GETTING STARTED
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Riders Course: https://www.msf-usa.org/
The best place to start once you've made the decision to ride. Covers the basics of operating a motorcycle and safety-oriented mental strategies. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for your use. Successful completion of this course (consisting of a three-hour eCourse, five hours of formal classroom activities, and ten hours of riding instruction conducted over two or three sessions, plus its knowledge and skill tests) may waive the license test in your state. The course may also earn you an insurance discount.
MSF Basic eCourse: https://www.msf-usa.org/eCourse.aspx
This online course is a key component of the full hands-on Basic RiderCourse, but can also be completed as a stand-alone program without enrolling in a hands-on course. Graphics and videos illustrate the lessons to help you understand principles of motorcycling and determine whether motorcycling is right for you. The Basic eCourse alone is NOT accepted as a license waiver by any state's DMV, or as a motorcycle license or learner's permit. With Spanish language option.
Ohio BMV Information: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/dl-mo-motorcycle.aspx
Any person operating a motorcycle or motor scooter on public roadways in Ohio must hold a valid motorcycle or motor scooter license or endorsement. A rider may apply for a motorcycle or motor scooter-only license or a motorcycle or motor scooter endorsement for his or her driver license.
- A motorcycle or motor scooter license is issued if the rider does not have a valid driver license.
- A motorcycle or motor scooter endorsement is displayed on an individual’s driver license.
- A rider is considered a motorcycle or motor scooter novice for one year. The license will indicate the date the novice status expires.
Motorcycle Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC): https://www.motorcycle.ohio.gov/
To obtain a Motorcycle or Motor Scooter TIPIC, the rider must be at least age 15 years, six months and pass a motorcycle or motor scooter knowledge test. To prepare, study the Ohio Motorcycle Operator’s Manual and section four of the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws. The applicant may go to any driver exam station to take the knowledge test and vision screening to begin the temporary permit process. Prior to testing, applicants must provide proof of:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (if assigned)
Basic Riders Skills Registration: https://www.motorcycle.ohio.gov/basic_rider.stm
- 16-hour course
- No experience is needed
- Motorcycles and helmets are provided
- Requires only a valid Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC)
- Successful completion earns the BMV skill test waiver for a motorcycle endorsement
- The cost of the course is $50.00 and is non-refundable. To take the BRS course, you must have either a valid motorcycle temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC) or a motorcycle endorsement on your license.
- Students will need to provide the following protective equipment: over-the-ankle footwear, long pants (without any holes), long-sleeved shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves and eye protection. Please also bring a DOT-approved helmet. If you do not have one, Motorcycle Ohio will provide one for you.