Why Is A Motorcycle License Necessary?

You may think that to operate a motorcycle you do not or should not need a license but this is completely false. Although many countries permit you to operate a two wheeled or three wheeled motorcycle without a license in the United States you must have one in all states. A Motorcycle or Class M license is different than your typical driver’s license as it can be classified as a commercial driver’s license. The operation of a two or three wheeled vehicle can vary greatly than a normal motor vehicle and it is typically required that before you can operate a motorcycle you become licensed as well as have motorcycle riding licenses. As in many heavily populated countries it is necessary for those wishing to drive a motorcycle be licensed to do so because many other drivers are unaware of the dangers they pose to motorcycles.

How To Get A Motorcycle License

In each state you will find the requirements are different for getting your Class M or Motorcycle license. The basic requirements however will be about the same with variations or different forms required to apply and attain your motorcycle license. The different types of requirements include but are not limited to passing a physical and visions examination, being at least 16 years of age with parental consent, proof of insurance and registration, VOE from school, completion of motorcycle safety course and or driver’s education course for your state. Some of the more detailed requirements you may encounter are as follows-

• Provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence, such as a birth certificate or other form that proves your present status of citizenship.
• Provide proof of residency, most states require you be a resident of their state for 30-90 days before you can apply for any type of license.
• Provide a current and valid registration as well as insurance for the motorcycle in which you will be driving and performing your road skills test on.
• Complete an approved motorcycle safety course
• Complete an approved driver’s education course
• Complete a motorcycle training class
• Pass written exam
• Pass on road skills test
• Pass vision test
• Permit your photograph and possible thumb print to be taken

Testing For Your Motorcycle License

1. Written Test or General Knowledge Test:

Testing for your motorcycle license can be perhaps more nerve racking than taking any of the tests for a normal drivers license. The general knowledge portion of the motorcycle license or Class M license as it is also known is a computerized or printed multiple choice test. The test will cover every aspect of motorcycle license laws and safety as well as general safety laws and guidelines that you must follow in your state. In most states you must pass the written test with 85% or more correct answers before you are allowed to go on to the road skills test. It is best to study as much as you can before your written test. Read up on every single chapter in your motorcycle handbook. If it is hard for you to study by simply reading the material try alternate methods like practice tests and answer keys to test yourself at various stages of studying. DMVCheatSheets.com offers a large selection of cheat sheets and practice tests you can use to test your knowledge.

1. Road Skills Test:

If you have never driven a motorcycle before your testing date you should think again and reschedule for a later date. It is suggested and recommended in most states that you get professional instruction when you first learn to drive a motorcycle. The more you practice before your actual test the more likely it is you will pass the first time. For your road skills test you may be required to furnish a motorcycle as well as vehicle for a test facilitator to follow you and grade you, along with a fully licensed driver to operate this vehicle during the road test.

Motorcycle Laws

A motorcycle is defined as any two wheeled vehicle that the ride must sit on a saddle or uni-seat that may or may not have a back piece. Motorcycles are typically seen as more dangerous than other motor vehicles but to an experienced and trained rider the danger level is very low. When you become a licensed motorcyclist you some of the laws you may have to follow depending on your state are as follows-

• Helmet Law, this law requires that motorcyclists under the age of 21 in certain states must wear a state approved motorcycle helmet
• If you are a restricted Class M license holder (a minor under the age of 18 usually) then you are not allowed to ride at night or with passengers in most states.
• Not allowed to drive on the freeway or highway
• May be restricted to a 250CC motorcycle or under
• If you are a M2 license holder you may only operate two wheeled motorcycles
• If you are a M3 license holder you may only operate three wheeled motorcycles

Most motor vehicle drivers are not on the lookout for motorcycles like they are other cars and this can make driving a motorcycle more dangerous, there fore motorcyclist must follow a specific set of laws. These laws Dmv.org usually differ by state but some are nation or country wide.