Can I use my A2 Motorycle license (UK) in the USA?

Question

I'm going to be getting an A2 motorcycle license (I think) soon, which I believe is the one you get before you're 21. I'm wondering, can I use that over in the USA to ride certain power motorcycles or scooters? I'm from the UK. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks :)

Answer 1

You did not explain what a British A2 class motorcycle license is, and it's restrictions, if any. If you get an International Drivers License (IDL) any qualifications on your home license follow you. If you are motorcycle licensed, or endorsed, in England, that would follow you under the terms of reciprocal licensing covered under your IDL. In a similar fashion, if you were to bring your own vehicle temporarily into another country (requirements that permit this vary) your home license will work for your vehicle for the duration of your visit, also under terms of international reciprocal licensing.

Perhaps of greater concern is arriving into a country where they drive on the “other” side of the road. This is a serious concern, that occasionally kills people. You really do not understand just how deep your conditioning goes until you visit someone else’s county where the driving routine is the opposite of what you are used to at home.

In North America, I know that when I approach an intersection that my hazards (my most immediate threats) are coming at me from my left. So when I approach an intersection I ALWAYS look to my left _first_. When I visited Australia, with vehicles traveling in the left lane, threats at intersections were exactly opposite of what I grew up with, exactly opposite of what I was used to. And it surprised me more than once. I needed to look right first, and old habits were very hard to overcome. I thought that having the driver controls on the other side of the car would (by itself) be enough of a reminder of driving in the left lane issues. For me, it was NOT!

When I was in Australia, I almost constantly chanted a litany in my mind: “Keep LEFT, look RIGHT!” over and over. For you coming to North America, it would be the opposite: Keep RIGHT, look LEFT!

John Goff

Answer 2

You should double check the details, but in most states any valid license is okay for driving while visiting. Almost all require getting a local license within 30 days of residency in the state.
More important, from one point of view, is how you are going to get a motorcycle in the US. I would expect that many rental dealers are going to be nervous about renting to someone who might take the vehicle with them out of the country. Establishing connections to relieve this through a UK agent may be important.

Answer 3

Nope.