question about the process of getting bike...

[eclipser2001]

what's the process of getting a bike and a license. do you take class, take test, buy bike... or a different way. i ask this because my dad is a harley fan and used to ride, he said that you take the dmv test on your own bike, but how can you without a license. and don't you need a license to get a bike in the first place.

how is all or this done. if state law varies for this question i live in NC for anyone who live here also.

[jeffcoslacker]

No you don't need a license to buy a bike. Yes you take the practical test on your own (or whoever's you borrow) bike. They don't care if you rode it there unlicensed, that's a given.

if you are really worried about it, you can take the MSF course and in some states they can approve you for the practical portion of the test....

[jeffcoslacker]

There is two parts for the test, written and practical (riding).

Written is no big deal. It's a bunch of fairly common sense questions about riding. Most would make perfect sense to someone who had never ridden. A few might be new info to you.

You just get the handbook, same as with your regular driver's license, study the points made in it, and go take the written test. Then once you pass that, you go out to the course and do the practical for the examiner.

The prictical is all about control of the bike and balance. You will have to have some seat time before you can do it, because it is a bit challenging. Things like staying inside two closely drawn parallel lines for a certain amount of time without putting a foot down, being able to demonstrate where all your controls are on demand, stopping from 25 mph with front tire inside a 2'x2' box, slaloming cones, etc.

You'll need to already have a bike to practice with before trying this part of testing. If you take the MSF, that'll all be taken care of (Did I mention the MSF is a REALLY good idea?)

[eclipser2001]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

No you don't need a license to buy a bike. Yes you take the practical test on your own (or whoever's you borrow) bike. They don't care if you rode it there unlicensed, that's a given.

if you are really worried about it, you can take the MSF course and in some states they can approve you for the practical portion of the test....

so i can just tell the cop that im on my way to the dmv?

[Vtec95Civic]

Get a motorcycle permit. Much like a learner's permit for a car.

[eclipser2001]

ohh, so i get the permit first. i must have read over that.

[speediva]

In most states (I'm in PA, so that's the only thing I can speak of with certainty), you get your permit, which depending on age, will allow you to ride without someone else with you. My brother, however, was under 18 so he had to have a "licensed rider within a reasonable distance" when he rode. I just always went out with a walkie talkie with a head set so my dad could drive behind me and give me directions or whatever and I could respond. It worked out REALLY well. Also, the MSF is a GREAT course... I had double the confidence after taking it. In PA, the course was free, and when I passed the course, it counted as taking my driver's test. Oh, and the course provides the bikes, so you don't need your own.

[Heep]

Originally Posted by saturntangerine

In PA, the course was free, and when I passed the course, it counted as taking my driver's test. Oh, and the course provides the bikes, so you don't need your own.

It's $400 here

[Vtec95Civic]

400? Wow.. here it's $160.

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by eclipser2001

so i can just tell the cop that im on my way to the dmv?

I'm not familiar with the permit process, or if we even have it here...probably do, but most (right or wrong) just choose to ride without a motorcycle endorsement until they are comfortable enough to take the practical test.

Hell, I know guys who've been riding for ten years and more that don't have an M on their license (one is a cop...) , it's not a big deal here, I've been stopped without it, and they didn't even ask me why I didn't have it.

Some places may be more strict about it, however, so I'm not suggesting it's a good idea...

[Heep]

Originally Posted by Vtec95Civic

400? Wow.. here it's $160.

Yeah, and the entire year books up in every New Brunswick city FAST - every year. I imagine they make a fair chunk of change

I can't even take it this year until July, it's already booked until then.

[Vtec95Civic]

Wow responded to the wrong board by accident. Edited.

[Heep]

Originally Posted by Vtec95Civic

Oh.. well that's just cause NJ sucks. In general.

?