Motorcycle Test

Similar to a vehicle learner’s permit that you should acquire before obtaining a driver’s license, the learner’s permit is an important requirement before learning to ride on the streets. This permit is valid for up to a year and happens to be a restricted license that doesn’t permit you to carry a pillion-rider / passenger. In addition to that, in a majority of the states, you are prohibited from driving in the dark with just the learner’s permit.

Each state will have its own rules but obtaining a learner’s permit doesn’t have to be a hassle. Most of the states may require that you clear a written test in order to obtain the learner’s permit, and the test will be based on the information specified in the Motorcycle Operators’ Manual applicable to your state, which can be easily obtained online on the website of your state’s DMV. You can also obtain a hard copy of the same by paying a visit to the DMV office in your area / city.

The written test to obtain the learner’s permit is not so easy to clear. In the last 3 years, over 20,000 applicants have failed in such a test. But, you can get prepared all by yourself, by practicing written tests available online. A Motorcycle Endorsement is also referred to as a motorcycle driving license. With this document, you can legally carry a pillion-rider and drive in the dark. You can obtain the motorcycle endorsement in two ways:

Road Test
This is to test your riding skills. The DMV would have setup road conditions which you may encounter in the real world. You should be able to carry out simple functions such as starting, turning and stopping. You may also be required to perform maneuvers of more complex nature, like sudden stopping, U-turns, S-turns, sharp turns, etc. These basic skills are not very difficult to learn, but it sure takes some practice to master them.

Standard Motorcycle Rider Safety Course
You may not need to take the road test if you have completed a rider safety course. However, you must obtain a learner’s permit before you take up the course. Such a course can range from two weeks to two months, and includes at least 6 hours of classroom training and about 8 hours of practical training in a restricted, off-street environment. If you complete the course successfully, you become eligible for a driver’s license with no need to take up a road test.

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