Total Motorcycle Community Forums

i just got a bike so i have to get a class M license.

however im getting confused by the lack of consistancy on the forums of this site.

everyone seems to be getting a permit first, then taking MSF courses then getting a license. some do and some dont.


i thought you could just go get a license without getting a permit first. can you take an MSF course without having a permit? Can you just show up at DMV and take the written test and then get your license?

or do you need to have a permit first?



oh yeah, and since im new, might as well intro myself,
im 22 and live in las vegas, never rode a bike before last week. i just bought a 1984 kawasaki 900r for 1,500 dollars. i was looking into a 91 honda cb250 but im hearing impaired and have to use a relay system to call someone, and the guy who i was talking to knew i was deaf but kept hanging up saying he refuses to talk to me over relay. (not like i have a choice) so i got pissed and got this bike since it was the only other local bike in my price range.

yes i know its a tad powerful, but i think i'll be ok considering a new honda 600 has more power than my 900, even though its not much. i didnt actually want this as a first bike...got a bit too excited too soon, oh well.

anyways, HI!

You have a PC I would suggest use ur PC and there is a web site for ur state for motorcycle drivers licence information, the laws are different from state to state I can only guess but here in PA you must get a permit and take a question test.

Each state is different and, many have multiple procedures for obtaining your license. That is the reason for the differences that are confusing you. Click HERE to see the licensing requirements for Nevada.

Cjanik84 wrote:i just got a bike so i have to get a class M license.

everyone seems to be getting a permit first, then taking MSF courses then getting a license. some do and some dont.

i thought you could just go get a license without getting a permit first. can you take an MSF course without having a permit? Can you just show up at DMV and take the written test and then get your license?

or do you need to have a permit first?

I personally didn't get a permit first. I had my driver's license, signed up and took an MSF course, passed (exempt of motorcycle road test), then headed to the DMV to take the written test. Next thing I know, I'm walking out with my M class license.

So to answer your question, No, you don't need to get your permit first. I know in order for you to take an MSF course, you must have your driver's license though. You do not need a motorcycle permit to take the MSF, just the driver's license.

You can't just walk into the DMV and do anything because there's always 100,000 people in front of you in line. But aside from this, you can't just walk into the DMV and take the written test UNLESS you've already completed the MSF course. Otherwise, if you go to the DMV without having passed the MSF class you will have to do it their way and take both written and road test.

So if you've got your driver's license, your set. No need for any permits. Just head to the MSF, pass, then to the DMV to take the written test. If you don't have your driver's license, well then, good luck standing in line at the DMV. My advice, bring a few of these guys along.

If you want to know the way to go from "I want to ride a motorcycle" to "I have a license, bike and gear" read this page:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

It tells you everything, step-by-step.

Yes, you jumped the gun by getting a bike first. But, that's okay. You didn't do things in the most efficient/prudent order. But since when is life about always being prudent or efficient?

thanks guys, i appriciate all of your help, makes sense now. i am planning on taking an MSF, just didnt know if i needed a permit just to take the MSF but sinc ei have a license i should be fine.