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i only started riding a few months ago and took a few lessons from someone certified. he then set up the road test free of charge of course. while waiting for my test ive put about 1100 miles on my bike so far. my test is next thursday so i called the instructor guy to touch base and he told me what to bring(the obvious bike, helmet, etc) and the 150 dollars to use his service. i could use his bike but im much more used to my own so he said thats better anyhow, use my own. of course, this(the 150) wasnt mentioned before and i dont really have a licensed rider to go with me to the test. i dont exactly have the extra money and was curious as to what the licensed rider is needed for.

is that just because im not supposed to ride to the test(and in general i know) w/out a licensed rider? or say does my friend actually get in the van with the instructor who is giving the test? its just an awful lot of money to use his service for something that is free if i didnt use him. he told me over the phone how ill pass it, it wont be a problem but i have another friend who says leniency is not an option when it comes to the test and they are very strict with the figure 8's. any feedback appreciated.

Well it sounds like you've ridden for the 1100 miles by yourself without a licensed rider. The dmvs in Chicago are not very strict in enforcing the show up with a licensed rider rule. I'd either go there before in a cage and just check the area out for a half hour or so and see how the instructors are treating other testees. Are they checking to see if a licensed rider is with them? If they're not then take the chance and go. This is how I got my license.

Your other option is to either go to a biker hang out spot or post on a couple different boards (craigslist.com is what i'd try) and see if someone in your area will come with you. Most bikers will if they can.

Are you going for your skills test or your actual road test? Usually you need a licensed rider with you before you pass your skills test, but, after your skills test, you can ride alone.
Is it the same where you are?

dont know what the skills test is. i have my permit but need to take the actual road test where you do the figure eights, cone weaving, etc with the instructor there. this is for n.y. yeah most of the mileage ive put on was with a friend or two. one has a license, the other a permit. as fate would have it the guy with the license cut himself bad at work so i think hes outta the equation for asking anyhow.

In Illinois the other licensed rider does not have to be on a bike. He can be in the parking lot or in a car right behind you according to a police officer who frequents our store on a regular basis. Not sure if that is the case for you there as well, just call a local police department and ask them if that is the case for NY as well. If it is then your friend can come and problems are solved.

zarakand wrote:In Illinois the other licensed rider does not have to be on a bike. He can be in the parking lot or in a car right behind you according to a police officer who frequents our store on a regular basis. Not sure if that is the case for you there as well, just call a local police department and ask them if that is the case for NY as well. If it is then your friend can come and problems are solved.

well that would be one good thing. but getting that friend whoever that might be to meet me at 8 in the morning on a thursday where theyd miss some work time possibly.............thats a tough one.

Indiana has no licensed driver requirement. You take a 25 questioned test, get your permit and your good for a year. You must wear a helmet, no 2-up and no night riding until you take the riding test to get your full license. That's it.

Scott58 wrote:Indiana has no licensed driver requirement. You take a 25 questioned test, get your permit and your good for a year. You must wear a helmet, no 2-up and no night riding until you take the riding test to get your full license. That's it.

Same thing in Ohio. I don't really understand the whole licensed rider chaperone thing. There's not a very significant benefit to having such a person along during practice nor for the test, but it's not my law...

Maybe just call up your DMV and explain your situation. You don't have to tell them who you are - just get the straight info. Offer a scenario something like... my licensed friend can get there with me, but has to leave right away for work... See what they say. If it's not a big whoop, just show up alone well before the proctor arrives.

Cheers,
Loonette

If, in your state, you are required to ride with a LICENSED rider (in a car or on another bike, whatever) on your learners... the tester WILL ask you how you got your bike to the test site.

If you answer you rode, they WILL ask where your 'chaperone' is. If you don't have one, the state can within the law impound your motorcycle on the spot.

Pam

interesting. i wonder if i showed up way before anyone, i can just say my licensed friend had to leave with his car to go to work. dont know if that would fly anyhow. i checked out where they give the test. its in a really crappy area with a small parking lot no less. no lines, nothing. weird.