There is no better way to enjoy the open road than on a motorcycle! In addition, this means saves on fuel. To operate one legally, you will generally need a motorcycle license or a specific remark on your normal driver's license. The process for applying for a license or observation varies depending on where you are. For example, every state in the United States has its own procedures. However, the process involves taking a written test, practicing your driving skills, passing a road test, and completing various forms.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Go through the general license application process
Step 1. Obtain the motorcycle driver's manual from the Department of Motor Vehicles for your country
This document provides the information used to write the questions for the written exam to apply for the learner's permission. In most cases, the easiest way to get it is to download it through the website of the Department of Motor Vehicles for your country.
- You can also go to a local branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles to receive a copy.
- Don't flick through the manual. Instead, read it carefully, take notes, and take whatever practice tests are available.
- Review the manual or contact the Department of Motor Vehicles for the basic requirements for applying for a beginner's permit to drive a motorcycle. For example, in some cases, you must be at least 16 years old to get such permission.
Step 2. Apply for a beginner's license to drive a motorcycle
If you meet the requirements (minimum age, etc.) and have studied the manual, approach the Department of Motor Vehicles to complete the learner's permit application. You will likely have to pay an application fee and pass a written and vision exam to get permission.
- If you fail the written exam, you may be able to take it again if you pay the application fee again.
- The eye exam is generally quite rudimentary. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to pass it, a remark will be added to your permit (and then your final license) stating that you must wear them when operating a motorcycle.
Step 3. Practice riding a motorcycle with your beginner's license
You will always have to wait a while before you can request the final license. In some cases, this period is 20 days and, in others, 6 months. In any case, take some time to practice your driving skills.
- Comply with the restrictions on your learner's permit. You may only be able to drive the motorcycle during the day and cannot carry passengers.
- Do not drink alcohol before riding the motorcycle. Generally, beginner permits have strict restrictions on blood alcohol levels (often 0%).
Step 4. Complete the motorcycle riding course to receive your license (option 1)
As the deadline for your learner's permit approaches, sign up to take a private, but government-approved, driving course. In many cases, successfully completing this fairly short course (usually two or three days) means you can skip the road test at the Department of Motor Vehicles to apply directly for the final license.
- Once you pass the course, you will receive a certificate that you will have to present to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In the case of being able to deliver it and avoid the road test, you can apply for the license at this time. Contact the office in advance to find out what documents you must present (identification document, payment, forms, etc.).
- Make sure the course is approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles for your country. In many cases, courses supervised by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (or equivalent entity) are approved by the government and allow you to skip the road test at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Step 5. Sign up for the road test at the Department of Motor Vehicles (option 2)
Keep practicing your skills until the waiting period for your learner's permit is over. Then, go to the Department of Motor Vehicles, complete the motorcycle license application and pay the appropriate fee. Many countries provide these forms on their web pages, but you may have to bring them up in person.
- In some cases, you may be able to request and take the road test on the same day, but generally you will need to make an appointment to do it later.
- If possible, check the weather report before scheduling the road test, as you don't want to do it on a rainy day.
Step 6. Acquire a registered or legally circulating motorcycle to take the test
You can buy, rent or borrow it, but the motorcycle must be legally registered for road use in your jurisdiction. The Department of Motor Vehicles does not provide loaner motorcycles!
- Cruiser motorcycles with a low seat height are ideal for testing as they have a lower center of gravity.
- Check that you have the insurance, valid patents and registration of the motorcycle. If any aspect of the vehicle does not comply with the law, you could be fined.
- Motorcycle insurance is a separate policy from auto insurance. Contact the insurer for more information.
Step 7. Pass the road test and fill out the papers to get your license
If you know the location used to take the test (sometimes it's the Department of Motor Vehicles parking lot), visit it after hours before the day of the test. This way, you can practice starting, braking, stopping and turning techniques while the office is closed.
- If you fail the exam, you can usually take it again at a later time. However, there may be a limit to the number of times you can take the test.
- Once you pass the road test, you will only have to fill out a few paperwork and (possibly) pay certain fees to get your license or driver's license observation.
Step 8. Get your license and hit the road
Whether you pass the road test at the Department of Motor Vehicles or an approved driving course, you will need to receive the actual license from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Make sure you know what the documents and fees are necessary to complete the process. In most cases, the last step is to take a photo of yourself.
