Total Motorcycle Community Forums

The process one must endure to get a piece of paper that says you can ride is very frustrating.
Here, we must a) ride two-up with someone that has a motorcycle license, or b) have someone on a bike or in a car ride with you in close proximity.

I can see the learning that can happen with choice B. I see choice A as a little scary. I'd like to hear what some other places have in place. Is there a standard? Major differences?

Luckily for me, rider do believe in "paying it forward" and a friend who had friends help her is very willing to ride with me. This means my riding practice depends on her.

So what did you have to do?

I'm a licensed driver (car/light truck) 35 years old. What I had to do to get licensed in Pennsylvania was......

1) Apply for my motorcycle learners permit ($10. Valid for one year, no two-up riding, no riding after dark, no interstate riding) and;
2a) Pass a written and driving test at the dmv OR;
2b) Pass a PAMSP (Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program based on the MSF) course including written and riding tests ($0. Bikes provided. Helmet provided if neccessary. Need helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, gloves, long pants and over the ankle footwear).

I chose option 2b. After passing the PAMSP course, my instructor reviewed my driving performance with me then signed my learners permit and MSF card. A few weeks later, I received my official license change paperwork in the mail from the DMV (which I have to carry with me in addition to my photo license until my next license renewal in a year).

I'm not sure what has changed for persons without a prior valid drivers license but, everyone now has to pass a written test before being issued a motorcycle learners permit in Pennsylvania. I believe the licensing requirements remained the same.

Ohio (over 18 ):

1. apply for and take written test to obtain a learner's permit ($7). Conditions of learner's permit are as follows: no riding after dusk - no highway riding - no passengers - helmet required (for first year after licensing as well).

2. after completion of MSF course ($25!!!), take certificate to Bureau of Motor Vehicles to add "M" endorsement onto license ($8, I think). Finished.

Cheers,
Loonette

The course I can take here is a weekend (Fri evening, Sat and Sun all day). They provide the 250cc bikes and it costs....


ready for this?.....


$625!!!!

What about Harley's Riders Edge course? Its only like 300

For Minnesota (over 18 ) -

1. Take the written exam - 33 questions, 75% or higher to pass.
2. Pay $21 to attain a permit - can't ride after sunset, helmet required, no passenger, eye protection, no interstates.

3a. Take an MSF 15 hr. course ($160 bike is provided) and complete it - license attained.
3b. Pass a road test with a DMV officer. No cost to attain license.

With option 3b, I'm not sure the if there's a requirement for minimum CC. I know that there is because people in the past have shown up on 125CC and just breeze through the course.

Not sure exactly what the percentage in MN go through MSF course vs. just testing with the DMV without the course. That's one statistic I'd like to know.

northnewbie wrote:The course I can take here ...... costs....ready for this?.....$625!!!!

Hmmm, that's $550 US. That is a bit pricey. The one I took down here last year was $225 US.

Take an MSF 15 hr. course ($160 bike is provided)

Hmmm. What kind of bikes do they use that only cost $160?

Georgia (under 18)

1. Go to dmv w/ birth certificate and certificate of attendance
take written test, pay $10 and get permit

2a. Take MSF course, and take certificate, get full license

2b. Go to dmv, take road test, get full license

I believe the m endorsement also costs $10

the restrictions for a permit are the same as stated by everyone else.

northnewbie wrote: a) ride two-up with someone that has a motorcycle license

Yeah, I'd think my husband would go for option B. No way he's ever riding double up with him on the back

I took the MSF class, it was a Friday afternoon/Saturday/Sunday class for $250. The bikes were provided. Pass the written exam and skills test and you're done

Another $10 later at the DMV office and you have a new license issued with "Motorcycle Also" added to it.