Indiana Motorcycle Permit Test cheat sheet

Indiana learners permit: must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Indiana driver's license or permit before applying for a motorcycle endorsement.

Permit holders under 18 must hold the motorcycle learner's permit for at least 30 days before scheduling the skills (riding) test.

A motorcycle learner's permit restricts riding to daylight hours only and prohibits carrying passengers.

Helmet use is mandatory for all riders and passengers under 18 and for anyone holding a learner's permit, regardless of age.

The Indiana motorcycle endorsement is added to an existing driver's license; it is not a stand-alone license for riders under 18.

Skills test waiver: completion of an approved Indiana motorcycle rider education course can substitute for the BMV riding skills test for riders 18 and older.

Written knowledge test must be passed before the learner's permit is issued; the permit is required before any on-road practice.

Endorsement renewal follows the base driver's license cycle; a motorcycle endorsement is not separately renewed.

T-CLOCS inspection: Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights, Oil and fluids, Chassis, Stands - check all six before every ride.

Tire check: cold tire pressure per the owner's manual or sidewall, plus tread depth and sidewall cracks; low pressure degrades cornering and braking.

Chain check: 1/2 to 1 inch of slack on most street bikes; too tight damages bearings, too loose risks derailment.

Control layout: right hand throttle and front brake, left hand clutch, left foot shift lever (1-N-2-3-4-5), right foot rear brake.

Turn signal switches on most motorcycles are not self-canceling; the rider must manually cancel after every turn or lane change.

Friction zone: the range of clutch lever travel where the clutch partially engages - used for low-speed control and starts on hills.

Countersteering: at speeds above roughly 12 mph, push the handlebar on the side you want to turn toward; the bike leans and turns that direction.

Engine cutoff switch (kill switch) is on the right handlebar and should be checked as part of the controls inspection.

Following distance: minimum 2 seconds in ideal conditions, 3 seconds at night, 4 seconds in rain or on gravel, more in ice or fog.

Lane position: ride in the left third of the lane to be seen in mirrors and to avoid oil drips in the center; center is acceptable in some traffic situations.

Braking: apply both brakes simultaneously; front brake provides roughly 70 percent of stopping power on dry pavement.

In a curve, brake before entering and use a steady or slightly increasing throttle through the turn; trail-braking into a corner risks a front-wheel slide.

Cornering line: outside-inside-outside for a single curve; slow, look, lean, roll - the sequence for every turn.

Swerve: separate the swerve from braking - brake first, release, then swerve; combining hard braking and swerving overloads traction.

Target fixation: look where you want to go, not at the hazard; the motorcycle follows the rider's eyes.

Rain riding: reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid painted lines, manhole covers, and metal bridge decks when wet.

Indiana legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent for riders 21 and older; a rider under 21 with any alcohol (0.02 or higher) can be charged with OWI.

Implied consent: refusing a chemical test in Indiana results in license suspension and can be used as evidence at trial.

Helmet law: riders and passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-compliant helmet; riders 18 and older may ride without one, but eye protection is required unless the bike has a windshield.

Lane splitting is not legal in Indiana; two motorcycles may share a lane only if both riders consent and it does not impede traffic.

Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane; a following vehicle must not share the lane with a motorcycle.

Eye protection: goggles or a face shield meeting DOT standards are required for riders without a windshield, regardless of age.

Headlight use: Indiana requires motorcycles to have the headlight on at all times while operating on public roads.

Passengers: a motorcycle must be equipped with a passenger seat and foot pegs; carrying a passenger on a solo seat is illegal.

Apply for the motorcycle learner's permit at a BMV branch; bring proof of identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Indiana residency.

The motorcycle knowledge test is a separate written exam from the standard driver's license test; passing one does not waive the other.

Permit holders may only ride under the supervision of a licensed rider 21 or older if the permit is the rider's first license.

A motorcycle-only permit does not authorize operation of a car; a separate driver's license is required for four-wheeled vehicles.

Rider education courses approved by the BMV include both classroom and range instruction; completion may waive the skills test for adults.

The motorcycle endorsement appears as an 'M' on the Indiana license; it must be added before riding without a permit.

Brake check: front brake lever should feel firm, not spongy; a spongy lever indicates air in the line or low fluid.

Throttle check: it should snap back to idle freely when released; a sticky throttle is a no-ride condition.

Clutch and brake fluid reservoirs should be at the marked level; check for leaks around the master cylinder.

Mirror adjustment: set mirrors so the rider sees a sliver of their own shoulder and the lane beside them.

Kickstand: ensure it is fully retracted before riding; many bikes have a sidestand cutoff switch that kills the engine if the stand is down in gear.

