Motorcycle license Options

[sixfive]

Those of you who've obtained a motorcycle license, what do y'all do? Just take a class, pass a written/driving/visual test, and pick up your license? The majority of people don't get insurance for a bike, right? Are the tests typically done at the DPS/DMV like a driver's license, or do y'all know if classes are offered, like weekend classes?

[rnicron]

lol i think my mom took a motorcycle test and i think she passed, meaning it's not that hard. i believe she just signed up for a class and went. i think they had motorcycles there, or you could take your own? i don't think the class was directly related with the dmv, so maybe you just have to show proof you passed. as far as insurance, i know my brother's friend never had insurance on his, but i don't know if it's because he couldn't afford it or if he just didn't think he needed it.

[sixfive]

Well what I've gathered from various websites including dmv.org is:

1. A class is optional, up to you.
2. You pay various fees, including one for taking the test at a DMV.
3. Having insurance is the law, but if you don't get caught no one will know.
4. Motorcycle insurance is expensive, and it's not like it exactly protects you from dying going high speeds.

[mipadi]

I'm only familiar with Pennsylvania state law re: motorcycles, but they're fairly typical in most states:

1. A class is optional, but "encouraged". You learn about how to ride safely, etc. Probably useful if you don't have anyone else (i.e., parent, friend) to give you pointers. Many places in PA do offer classes on weekends.
2. In PA, you pay a fee, and take a test. First you get a learner's permit, then a real license. (Although if you already have a Class C license, you might not need to get a learner's permit first.)
3. Certain types of insurance are required by law. Stuff like damage to the bike, etc., are not required. Mostly, you have to be insured in case you cause harm to someone else; no one really cares if you don't protect yourself with insurance.
4. Tests in PA are conducted at the DMV, although some other trainers are certified to give tests (like a motorcycle riding instructor, for example).

[sixfive]

Yeah that's pretty much what the Texas DMV website said as well. Seems to be just a matter of finding a class to take so you know, I know how to ride a bike. I can't imagine it's much different from riding an ATV, though.

[rnicron]

maybe this is out of nowhere, but i think after my brother got his permit, he could only go within a 50 mile radius of his residence.

[sixfive]

Was your brother in trouble with the law?

[mipadi]

Was your brother in trouble with the law?

Yeah. He killed a man.

[sixfive]

He probably deserved it.

[rnicron]

no. missouri law, maybe? like i said, that could have been out of nowhere, but i remember something along those lines for some reason.

[Tomates]

Well what I've gathered from various websites including dmv.org is:

1. A class is optional, up to you.
2. You pay various fees, including one for taking the test at a DMV.
3. Having insurance is the law, but if you don't get caught no one will know.
4. Motorcycle insurance is expensive, and it's not like it exactly protects you from dying going high speeds.

Where did you get that info from?

[rnicron]

it's common sense, no?

[Tomates]

well probably but he said he got those from a few sites.

[missnh]

i want moto

[espressive]

3. Having insurance is the law, but if you don't get caught no one will know.
4. Motorcycle insurance is expensive, and it's not like it exactly protects you from dying going high speeds.

you know why motorcycle insurance is expensive? cause you're 23 times more likely to get killed.

but you're required to show a proof of insurance when you take your driving exam, sooooo technically you're gonna need one just to get the license.

[Elba]

Motorcycle insurance isn't expensive. It's like 300 bucks a year.

[sixfive]

you know why motorcycle insurance is expensive? cause you're 23 times more likely to get killed.

but you're required to show a proof of insurance when you take your driving exam, sooooo technically you're gonna need one just to get the license.

Says who? I wasn't required to show insurance when I got my driver's license. The state insured me for something like thirty days. That and I have regular insurance, but there's absolutely no reason I would need to have insurance for a bike I don't have or a license I haven't yet attained.

"Hey State Farm, I need motorcycle insurance!"
"Oh, cool! I didn't know you got a bike!"
"Well, I don't have one yet, but I'm thinking about getting one, I figured I'd insure myself just in case I get that bike in about six months!"

[sixfive]

Motorcycle insurance isn't expensive. It's like 300 bucks a year.

Rofl no way, it's several thousand.

[espressive]

Says who? I wasn't required to show insurance when I got my driver's license. The state insured me for something like thirty days. That and I have regular insurance, but there's absolutely no reason I would need to have insurance for a bike I don't have or a license I haven't yet attained.

"Hey State Farm, I need motorcycle insurance!"
"Oh, cool! I didn't know you got a bike!"
"Well, I don't have one yet, but I'm thinking about getting one, I figured I'd insure myself just in case I get that bike in about six months!"

says the dmv in illinois or else you can't take the driving exam and therefore, you don't get your license. so i think it varies by state.

well no shit you're not gonna ask for insurance of a bike you don't have. but you need a bike in order to take your license exam (cause as far as i know, bikes aren't provided to you by the dmv) so that bike itself has to be insured. i mean, at the least, i know you're required to have liability insurance of some sort in all the states.

[Elba]

Rofl no way, it's several thousand.

Whaaaaat? Hmm, I remember doing one that was in the 300s.

[sixfive]

Whaaaaat? Hmm, I remember doing one that was in the 300s.

Dang. Insure me then, a 20 year old male with four tickets on his record, all happening in about one year, driving a sports bike with a grand total of 0 years riding experience!

[Elba]

I can't write out-of-state policies ;x Maybe the one I wrote was liability only, not full coverage.

[sixfive]

Oh, no way am I going to get full coverage. With the way I drive, if I get into an accident I won't have to worry about that :D