Chapter 2 · Lesson 6 of 7
Operating an autocycle
3 min read · Restrictions and Endorsements
Explanation
An autocycle is a three-wheeled motor vehicle with a fully or partially enclosed seating area equipped with a roll cage or roll hoops, safety belts for each occupant, anti-lock brakes, and steering-wheel-and-pedal controls — unlike an MDC or motorcycle, it isn’t ridden astride.
A valid Indiana driver’s license is all that’s required to operate one; no motorcycle learner’s permit or endorsement is needed. Restrictions still apply: the operator sits on a seat (not astride), carries no package in hand, keeps only one autocycle per traffic lane, and every occupant wears a seat belt. An autocycle also cannot be used for a driving skills exam.
Example
A licensed driver operates a three-wheeled autocycle with a roll cage, seat belts, and a steering wheel. No motorcycle endorsement is needed because the vehicle meets the autocycle definition and a regular driver’s license is enough.
Common mistake
Trying to take a driving skills exam in an autocycle. The manual excludes autocycles from that use.
What the manual says
You may operate an autocycle on Indiana roadways if you possess a valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) Indiana driver’s license. A motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle endorsement is not required.
May not be used for the purpose of a driving skills exam for a driver’s license
Sources
- Manual p. 15
“Indiana law defines a vehicle as an autocycle if it is a three-wheeled motor vehicle in which the operator and passenger ride in a completely or partially enclosed seating area that is equipped with:”
- Manual p. 15
“A roll cage or roll hoops,”
- Manual p. 15
“Safety belts for each occupant,”
- Manual p. 15
“Anti-lock brakes, and”
- Manual p. 15
“Is designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and pedals”
- Manual p. 15
“You may operate an autocycle on Indiana roadways if you possess a valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) Indiana driver's license. A motorcycle learner's permit or motorcycle endorsement is not required.”
- Manual p. 15
“Must operate in a position on a seat”
- Manual p. 15
“Cannot carry package in hand”
- Manual p. 15
“May not operate more than one autocycle in a single traffic lane”
- Manual p. 15
“Operator and each occupant must wear a seat belt”
- Manual p. 15
“May not be used for the purpose of a driving skills exam for a driver's license”
Check your understanding
Question 1 of 3