subject: Motorcycle License - Understanding How To Get One [print this page] Before a motorcyclists can legally operate a motorcycle in public, he or she must get a motorcycle license. Riders may choose to get a motorcycle permit before the license, which will allow them to operate in public with certain restrictions. The following information contains the necessary steps for obtaining the motorcycle license.
Step one is to get a temporary license that allows riders to operate their motorcycles on streets and highways. This temporary license is known as a permit, and it can be acquired up successful completion of a short written exam. On the test are questions about riding a motorcycle and safety related questions.
Once the motorcycle permit is obtained, then there is a 6 month period during which the rider test may be taken. This time should be used to practice for the test in order to become comfortable with the motorcycle and learn good driving skills.
Taking the written test is the first step that one must take towards getting the motorcycle license. There are a number of questions that are related to motorcycle driving techniques as well as situational questions. There will also be a good amount of safety related questions. The information being tested on usually can be found in the motorcycle rider manual that is filed with the state.
The written and rider tests will take place at the department of motor vehicles on a scheduled day at a scheduled time. The written test will be taken on site, and the rider test will be administered by someone who is certified to administer rider tests. A number of rider skills will be tested in order to determine if the rider will pass or not.
If the written and skills test are both completed and passed, then the motorcycle license will be given to the rider. If for whatever reason the rider does not pass one or the other, then that portion must be taken over again.
The motorcycle safety course is one alternative that riders have to taking the written and skills exams. The course teaches important operating skills and helps to increase safety awareness. Upon successful completion of the safety course, the motorcycle license will be granted.
