Frequently Asked Questions Motorcycle Rider Course & License Examination
How much does the Basic Rider Course cost?
The Basic Rider Course is $50.00. Non-ABATE members must pay a refundable* $25.00 registration fee. Out-of-state residence pay $160.00 out-of-state tuition, plus a $25 refundable* registration fee. *Regsitration fee must be requested in writing within two weeks of completing the course.
How much does the Experienced Rider Course cost?
The Experienced Rider Course is $25.00. Non-ABATE members must pay a refundable* $25.00 registration fee. Out-of-state residence pay $40.00 out-of-state tuition, plus a $25 refundable* registration fee. *Regsitration fee must be requested in writing within two weeks of completing the course.
How long does the Basic Rider Course last?
Courses can take anywhere from 15 to 20 hours to complete depending on weather, overall class progression and other factors. The BRC consists of classroom and on-cycle training, and can be completed in one weekend or four to five weekday evenings. We provide the motorcycles for the Basic Rider Course. This includes both skill and knowledge evaluations for successful completion of the course. Breaks and lunch are not included in that time. The course is up to 20 hours including lunches and breaks. The course is pass or fail.
How long does the Experienced Rider Course last?
The Experienced Rider Course is a one day course that is approximately 6 1/2 hours long. The Experienced Rider Course is taken on your motorcycle. It is also a pass or fail course and can assist you in obtaining your motorcycle license endorsement.
How old do I have to be to take the Basic Rider Course (BRC)?
To take the BRC you must be at least 15 years of age and pay all registration fees. A parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver of liability at the beginning of class or the student will not be able to continue due to insurance regulations. Note, the downtown Indianapolis location requires that you are at least 18.
What are the requirements to be able to take the Basic Rider Course?
1) YOU MUST BE ABLE TO BALANCE AND RIDE A BICYCLE.
2) If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign waiver at the site.
3) Helmet: snug fitting, DOT certified (loan helmets are available at the classroom)
4) Eye protections: (glasses, goggles, or face shield)
5) Long sleeves (jean material or heavy cotton), no polyester.
6) Gloves: Snug fitting, full fingered, preferably leather.
7) Boots: High enough to cover your ankles with low heal, (high top leather tennis shoes may be worn.)
8) Long Pants: made of heavy material, such as denim (blue jeans) and cannot contain holes.
9) Rain Gear (we ride rain or shine!)
Do I need to provide my own motorcycle for the Basic Rider Course?
Motorcycles are provided for all Basic Rider Course students.
What are the requirements to be able to take the Experienced Rider Course?
1) A rider must have a minimum of 2 years experience on a street motorcycle or 3,000 miles riding on the streets.
2) You must have a valid motorcycle permit
3) You must use your own motorcycle
4) The motorcycle must be safe and fully operational
5) You must show proof of ownership and proof of insurance for the motorcycle
6) Must have helmet, full finger gloves, eye protections and long sleeves and pants
Can I get my endorsement taking the Basic Rider Course?
In the State of Indiana you must obtain a permit to operate a motorcycle before you can get your M/C endorsement. (You do not have to have this permit to take the Basic Rider Course.) Go to your nearest local BMV branch and request to take the Motorcycle Learners Permit Exam.
After you have passed the permit exam:
1) You may ride only during daylight hours
2) You must wear a helmet while riding
3) You cannot carry passengers
4) An Indiana motorcycle permit is valid for 1 year
After you have passed the permit exam at the BMV and have graduated the Basic Rider Course:
1) Return to the BMV and give them your M/C permit, your drivers license and the BMV card you will receive at graduation
2) Cost for M/C endorsement $10.00
3) Get a new picture taken
4) No further exams are needed
Will my insurance for my motorcycle lower by graduating the Basic Rider Course?
Most insurance companies recognize graduating the Basic Rider Course as a training tool to enhance your riding ability and reward you with a lower rate on your motorcycle insurance. Some give anywhere from 5-20% discount when you are a graduate of our courses.
What if it rains?
Classes will be conducted rain or shine. However, under severe weather conditions, classes may be postponed.
Do I have to take the ABATE course to get my motorcycle endorsement?
No. You can also take the BMV skills test which we provide at most of our training site. Testing is offered on a first-come-first-serve basis.
How do I know what date of class I have been given?
You will receive a post card by mail when your class has been filled. This post card will tell you the location and the first date of your class. If you have provided an email address, a confirmation will be sent to you as soon as you have been entered into a class. Please remember to check your spam folder if you haven't received an email from us.
How do I make sure that I am in the same class as my friend/spouse?
You will need to mail all applications and payments together in one envelope.
The class is scheduled for Fri-Sun. Do I have to be there all three days? Can I attend two days one week and the third another week?
The class has to be completed during the time period you are scheduled. You must be there the entire time to be able to complete the course. If you are late for class, you could lose your spot
I need to take the skills exam but I ride a full dresser/Honda Goldwing and people say it can’t be done. Do you make any exceptions to the course?
No. Individuals complete the course on Goldwings and full dressers with perfect scores all the time. The test measures your personal skill level.
What happens if I fail the skills test all three times?
You will need to obtain a new learner’s permit. You may also want to consider a Basic Rider Course.
I ride a trike. Can I take the class on my trike?
No. ABATE does not have trike classes at this time and students must use our bikes in the Basic Rider Course. If you want to take an Experienced Rider Course you can use your trike or if you take the skills exam you can use your trike. The range will be slightly altered for trikes. *If you take the skills exam on a trike you will get a “Restricted” license to trike only. You will not be legal to ride anything on 2 wheels.
Can I take my skills exam on a 49cc scooter?
If your bike is over 49cc or exceeds speeds of 25 mph you will need a motorcycle endorsement to ride it and it must be registered, plated, and insured. If you take the exam on anything under these specifications you will receive a “Restriction 4-Scooter only” license. You will not be legal to ride a standard motorcycle.
How do I contact the ABATE Motorcycle Safety Program?
Call or write ABATE of Indiana Motorcycle Safety Division, PO Box 665 (51 N Baldwin St), Bargersville, Indiana 46106, 317-422-8040, 800-23-ABATE. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8am-6pm.
If there are any questions that are not answered, but should be listed on this page, please let us know. |