Hey ppls

Just a quick question, can anyone give me a run down on the licensing structure for bikes that you guys have in the USA?

Here in Australia your limited to what you can ride, and 3 steps to a full license

Step 1 - learners
-You go to a testing center and do the STAYUPRIGHT course. 2 days, 3 hours per day. teaches you from scratch so you don't need to have even seen a bike before hand.
They teach you the basic road craft and how to operate a bike.

-You then go to the RTA (Roads and traffic authority) and sit the RKT (rider knowledge test) if you pass they give you a learners license.

Cheers
Mark

The testing center (STAYUPRIGHT) will decide whether to pass you or not at the end of the course. If they don't think that you can ride the bike and that you are not a hazard then they will write you a piece of paper to say you are entitled to then sit the knowledge test at the RTA.

 

(State of Indiana) You go to the DMV and tell them you want a motorcycle endoresement. You take a pretty simple written test, vison screening, pay the fee and they hand you a permit. With the permit you can only ride solo, during the day, and must wear a helmet. When you think you're ready, you take a skills test. After the skills test, you take your stamped permit back to the DMV and get the endorsement.

-Or- you take the MSF course. Take your certificate to the BMV, do the vision screening and you've got your endoresment.

 

but at no point they tell you that you can't have a certain capacity or any restrictions other then don't have a pillion?

 

Nope. That is why we have a high 'squid' count here. You could be 18 and decide to get a new GSXR 1000 and not wear any gear.

 

hmmm fair enough. its funny that they don't change your rules there considering that

 

In GA, if you have an IQ of 70 or higher you can pass a written test for a temporary permit. The only restrictions are no riding at night, no pillion, and no restricted access roads. Oh, and all the experienced riders pay a shit load of insurance to fund such a wonderful program.

 

you must be "experienced" from that tone Dave lol

 

Australians pay for such a nazi liscencing system through their nazi cops, and cameras that hide out doing everything they can "to reduce the road toll" which is a national obsession by the way, by booking every person they can. doesnt matter if you are doing even the most minute fraction of a km above the lame ass speed limits, your booked. and the fines are BIG!!

ill take the american system anyday.

 

thats one point i won't argue. I believe our speed limits are too low, partly the reason for the crashes. your too busy watching the speedo and not the rd these days

 

How to apply for a motorcycle or moped driver license if you are over 18
There are two classes of motorcycle licenses, Class M1 and Class M2.

With a Class M1, you can operate any 2-wheel motorcycle and any motorized vehicle in Class M2.
With a Class M2, you can only operate any motorized bicycle or moped or any bicycle with an attached motor.
Effective January 1, 2006, you may operate a motorized scooter with a Class M1 or M2 driver license. Prior to January 1, 2006, you must have a Class C or higher driver license to operate a motorized scooter.

A motorized scooter is defined as: A two-wheeled "device" powered by a motor with a floorboard that is designed to stand on when riding. The scooter may also have a driver's seat.

Refer to the Motorcycle Driver Handbook for more information.

To apply for a motorcycle Class M1 or M2 permit, you will need to:

Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Pay the application fee
Pass a vision exam
Pass a traffic laws and signs test. You have three chances to pass the test.
Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.

After studying both the California Driver and the Motorcycle Handbooks, call your local DMV to schedule your appointment for the traffic laws and sign test.

After completing the requirements, you will be issued an instruction permit to allow you to practice driving a motorcycle. You may not drive at night, on the freeway, or have any passengers with you.

To apply for your motorcycle Class M1 or M2 license, you must do one of the following:

If you are under 21, you must complete a motorcycle rider training course given by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and provide a certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) to DMV to be issued your license. You will not be required to take the motorcycle driving test at DMV if you currently have a California Drivers License.

After you have submitted your CHP certificate or passed your driving test, you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect.

OR

If you are over 21, take the MSF course which is one classroom session(3 or 4 hours?) and two 5 hour riding sessions and then take the written test at DMV and get your full license.

 

you must be "experienced" from that tone Dave lol

Sorry... maybe I should have used 'responsible'. I completely support a tiered system - although less restrictive than what you outlined. There are too many morons fucking it up for the rest of us. High insurance costs, bad public image, and police scrutiny are a direct result of Mr.Squidly.

 

yeah we have a restrictive system but good in someways i guess. the problem now is that it isn't equal with the car system.
e.g., you can't own a turbo or v8 car on your P's, you'll be 21 by the time your off this if you start at 16 in reality.
But if you get your bike license you can have a 10 second or better bike by the time your just over 18! go figure