Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I read on the "Beginners Guide" on this site that you need a motorcylce permit to take a MSF basic riding course. I just wanted to know if this is true?

I have signed up for a MSF course here, on Nov 19/20. I have no experience whatsoever on a bike...I"m just learning the basic parts, and I plan on having my buddy let me screw around on his 99 LS650 in a parking lot, b/c the course tells me i need to be able to balance a 300 lb bike and know how to turn. but it didn't say anything about having a permit....please inform me, thanks....

All I needed was a drivers license. Probably varies with state.

You only need a valid drivers license. The msf course, after completion, will allow you to get endorsed as a motorcycle rider. Very important by the insurance companies and the police. The motorcycle endorsement is valid in all 50 states. Be sure not to lose the certificate in case you ever lose your license.

You should contact your MSF course or read the information they sent you or check their website.

Here in Pennsylvania, you need to have a valid motorcycle permit and supply a long sleeve shirt, long pants, full fingered gloves and over the ankle footwear for the riding portion. The course provides the motorcycle and, a helmet if needed.

There was no experience neccessary for my course but, they said it would be a good idea to practice on a bicycle for balance and turning practice.

Here in Pennsylvania, you need to have a valid motorcycle permit and supply a long sleeve shirt, long pants, full fingered gloves and over the ankle footwear for the riding portion. The course provides the motorcycle and, a helmet if needed.

There was no experience neccessary for my course but, they said it would be a good idea to practice on a bicycle for balance and turning practice.

Ditto to everything he said for here in Texas.

I never realized so many people didn't know how to ride a bike. Must be a lot if they have to put that disclaimer on there (it was on mine too).

Yea there's nothing on the papers they sent that says i need to have a permit. Also, after completion i just need to take the written test at the MVD, but not the driving. Then i get my FULL motorcycle license?

You don't have to have a permit, just a valid driver's license here in Indiana.
I went ahead and got my permit so, if/when I passed my MSF class (which was 33 days after I got my permit) I could just go to the license branch, show them my permit and MSF completion card, get my new picture taken with a nice little "M" down in the bottom for "Motorcycle Endorsement".
I don't know for certain, but if you don't have a permit and take the class, your motorcycle cards act as a "permit". You can then (after 30 days of passing the class) go to the license branch and ask to take their driving test to get your license. That part I'm a little unsure about. Originally, I thought you just had to go to the branch 30 days after the class, show them your MSF card and they give you your endorsment, but a couple of people I talked to said you might have to take their riding test, too. You may just have to take their written test since you already took the MSF driving test. Or, you may need to take a blood test...or urine test...or...
Either way...good luck and enjoy!