How to get a motorcycle license? Harder than Drivers license?

Question

I want to get a motorcycle and dont know where to start, I have ridden dirt bikes all my life and now im tired of being the passenger on street bikes... Where do i start?

Not trying to impress anyone with riding dirt bikes, Just saying I am not just wanting to pick a hobby motorcycles are my passion. Want to take it off dirt and on the road...

I AM IN CALIFORNIA

Answer 1

My boyfriend is a motorcycle instructor and he's very good at it. However I crashed a moped when he was trying to teach me. I made it about 10 feet. I guess it depends on the person as well. LOL!!

Answer 2

The easiest way would be to go to a MSF course. Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They offer classes regularly either 2-4 days (evenings) during the week or 2 day course on the weekends. Once you pass their course, you will automatically have your license. All you have to do then, is send the certificate of passing the course into your state's DMV. If you already have a license to drive a car, then, to get a permit, all you need to do, in most states is pay the $10 or so for a motorcycle permit. With a permit, you can operate a motorcycle, but can't carry passengers. You'll need a permit to take a MSF course.

Answer 3

if u are in the states, get the permit from the dvm by passing the permit test. u can now get the license 1 of 2 ways. u can either take and pass the msf course...after which u will be able to take the form they give u to the dmv, and they'll 'green light' u to get the endorsement added. or, u can schedule for a on cycle test at the dmv, bring ur bike, and go thru the course. u will instantly fail if u drop the bike for any reason at any time while on the course.

if u can handle a dirt bike, u wont have much problem with the street bikes. just remember that cars dont see riders. i took and passed my test on my own bike with ease, and i ride a 1200 sportster.

Answer 4

Here in PA they offer free motorcycle safety course and provide motorcycles for the course, They are 250's and most of them are Honda Shadows. These are good training cycles and are not very expensive. However, if this will be your first bike buy used and pay cash, get the experience of riding before moving up to bigger and more expensive bikes. I have had friends who bought big bikes like Goldwings and rode only a few times then selling them at a loss because they weren't ready for a big bike. Nothing wrong with starting small and working up to bigger later on. In fact the smaller bike will normally sell quicker when you are ready to move up, then use the money for your next bike. In my class, 5 people never even sat on a motorcycle before and graduated with no problems, you do need to get a motorcycle permit first before signing up for the safety course. The course takes you from starting and learning how to use brakes, clutch, and lights & horn to walking the bike and then to actually riding and stopping. Was alot of fun even for me as an experienced rider. I highly recommend it!!! Contact your local Christian Motorcyclist Association, you will find members who will help you learn and decide the best bike for you. You can Yahoo seach "Christian Motorcyclist Association".

Source(s):

25 years motorcycling, owner of Goldwing and Harley Sportster, member of "HOG" and Christian Motorcyclist Association

Answer 5

The first step would be to go to your local DMV and get a motorcycle drivers license booklet and permit pack.The book
will tell you about the test and the laws.Most states make you take a written test as well as a driving test. Depending on your state the driving part of the test may be in a local parking lot.Plus most states make you have your permit BEFORE you can take the driving part of the test.Also most states issue
a permit just on you having a valid car license,and pass the written and eye exam.

Answer 6

In the Uk you can do a direct access course, this is 1 weeks training on a 500cc bike, at the end of the training you go straight into your test. Before any of this you need to complete a CBT course (compulsory basic training).

The test criteria is changing soon with more parts of the test taken off road eg. emergency stop, this will now be done off road and your speed measured to make sure you are doing 30 mph. Hope this helps. By the way the Direct Access Course is fantastic.

Answer 7

It's the same process. Take a learners permit test, take a drivers test. Go to your local DMV and fill out the forms.
A couple of things about the drivers test -
You have to supply the bike for the test.
The bike has to be fully registered and insured.
"You" cannot ride the bike to the drivers test.
You have to supply a driver and automobile to drive the inspector while he's grading your test.
When I first got my license, I didn't know anyone with a bike or license. I paid a reduced fee to a motorcycle driver training course to help me with my drivers test..

Answer 8

I don't know where you live, but I'm in Illinois and here you can get a learners permit, get someone to ride w/you to the dmv, take the written test and then they go outside and set up some orange cones for obstacles to run around. Easy...you can do it especially since you've rode before. Also I think some states if not all have classes that you can take instead of dmv? All my friends have just went to the dmv. Good Luck! G.

Answer 9

Check w your local bike shops. Most will have schedules and locations of riding classes or can direct you where to ask.

The MSF classes in most states that I know of are accepted towards getting a permit, and it means less insurance costs. You will still need to do the written test. I hear some states accept the MSF certificate in lieu of the skills test.

Answer 10

First, decide which bike you feel best on. Dont let ignorant people try to sell you a certain brand name just because its popular. Look in the papers, what do you see most of for sale? thats the ones to avoid cause their selling them. If its a good bike, they aint gonna sell it. when you get ready to take your driving test, go to a small small hick town and your driving test will be much easier. I had to drive to the corner and turn around, that was it.

Answer 11

Hi Amanda
I am a born again biker (too old to state my age) however I recently took my test by using 'Direct Access' on a 500cc bike, which allows you to drive mororcycles over 33bhp. Just type into your Web search engine 'Direct Access' - Can I offer you some advise! I originally took my lessons from a driving school in Leeds (bunch of Idiots). They taught me the wrong way (which cost me in excess of £1000) - I eventually found a good tutor - Please Please.. DO YOUR HOMEWORK - seek out a professional riding school or Tutor. Being taught incorrectly is not only costly but downright dangerous (I know from my experience). - I do hope that you take the test and pass [Welcome to the biking community]
Best Wishes
Norm