Tire pressure changes with temperature; check cold, and expect about 1 psi drop per 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lights check: headlight high and low beam, taillight, brake light (front and rear switches), and turn signals.

Loose items: secure cargo and check that nothing can contact the wheel, chain, or exhaust.

Threshold braking: apply maximum brake force just short of wheel lockup; on a bike with ABS, apply firm continuous pressure and let the system modulate.

Rear-wheel skid from over-braking: keep the rear brake applied and hold the handlebars straight until the bike stops.

Front-wheel skid: release the front brake immediately and reapply progressively to allow the wheel to regain traction.

Cornering traction budget: braking, accelerating, and leaning all consume the same traction; do not add lean while braking hard.

Entering a curve too fast: lean more rather than braking mid-corner; straighten the bike only after slowing if braking is unavoidable.

Look through the curve to the exit; the head should turn toward the direction of travel, not down at the front wheel.

Gravel or sand: reduce lean angle, sit upright, and use gentle inputs; the front wheel can wash out with sudden steering.

Blind spots: cars have larger blind spots than motorcycles; avoid riding directly beside a car's rear quarter panel.

Following a large truck: stay back far enough to see the truck's mirrors; if you cannot see the mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Intersections are the highest-risk location for motorcycles; a car turning left across the rider's path is the most common crash type.

Alcohol impairs balance and reaction time first; even one drink reduces the rider's ability to perform emergency maneuvers.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including antihistamines and sleep aids, can support an OWI charge when they impair driving.

Fatigue: after long rides, reaction time drops; take breaks every two hours and stop when attention wanders.

Distracted riding: phone use, eating, and adjusting gear while moving are common causes of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes.

Helmet standards: DOT certification is required by federal law for helmets sold in the U.S.; a novelty helmet offers no legal protection.

Indiana requires a motorcycle endorsement (M) on a valid driver's license to operate a motorcycle on public roads.

A learner's permit is valid for one year; it can be renewed if the rider has not yet passed the skills test.

Riders transferring an out-of-state motorcycle endorsement must pass the Indiana knowledge test unless exempt.

A motorcycle endorsement is not required for a moped under 50 cc, but a valid driver's license is.

The BMV may deny or revoke an endorsement for moving violations, OWI, or failure to appear for a citation.

Knowledge test questions cover riding skills, traffic rules, and safety; a passing score is typically 80 percent.

Starting sequence: ignition on, kill switch to RUN, clutch in, shift to neutral, press start; verify neutral light before releasing the clutch.

Shifting: pull the clutch, close the throttle, shift, release the clutch smoothly into the friction zone, then roll on throttle.

Downshifting before a stop: shift down through the gears as speed drops so the bike is in first gear when stopped.

U-turns: use the friction zone, rear brake, and head turn; keep speed low and lean the bike, not the body.

Stopping on a hill: hold the front brake, keep the bike in gear, and use the friction zone to pull away without rolling back.

Parking: park at an angle to the curb, in gear, with the kickstand down on firm ground; avoid parking in the center of a lane.

Rain grooves and steel bridge decks reduce grip; cross them at a steady speed with minimal lean and no sudden inputs.

Tar snakes (road sealant) become slick when hot; cross them as perpendicular as possible and avoid braking on them.

Animal hazards: slow down and be prepared to stop; swerving at speed is riskier than controlled braking.

Wind gusts: expect crosswinds when passing trucks and bridge openings; grip the tank with the knees and stay relaxed on the bars.

Road debris: look ahead 12 seconds and scan the lane for hazards; do not follow close behind vehicles that block the view.

Night riding: reduce speed and increase following distance; the headlight illuminates only about 150 feet on low beam.

Group riding: staggered formation, 1 second behind the rider on the same side and 2 seconds behind the rider directly ahead.

Helmet fit: snug enough that the skin moves with the helmet when the chin strap is fastened; it should not roll off the head.

Jacket and pants: abrasion-resistant material (leather or textile) with armor at shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

Gloves: full-fingered leather gloves protect hands in a fall and improve grip on the controls.

Footwear: over-the-ankle boots protect against foot and ankle injuries; sneakers and sandals offer no protection.

High-visibility gear and reflective material improve detection at intersections, the highest-risk location for riders.

OWI penalties in Indiana include license suspension, fines, and possible jail time; a motorcycle endorsement can be revoked.

Riding after cannabis: THC impairs judgment and reaction time; Indiana law does not permit a per se limit for THC but impairment can support an OWI charge.

The motorcycle learner's permit requires passing a vision screening and the motorcycle knowledge test.

A rider with a valid out-of-state motorcycle license may be issued an Indiana endorsement after surrendering the out-of-state license.

