Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process to get my motorcycle endorsement?

Traditional Method

The traditional method consists of two parts: the written test and the skills test.

Written Test

Written tests are administered only at a Kentucky State Police (KSP) testing center. This will allow you to get an instructional permit to operate a motorcycle. Instructional permits are good for one year and can be renewed one time. Click here to schedule your written test.

Skills Test

Upon successful completion of the written test, you must hold your instruction permit for at least 30 days for those 21 and older. For those who are under 21 the waiting period is 180 days. After the waiting period you can schedule a skills test administered by KSP. (Click here to schedule your skills test)

Waiver Method

After successfully completing the Basic Rider Course (BRC) or a 3-Wheel basic Rider Course (3WBRC) at a site that provides the motorcycle, you will qualify for your full motorcycle endorsement. It will waive BOTH the written and skills tests with no waiting period. See the KYTC website for details.

Hybrid Method

The hybrid method allows you to take the written test with KSP and then take a skills waiver course. You would schedule your written test on the KSP website (Click here to schedule your written test). Then schedule a time to take one of our courses on the Get Training tab at the top of the page. If you have been riding for a while and wish to bring your own bike, then look at the BRC2 course to see if that may be right for you. The waiting periods described above would still apply using this method.

What do I need to bring to class?

For the BRC classes motorcycles are provided for your use. You may bring your own bike to a BRC class provided it is under 500cc, the student has at least a motorcycle instructional permit, and the bike is properly licensed and insured.

Students taking the BRC2, ARC and / or TCARC must bring their motorcycle, license/permit, registration, and proof of insurance.

Students taking the 3WBRC may bring their own trike or some locations have them available for use.

When bringing your own bike, no matter which course, it must be road legal with a headlight, taillight, front and rear turn signals, horn, and left side mirror at a minimum.

For an itemized list of what else you should bring, visit the Get Training tab.

What happens if I take the course or skills test on a 3-Wheel motorcycle?

If you take the 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course (3WBRC) or take the skills test with KSP on a 3-wheel motorcycle, you will only be licensed to ride 3-wheel motorcycles. A restriction code will be added to your license to show you are limited to 3-wheel motorcycles only. This restriction is similar to one requiring a person to wear glasses while driving.

I am a Kentucky resident currently stationed out of state in the military. What do I need to know?

The military requires all personnel wishing to ride a motorcycle on base to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course and a refresher course every three years. Many military bases offer the MSF course on post for active-duty personnel. See your post safety officer for details.

If you, your spouse or dependents wish to update their license with a motorcycle endorsement click on the link for detailed instructions. KYTC Licensing for Motorcycles.

To complete this process you will need to send proof of completing the MSF's BRC course, or equivalent, to the KYTC licensing division. The link has the proper form to complete and submit with instructions.

For spouses and dependents, KY recognizes rider's education courses certified for licensing purposes from all other states. Taking a state certified course in your area should meet the requirements for updating the license(s) of those of family member(s) not able to take the course on base. They can use the same form, at the link above, to update their license(s).

How long are the waiver cards good for?

Waiver cards are good for one (1) year from the date of issue (last day of class). Waiver cards are used by the KY Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) licensing branch office for the purpose of waiving the written and/or skills portion of the motorcycle endorsement process. Click here for a list of offices around the state.

Insurance companies vary but many will give a discount if the course was taken within the past 3-5 years. Ask your local agent for more details.

If I lost my card, how do I get a duplicate?

Please contact the location where you took the course or the RideSmart KY program administrator, Jay Huber, by email at jay.huber@ky.gov or by phone at 502-564-1568 for a duplicate skills waiver card or letter of completion.

No duplicates will be issued after 1 year from the date of the class, since they are no longer valid for licensing purposes.

If needed for insurance or military purposes, a letter of completion can be issued within a 5 year time period.

If you took the course on a military base such as Ft. Knox or Ft. Campbell, we do not keep those records, please see your base safety officer.

Do I have to take the written test and get my permit BEFORE I take the class?

For the BRC and some 3WBRC courses where the sites provide the bikes, the answer is NO. The written test is incorporated into the courses and both are waived upon completion.

For courses such as the BRC2, ARC, and 3WBRC sites where you are bringing your own motorcycle to use, you must be able to legally operate the vehicle on the roadways. For this reason you MUST have a valid permit / endorsement, proper registration, and have proof of insurance with you.

How long is a motorcycle instructional permit good for?

Motorcycle instruction permits are good for one year and can only be renewed once. After that, a BRC or 3WBRC will be required in order to obtain your full endorsement.

If bringing your own bike you would be required to take the written test with KSP once again to get your instructional permit prior to taking the course.

Are there special rules for permit holders?

Instruction permit holders are not allowed to carry passengers and MUST wear a helmet on the roadways regardless of their age. For those under 18, you cannot operate a vehicle of any kind between midnight and 6 A.M. unless the driver can demonstrate a good cause for driving such as: emergencies, school or work-related activities.

What is the helmet law in KY?

All riders and passengers under the age of 21 MUST wear a helmet on the roadways. You also must wear a helmet until you have held your full endorsement for at least one (1) year. Eye protection is also required for ALL riders and passengers at all times.

I live in an area that doesn't have a class near me, but there is one in a neighboring state. Can I take the class there?

Yes, you can take the class in a neighboring state and present your completion paperwork to KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office for the waiver portion of obtaining your endorsement.

Depending on the course taken, you may still have to pass the instructional permit test in Kentucky and hold the permit for the appropriate waiting period.

The out-of-state course MUST be an approved waiver course in that state for it to be accepted in Kentucky. Examples would be skills waiver courses using the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), Motorcycle Ohio Rider Education (MORE), or Total Control (TC) curriculums.

For specific course questions you may contact the RideSmart KY program administrator Jay Huber at jay.huber@ky.gov or 502-564-1568.

What type of motorcycles are used in the course?

All motorcycles used in the basic courses are 500cc or less. The make and model vary depending on the selected course provider.

Course provided 3-wheel motorcycles do not have a limit on engine size but do have their speeds limited electronically.

I had a lot of fun taking the class and was interested in possibly teaching the classes. How do I become an instructor?

To become an instructor, please see our Instructors page.

There are no courses offered in my area but quite a few riders here. How could I start a Training Center in my area?

To become a Training Provider and host classes in your area please see our Providers page.

I live out of state but want to take the course here in KY. Will my state accept it?

Acceptance of out of state courses varies by state. Please check the requirements of that state. Examples would be IN and OH take our courses for both the written and skills portions. TN only uses it towards the skills portion so you must take the written test there in TN. IL and VA do not take courses from ANY other state. There are links to some of the surrounding states on the RESOURCES tab.

​​​