Planning to ditch the car and start living life on two wheels? Then getting a motorcycle license is your first step.
You can get your license before you own a motorcycle. You can also get one without having any motorcycle experience whatsoever. Though, if you’ve ever ridden a dirtbike or even a motor scooter, you’ll be a bit more prepared to pass the practical exam.
With a motorcycle license, you’ll be able to legally drive a motorcycle. But passing the exam also means that you understand basic safety precautions, the rules of the road, and the risks associated with riding a motorcycle.
Motorcycles are not for everyone, and only those with self-control and maturity should do it. If that sounds like you, and you are ready to get your license, keep reading to learn about the process and requirements for getting your license as soon as possible.
Benefits of Getting a Motorcycle License
Obviously, the main reason to get a motorcycle license is the fact that you’ll be able to operate a motorcycle on a daily basis. This is a great option for those who don’t want to deal with the inefficient gas mileage of standard vehicles.
Plus, you’ll get far more fresh air, and have plenty of fun with each drive to work, or wherever you find yourself driving to.
But the benefits of a motorcycle are available even to those who never plan to own a motorcycle. For those who like to travel and rent a motorbike once in their destinations, a motorcycle license is crucial.
With a motorcycle license, you can then get an international driver’s license that says you are licensed to operate a motorcycle or motor scooter. When you have this, you can more easily rent motorbikes abroad, in regions like Southeast Asia or parts of Europe.
The benefit of this approach is that if you were to get in an accident while on a motorbike abroad, your travel insurance would likely cover the cost of medical attention, so long as you are licensed to operate a motorcycle in your home country.
If you aren’t, then travel insurance companies aren’t interested in paying these claims, as you have no business riding a motorbike or motorcycle in another country if you aren’t trained and licensed at home.
Courses and Exams
So whether you plan to ride a motorcycle daily at home, or you plan to travel abroad and rent bikes and scooters as you go, you need to get your license. It’s a similar process to getting your normal driver’s license. While state requirements may vary, here’s the general process for getting your license.
Take an Instructional Safety Course
The first step is to sign up for a safety course. These are generally in-person classes that might take an entire weekend.
The instructor will cover the laws and risks associated with riding a motorcycle. The reason that these classes take place in person is that operating a motorcycle comes with very real risks. Instructors like to drive points home in a way that online videos just can’t do.
At the end of the course, you’ll need to take a written exam. Once you pass this exam, you can take the practical course.
Take the Practical Riding Exam
Next up, you’ll want to sign up to take the riding exam. In order to take the exam, you typically need to take a riding course that immediately precedes the exam.
The course can be one or two days, where riders practice basic riding skills and safety procedures. At the end of the course, you’ll immediately take your exam, performing all of the skills that you just practiced.
If you can pass the test, without dropping your bike, you will earn your certificate. These certificates are endorsed by your certified instructor.
If you don’t have any prior experience with riding motorcycles, you can sign up for additional motorcycle lessons prior to taking your exam. The rider course typically covers basic safety skills. It doesn’t go in-depth as to how motorcycles work.
Taking motorcycle driving classes ahead of time can help you pass the exam the first time around. And private instruction will be more helpful to actually learn basic skills.
Bring Your Certificate to the State
Once you have your safety endorsement, you’ll take it to your state’s department of transportation or secretary of state. You’ll present this certificate, along with any motorcycle license fees, in order to get your motorcycle endorsement.
The state will need to print and mail your new driver’s license, which can take a few weeks. In the meantime, you’ll have a temporary paper license so that you can start driving a motorcycle on the streets right away.
Things to Know About Owning a Motorcycle
If you are brand new to motorcycles, it can be beneficial to practice riding on two wheels ahead of time. If you have a friend or family member that owns a dirt bike or a moped, ask them to teach you how to ride it.
Just getting the basics of accelerating, turning, braking, and maneuvering on two wheels will go a long way.
And when buying your first motorcycle, it helps to have a knowledgeable friend along. There’s a lot to consider when buying a motorcycle. And if you are buying used, you’ll need to know what to inspect before making a purchase.
One of the benefits of owning a motorcycle is that you always have the opportunity to get motorcycle title loans. These allow you to get a loan using your motorcycle as collateral.
So if you ever have an unexpected emergency and need cash right away, your motorcycle quickly becomes a valuable tool.
Get Started Today
Now that you know how to get your motorcycle license, it’s time to get started. Research local motorcycle safety classes so you can get signed up as soon as possible.
With more people on two wheels than ever before, these classes often fill up well in advance. Do yourself a favor and register as soon as possible.
Looking for more tips like this? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog today to keep reading.