The skills test includes a cone weave, a normal stop, a sharp turn, and a swerve; riders must provide a street-legal motorcycle and helmet.

Learner's permit holders may not ride on interstate highways or carry passengers.

Rider education course completion cards must be presented at the BMV to waive the skills test; the card has an expiration date.

Endorsement holders must notify the BMV of a change of address within 30 days.

Check the brake light with both the front brake lever and the rear brake pedal; either should illuminate the light.

Check the chain or belt for wear, proper tension, and lubrication; a dry chain wears quickly and can fail.

Check the tires for embedded objects, cuts, and uneven wear; replace when tread reaches the wear indicator.

Check the mirrors and controls for looseness; a loose mirror or lever can fail during a maneuver.

Check the fuel level and the fuel valve position; running out of fuel in traffic is a hazard.

Check the suspension for oil leaks around the fork seals and rear shock; leaking seals degrade handling.

Ride in the left third of the lane when following traffic to be visible in the mirrors of the vehicle ahead.

Avoid the center of the lane at intersections where oil drips accumulate; the center is often slick.

When being passed, stay in your lane and do not speed up; allow the passing vehicle to complete the pass.

At intersections, position yourself to be seen and have an escape route; do not ride in a car's blind spot.

In a group, the leader sets the pace and the stagger; the last rider is the sweep and should be an experienced rider.

On multi-lane roads, ride in the lane position that gives the best view and escape path, not necessarily the leftmost lane.

Motorcycles are small and easily hidden in a car's blind spot; assume the driver does not see you until eye contact is confirmed.

A car turning left in front of a motorcycle is the most common cause of motorcycle-car collisions.

Do not ride between lanes of traffic; lane splitting is illegal in Indiana.

When following a truck, stay far enough back to see the driver's mirrors and to avoid turbulence.

At night, a motorcycle's single headlight can be mistaken for a car far away; use reflective gear and ride in a lane position that separates you from other lights.

Passengers must have a seat and foot pegs; a passenger who is not properly seated can destabilize the bike.

The Indiana motorcycle knowledge test covers pre-ride inspection, riding skills, traffic rules, and impairment.

Questions about lane position, following distance, and braking are common; know the 2-second rule and the 70 percent front-brake figure.

Questions about helmets and eye protection test the age-based rules and the windshield exception.

Questions about OWI test the 0.08 limit, the under-21 zero-tolerance rule, and implied consent.

A missed question on a critical safety topic may require a retest; review the manual before retaking.

The knowledge test is offered at BMV branches; appointments are recommended to reduce wait times.

Front brake lever is on the right handlebar; the rear brake pedal is on the right footpeg.

Clutch lever is on the left handlebar; the shift lever is on the left footpeg.

Throttle is a twist grip on the right handlebar; rolling it toward you accelerates, rolling it away decelerates.

Turn signal switch is usually on the left handlebar; press to cancel on most models.

Horn button is on the left handlebar; use it to alert drivers who may not see you.

Kill switch is on the right handlebar; it cuts ignition without removing the key.

Swerve: push the handlebar in the direction you want to go, then push the opposite way to straighten; do not brake while swerving.

Quick stop: apply both brakes firmly, keep the bike upright, and look ahead; do not lock the front wheel.

If the rear wheel locks, keep it locked and hold the bars straight until stopped; releasing a locked rear wheel can cause a high side.

If the front wheel locks, release the lever immediately and reapply smoothly; a locked front wheel causes a fall.

In a curve, if you must brake, straighten the bike first, brake, then re-lean into the curve.

Practice emergency stops in a parking lot to learn the feel of threshold braking.

Alcohol is the leading factor in fatal motorcycle crashes; riders are overrepresented in alcohol-related fatalities.

A rider's balance and coordination are affected before the rider feels impaired; do not ride after any alcohol.

Prescription drugs can impair riding; check labels and ask a pharmacist about effects on coordination.

Helmet use reduces the risk of head injury in a crash; DOT-compliant helmets are required for riders under 18 in Indiana.

Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle has a windshield; goggles or a face shield must meet DOT standards.

Bright clothing and a white or light-colored helmet improve visibility to other drivers.

A learner's permit holder may not ride at night; riding is limited to daylight hours.

A learner's permit holder may not carry passengers.

A learner's permit holder must wear a helmet regardless of age.

A learner's permit is not valid for interstate highway riding.

A learner's permit must be carried while riding and presented to a law enforcement officer on request.

A learner's permit expires after one year; a new permit may be required if the rider has not tested.

Walk around the bike and check for fluid leaks under the engine, fork, and rear shock.

