Insurance, Registration, and Endorsement Requirements
Before taking your motorcycle on the road, make sure you have the proper insurance, registration, training, and licensure.
Insurance
Indiana law requires all motorcyclists to carry liability insurance. You may want to talk with your insurance agent about additional coverage options, such as:
➡️ Comprehensive
➡️ Collision
➡️ Medical payments
➡️ Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Insurance rates vary based on factors like your location, age, driving history, and the size and type of motorcycle you ride.
Registration
Before riding, you must register your motorcycle and obtain license plates. To register your motorcycle, visit your local BMV branch with:
✅Your title, - OR -
✅A certificate of ownership from your financial institution
Training
While not required, Ride Safe Indiana (RSI) strongly recommends completing an Entry Level Motorcycle Safety Course to prepare for your motorcycle endorsement. The course includes
✅ Classroom instruction
✅ Hands‑on riding practice in a controlled, off‑street environment
✅ A knowledge exam and riding‑skills evaluation at the end of the course
RSI providers offer:
➡️ Two‑wheel and three‑wheel entry‑level courses
➡️ Advanced training for riders with more than 6,000 miles of experience
Motorcycle Endorsement
Hoosier motorcyclists must have a motorcycle endorsement to legally operate a motorcycle. If you already hold a valid Indiana driver’s license, you can get your endorsement by completing one of the following:
✅ Successfully complete an Entry Level Motorcycle Safety Course with an authorized RSI provider, - OR -
✅ Pass a knowledge exam at a BMV branch and a motorcycle skills exam at an authorized RSI training location
Protective Riding Gear
If you're just getting into motorcycling there's a ton of things to consider. One of the most important decisions you will make is the protective clothing you wear, which can quite literally save your skin or your life.
Helmet
A helmet is the best way to protect yourself against head trauma if you’re involved in a serious motorcycle collision. Always choose a helmet with the DOT symbol on the outside of the helmet, ensuring the helmet is U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant and meets all federal regulations.
Eye Protection
Helmets with face shields are the best for protecting your eyes from wind, rain, insects, and stones thrown up from cars. If you wear a helmet without a face shield, be sure to also wear protective goggles.
Footwear
Sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear will offer abrasion resistance, and non-slip soles are important for gripping the ground when you touch down.
Gloves
Opt for full-fingered gloves made of leather or reinforced textiles with a snug but not tight fit.
Clothing
Wearing long pants and sleeves will protect your skin from abrasions. Motorcycle pants and jackets are specifically designed to withstand the road surface (unlike regular jeans that have just 0.6 seconds of abrasion resistance before tearing apart).
The Effects of Alcohol, Drugs, and Fatigue on Driving
Riding a motorcycle demands sharp reflexes, balance, and constant awareness. Unlike driving a car, you don’t have a protective shell around you—your safety depends entirely on your ability to react quickly and stay in control. Alcohol, drugs, and fatigue all interfere with those abilities, often in ways riders underestimate. Understanding how these factors affect your body can help you make safer choices before you get on the bike.
Alcohol: Slower Reactions
Even small amounts of alcohol begin to affect the skills you rely on most when riding.
How alcohol impacts riders:
- Slower reaction time makes it harder to respond to sudden hazards.
- Reduced coordination affects balance, braking, and steering.
- Impaired judgment leads to risky decisions, like speeding or misjudging corners.
- Tunnel vision limits your ability to scan for dangers.
On a motorcycle, where every second counts, these impairments can be deadly. The safest choice is simple: if you drink, don’t ride.
Drugs: Poor Coordination
Both illegal substances and certain prescription or over‑the‑counter medications can impair your riding ability.
Common effects include:
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Slowed reflexes
- Blurred vision
- Poor coordination
- Overconfidence or distorted perception
Even medications labeled “non‑drowsy” can affect alertness. Always read labels, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and avoid riding if a drug could impair your performance.
Fatigue: The Silent Impairment
Fatigue is often overlooked, but its effects can be just as dangerous as alcohol.
When you’re tired, you may experience:
- Slower reaction times
- Difficulty focusing
- Poor decision‑making
- Microsleeps—brief, uncontrollable moments of sleep that can occur in seconds
Long rides, hot weather, dehydration, and lack of sleep all increase fatigue. If you feel tired, take a break. A short rest can make the difference between finishing your ride safely and not finishing it at all.
Motorcycling requires your full attention and your best reflexes. Alcohol, drugs, and fatigue all chip away at the skills that keep you upright and in control. The safest riders are the ones who know their limits and choose to ride only when they’re fully alert.
What to Expect from an Entry Level Training Course
Day One Kicks Off in the Classroom
Before touching the throttle, every new rider completes an online or classroom safety course that covers motorcycle types, basic mechanics, and essential safety practices. Your instructors will provide time after the lessons to answer questions, dive deeper into key topics, and make sure everyone feels confident before moving forward.
Once the class is ready, it’s time to meet your partner for the next three days: the motorcycle. Don’t expect to speed off immediately—you’ll start with simple, structured exercises designed to help you get comfortable and build control.
The day can feel long, but stay focused. The more attention you give now, the smoother the rest of your training will be.
Day Two is All About the Bike
Day two moves from the classroom to the closed road course, and this is where the real riding begins. This part of the course focuses on the essential techniques you’ll rely on in real traffic situations, giving you the foundation you need to ride safely and with confidence. Throughout the day, you’ll work through a series of progressive riding exercises—each one designed to build confidence, control, and familiarity with the motorcycle.
You’ll quickly discover which maneuvers feel natural and which ones push you a bit outside your comfort zone. The good news is that the instructors are incredibly patient. They demonstrate every skill, break down each step clearly, and guide you through the tougher moments.
Day Three (Part 1): Practice Makes You Road-Ready
The morning is all about reinforcing what you’ve learned. You’ll revisit the previous day’s exercises and work through simulated road scenarios such as judging curves, changing lanes, and navigating obstacles. This session sharpens your control, boosts your confidence, and gets you mentally ready for the tests ahead.
Day Three (Part 2): Taking Your Tests
The afternoon is dedicated to taking a written test and a skills test.
- The written exam is similar to the one you took for your driver’s license. It checks your understanding of motorcycle mechanics, safety principles, and how to respond to different traffic situations. Reviewing your notes and staying engaged during class makes a big difference here.
- The skills exam is your chance to show you can confidently control the motorcycle. The maneuvers themselves aren’t overly difficult, but performing them correctly on the first try can be challenging. Taking the earlier days seriously—practicing carefully and asking questions—sets you up for success.