Another Question from a Curious Mind

[JackoftheGreen]

So, yesterday I posted a question concerning suspension, just to satisfy my curiosity, and today I'm doing the same...

Mogs is chatting up a newbie from the UK over in the Introductions thread, and UK motorcycle licensing procedures were mentioned briefly. It sounded awfuly complicated, which got me wondering how other countries, and even different states in my own America, handle motorcycle licensing. So sound off if you would, inquiring minds want to know.

Here in Utah/US, your quest to attain a motorcycle license starts at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You first take a written test, 20 questions multiple choice, and if you pass (I think you can miss three or four and still get a passing score) you get a motorcycle learners permit. That permit allows you to legally operate any motorcycle on the streets, with three restrictions. No passengers, no road with a posted speed limit over 60mph, and no riding between the hours of 10pm and 5am. The learners permit itself is good for six months, and after three months the restrictions fall off.

At any time while you're on your learners permit, you can schedule a road test to get your full license. They call it a road test, but really it's just a little parking lot course. There, you are observed by a DMV official performing various low-speed manuvers -- a cone weave, a U-Turn, a right and a left hand turn from standstill, a smooth brake to stop, a panic brake to stop, and a panic swerve. Each manuver has certain measurements -- 15' between cones for the weave, 26' for the U-Turn (24' for a sub-600cc bike), and so on. I know those measurements change state to state, but they're fairly close. If you pass the road test, you're fully licensed for any motorcycle with the same size or smaller engine than the one you tested on. So, if you pass on a 250cc, you can only ride 250cc or smaller legally. That tiering goes unbroken up to 599cc, and if you pass the road test on a 600cc or larger you're licensed to ride any size bike. The tiering system also changes from state to state, I have no idea how wide the field is though.

This entire process can often be sidestepped by taking an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginners Riding Course. Upon successful completion of the course the guys will give you a certificate, which you can show at the DMV and get your full license right then. That changes by municipality though -- each county has it's own DMV, and some counties either wont accept the MSF cert at all for licensing purposes, or they'll waive the road test but not the written test, or vice versa.

And that is how you get licensed to operate a motorcycle in the state of Utah, United States of America. What'cha got where you are?

[mogster]

Nice to get a name check but I think the phrase you wanted was "chatting to" not "chatting up"

[BRUMBEAR]

You know it's been so long ago I got my license. I have no idea anymore sorry Jack?

[Johnj]

My first license was when I was in the Marine Corp (72-76). I was 17 and in California. I don't remember if there was a motorcycle test or not. There were no restrictions for riding on base. Next I got a Missouri license and they asked me if I was qualified to ride...I answered yes, so I was set for passenger cars, pickup trucks, and motorcycles. When I moved to Kansas they had me take a test. This was around 78 or 80. I took the test on a 500cc Triumph I had. Sweet bike.

[JackoftheGreen]

I'm sure you're right Mogs, must be the Betty Boop that twisted my tongue.

[sapaul]

How about this

you can be 16, write a theory, "pee" easy one at that, and get an A1 license. Allows you to ride on the road up to a 125 , single no pillion. 125's are allowed on our highways

you can be 18, write same "pee" easy theory test and then you can go buy whatever you like and ride it legally out of the showroom. Insurance only an issue if you finance. Pay cash, insurance is not compulsory.

This is from the country that is bailing out Europe, ppphhhffff

[Wrider]

Here in CO all of the measurements for the weaving, box, etc are the same no matter what size bike you show up on.
Then the learner's permit is good for up to a year but the restrictions are "No passengers, must ride within sight of a licensed rider." and they stay on for the whole year.
And if you pass on a 125 here, you're licensed to ride whatever you want. Theoretically you could pass the test on a DR125 and immediately (and legally) hop on a Rocket III.

[madjak30]

Alberta, Canada is similar to Colorado...you do the written to get your learner's permit...arrange for a road test (which I did on a DR200), and if/when you pass you are licensed to ride anything...you could jump on a Hyabusa if you wanted to...

My kids have tiered licensing system that is imposed by the law of DAD!!

The DMV only mandates DOT approved helmet use ~ DAD mandates full face DOT helmet, riding jacket, gloves, leather boots covering ankle and jeans at a minimum...as for a bike, they will be starting on a 50cc scooter around town and yes, they will have to wear full gear...if caught not wearing gear, no more riding...PERIOD...cool doesn't come into the conversation when talking about safety. BRC is a given and will be taken prior to getting a bike that is capable of hiway travel...

This might be difficult for them since we live in a lake community & there will be peer pressure to just ride to the beach wearing a bikini & helmet (I have three girls)...but there are changing rooms down at the beach...and if it is that much of an inconvenience, ride the pedal bike...exercise will do them good...

Sorry, rant over...

Later.

[JackoftheGreen]

Sapaul, when you say 'write a theory', is that like composing an essay about motorcyles?

I'm picturing a room full of people jotting paragraphs like, "I want a motorcycle license because..." and then being graded on them...

Or is it short essay questions concerning motorcycle operation? "In 200 words or less, describe the proper procedures for executing a rolling stop followed with a right-hand turn." That sorta thing?

[sapaul]

HA HA HA no not quite that bad, it is the K53 driving theory test that everyone takes for a driving license but with the bike controls in the test. It is still rubbish. If a car driver passes this test they have to ride with a qualified driver in the car until they pass the practical. Not for bikers, they can just hop on anything and ride without a practical test. Many peeps here just renew this license and never take a practical test at all.