to have insurance.

Lane splitting

Ohio law states that motorcyclists must exercise due care when passing stopped vehicles, and the poorly defined legality of lane splitting means that insurance companies can use instances of lane splitting against the rider in the event of a crash. If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident while lane splitting, they may be found at least partially liable.

Lane sharing, on the other hand, is legal in Ohio. This is when two motorcycles ride side by side within one lane. However, no more than two motorcycles can ride next to each other in this way.

Frequently asked questions