Motorcycle Ohio opens rider course registration open

Ohioans interested in learning to ride a motorcycle safely can register online for Motorcycle Ohio rider courses.

Motorcycle Ohio, the state’s motorcycle safety and education program through the Ohio Department of Public Safety, trained 12,237 students last year. Courses at 51 training sites in 36 counties begin as early as March and run through mid-November.

Motorcycle Ohio noted that since 2020, 1,263 motorcyclists have been killed in crashes on Ohio roadways, and an average of 77% of motorcycle fatalities involved untrained riders.

Anyone operating a motorcycle on public roadways in Ohio must have a valid motorcycle permit, motorcycle-only license or endorsement. Successful completion of a Motorcycle Ohio course provides a 60-day BMV skills test waiver to help riders obtain an endorsement.

Course enrollment is $75, with options based on experience:

Basic Rider Skills: A 16-hour course for novice riders, including four hours of classroom instruction and 12 hours of on-cycle training. No experience is required. Motorcycles and helmets are provided.

Basic Rider Skills-Returning Riders: An eight-hour course for riders 18 and older with a two-wheel temporary permit for more than one year or experienced riders returning after time away.

Basic Rider Skills 2: A seven-hour, on-cycle refresher for riders using their own street-legal, two-wheeled motorcycle.

New this year, some Basic Rider Skills sites will offer an online option for the four-hour classroom portion through the eRider program. A broader rollout is expected in May.

Students must have a valid motorcycle temporary instruction permit before the first riding session. Riders 18 and older with an active Ohio Class D driver’s license or CDL may be eligible to take the motorcycle knowledge test online through the BMV’s online services.

For details and enrollment, visit motorcycle.ohio.gov.