Check the tires for proper pressure, tread, and damage; low pressure affects handling and fuel economy.

Check the chain or belt tension and lubrication; a loose chain can derail.

Check the controls: throttle, clutch, brakes, and shifter should move freely.

Check the lights: headlight, taillight, brake light, and turn signals.

Check the mirrors and adjust them before riding.

Check the fuel level and the fuel valve; know the range of the tank.

Check the kickstand and the sidestand switch; the engine should cut off if the stand is down in gear.

Slow, look, lean, roll: the four-step sequence for every curve.

Enter the curve from the outside, apex near the inside, exit toward the outside.

Look through the curve to the exit; the head turns toward the direction of travel.

Lean the bike by pushing the handlebar on the inside of the turn (countersteering).

Maintain a steady throttle through the curve; avoid abrupt changes in speed.

Brake before the curve, not during it; trail-braking reduces traction available for cornering.

Motorcycles must obey all traffic laws that apply to other vehicles.

A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane; no other vehicle may share the lane.

Two motorcycles may ride side by side in a lane only if both riders consent and it does not impede traffic.

Lane splitting is illegal in Indiana.

Motorcycles must have a headlight on at all times while operating on public roads.

A passenger must have a proper seat and foot pegs; carrying a passenger on a solo seat is illegal.

Helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18; eye protection is required unless the bike has a windshield.

Approved rider education courses include classroom and range instruction.

Completion of an approved course may waive the skills test for riders 18 and older.

Course completion cards must be presented at the BMV and have an expiration date.

Courses cover pre-ride inspection, basic control, cornering, braking, and hazard avoidance.

Some courses provide motorcycles and helmets; check with the provider before registering.

Completion does not waive the knowledge test; riders must still pass the written exam.

Start in neutral with the clutch pulled in and the kill switch on RUN.

Release the clutch smoothly into the friction zone while rolling on the throttle.

Stop with both brakes, downshift through the gears, and put the left foot down.

When stopped, keep the bike in first gear and hold the front brake to prevent rolling.

Park in gear with the kickstand down on firm ground.

Turn off the engine with the key, not the kill switch, to avoid draining the battery.

Use a 2-second following distance in ideal conditions, 3 seconds at night, and 4 seconds in rain or on gravel.

Increase following distance behind trucks and vehicles that block your view of the road.

When passing, check mirrors, signal, check the blind spot, and accelerate decisively.

Do not pass on the right or in a lane that is ending.

When being passed, maintain your lane and speed; do not accelerate.

At intersections, have an escape route and be ready to stop.

Indiana's legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent for riders 21 and older.

Riders under 21 can be charged with OWI with a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher.

Implied consent: refusing a chemical test results in license suspension and can be used as evidence.

Alcohol impairs balance, coordination, and reaction time before the rider feels impaired.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can support an OWI charge when they impair driving.

Cannabis impairs judgment and reaction time; impairment can support an OWI charge.

Fatigue and distraction are also forms of impairment; take breaks and avoid phone use while riding.

The motorcycle endorsement appears as an 'M' on the Indiana driver's license.

A motorcycle endorsement is not a stand-alone license; it is added to a valid driver's license.

Riders transferring an out-of-state endorsement must pass the Indiana knowledge test unless exempt.

The BMV may deny or revoke an endorsement for moving violations, OWI, or failure to appear.

Endorsement renewal follows the base driver's license cycle.

A moped under 50 cc does not require a motorcycle endorsement but does require a valid driver's license.

Check tire pressure when tires are cold, per the owner's manual or sidewall.

Check tread depth and replace tires at the wear indicator.

Check for cuts, embedded objects, and sidewall cracks.

Check chain slack: about 1/2 to 1 inch on most street bikes.

Lubricate the chain regularly; a dry chain wears quickly.

Check sprocket teeth for wear and replace the chain and sprockets as a set.

Ride in the left third of the lane to be visible in the mirrors of the vehicle ahead.

Avoid the center of the lane at intersections where oil drips accumulate.

Do not ride in a car's blind spot; pass quickly or stay back.

Use the headlight at all times; it is required by Indiana law.

Wear bright or reflective gear to improve detection.

At night, reduce speed and increase following distance; the headlight illuminates only about 150 feet on low beam.

DOT certification is required by federal law for helmets sold in the U.S.

A helmet should fit snugly and not roll off the head when the chin strap is fastened.

Replace a helmet after a crash or when the inner liner is damaged.

Jackets and pants should be abrasion-resistant with armor at shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

Full-fingered gloves protect the hands and improve grip.

Over-the-ankle boots protect the feet and ankles.

Eye protection must meet DOT standards unless the bike has a windshield.