- You may be given a temporary license until you receive a permanent one in the mail. In some cases, you can withdraw the final right away.
- Carry your license with you whenever you ride the motorcycle.
- In the United States, a valid license in one state will allow you to legally ride a motorcycle in other states. However, if you move to another state, you will need to apply for a new license and possibly pass a written or road driving test.
Method 2 of 3: Get Licensed in California
Step 1. Obtain your beginner's license to drive a motorcycle
In California, the permit application process and the required waiting period before receiving the final license vary depending on the age of the applicant. Usually 15 years and six months olds can apply for the permit.
- Regardless of your age, you will need to make an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles, pass the written and vision exam, provide your fingerprints and photograph, provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the application fee (currently, from $ 35).
- If you are under 18, you will need your parents' permission or a valid driver's license or proof that you have completed the driving practice and training course.
- If you are under 21, you will also need to have completed the California Motorcycle Safety Program.
- If you are under 18 years of age, you will need to keep the permit for at least six months before receiving the final license. Otherwise, there is no waiting period.
Step 2. Complete a state approved driving course, especially if you are under the age of 21
If you want to be licensed before your 21st birthday, under the law, you will have to complete a motorcycle driving course approved by the California Highway Patrol. Be sure to ask for the certificate of completion (form DL389) when passing the course.
- These courses are provided by private entities, but it is important that you make sure they are approved by the California Highway Patrol.
- Passing the course means that you do not have to take the road test at the Department of Motor Vehicles, as long as you are over 21 years of age.
Step 3. Take the road test at the Department of Motor Vehicles only if you are over 21 years old and have not taken the driving course
This is the only case in which it is necessary to make an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles and take the road test at their facilities. Regardless of your age, you can skip these hassles by completing an approved driving course and requesting the DL389 completion form.
Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles branch to schedule an appointment and inquire about the required documents and required fees. You will need to show up with a legally licensed, insured motorcycle to take the test
Step 4. Present all the necessary documents on the day of the appointment at the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain the license
If you have a valid learner's permit, have waited the required six months (if you are under the age of 18) and have passed an approved driving course or the Department of Motor Vehicles road test, you are ready to get your final license! Make an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles and present the following documents:
- Your valid permit.
- Your Driving Course Completion Form (DL389) or Road Test Completion Certificate from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Your California driver's license or other valid and acceptable identity document.
- Proof of residency. This is a requirement only in some circumstances, so it is important that you check with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Your social security number.
Method 3 of 3: Get a License in Ontario
Step 1. You are eligible to receive an M1 permit
In Ontario, motorcycle licenses are obtained through three stages: M1, M2 and M. To get the M1 permit, study the state motorcycle driving manual available online or at the driving test center. Then, if you are at least 16 years old, present an approved ID at that center and complete the following steps:
- Pass the eye exam.
- Pay the application fee (currently CAD15.75).
- Pass a multiple choice written exam based on the manual.
Step 2. Practice with your M1 permit between 60 and 90 days
In this case, you will have a limited period; You will not be able to take the trial to receive the M2 license before 60 days, but the M1 license expires after 90 days. Take advantage of this time to practice, but make sure you respect the rules for M1 permits:
- Always wear a helmet when getting on the motorcycle.
- Do not drive your motorcycle if you have drunk alcohol.
- Use it only during daylight hours.
- Do not exceed 80 km (50 miles) per hour (with limited exceptions).
- Do not carry passengers.
Step 3. Take the road test or an approved motorcycle safety course
After 60 days, but before 90 days, you can go to a test drive center to take the standard road test. If you pass, you will receive the M2 license. However, if you have completed a private, government-approved motorcycle safety course within the past six months, you can bring the certificate to the test drive center and receive the M2 license without taking the road test.
Safety courses usually take two days and provide a motorcycle that you can ride
Step 4. Wait 18-22 months to take the second road test and obtain the M license
If you have taken an approved safety course to obtain the M2 license, you will have to wait 18 months before taking the final road test and obtaining the permanent M license. If you have taken the M2 road test at a test drive center, you will have to wait 22 months. These are the steps you must follow to take the test to obtain the M license:
- Make an appointment to take the road test (by phone or online) and include the three preferred locations of the test drive centers.
- Bring your M2 license and a legally licensed and insured motorcycle to take the exam.
- Pay the required fee (currently C $ 89.25).