Skip to main navigation Skip to main content
Ky.gov
Ride.ky.govRide.ky.gov logo

RideSmartKY

Motorcycle Rider Education Program

Empowering Riders Since 1992

The RideSmartKY program was established to equip new riders with essential skills for safe riding and help veteran riders enhance their skills. Funded by a portion of motorcycle license and registration fees, we strive to make safety education accessible for all riders.​​​

​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The program is administered through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Office of Highway Safety and overseen by the Motorcycle Safety Education ​Commission.​

A person sitting atop a motorcycle in a parking lot with orange practice cones in the background.

Courses Offered

Learn about the different types of Motorcycle Safety Courses offered, as well as the benefits and what you'll need to bring.

A person wearing a helmet, driving a motorcycle through a parking lot.

Get Training

Find one of many Training Centers across the Commonwealth that are able to provide Motorcycle Training Courses.


​Progra​m Basics​

Co​​st​

  • Tuition is no more than $150.0​​0 per class, and may be less based on class type and location.
  • Minors under 18 can take the course for free, but must first have an intermediate driver's license.
  • Pricing varies by region, but financial assistance may be available for eligible students.
    ​

Sa​fety

  • Minors (under 18) cannot drive between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 am, except under specific circumstances.
  • Permit holders may not carry passengers and must wear a helmet while riding.
  • All riders and passengers under the age of 21, or with a motorcycle endorsement less than one year old, must wear helmets; eye protection is required for all.​

​Motorcycle Endorsem​​ent​



  • After July 15, 2023 successful completion of the Basic Rider Course (BRC), and at sites which provide the motorcycle the 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course (3WBRC), will waive BOTH the written and skills testing towards your motorcycle endorsement. The waiver is good for one year from the date of the class.
  • There is no waiting period or permit requirement. Take​ your completion paperwork to a KYTC licensing branch to update your license.

    Le​​arn​ More
    ​
  • If you wish to get your motorcycle endorsement the traditional way, you can schedule a time to take the written test with the Kentucky State Police. Click below to schedule your written test.​ The same link will allow you to take the skills test, after you have held the instructional permit for at least 30 days.​

    Schedule a Written Test​
  • KY recognizes rider ed course courses from all other states provided that course is recognized by that state for the purpose of a license waiver.​
  • Military personnel, their spouses and dependents living out of state can take an approve​d course to ad​d a motorcycle endorsement to their license.

    Learn More​

  • Motorcycle instruction permits are good for one year and can only be renewed once. After that, you can take one of the skills waiver courses or start all over with the written test to obtain your instructional permit.

Back to Top