I've ridden a motorcycle before, but now seriously considering getting one.. what do i have to do?? is there a test at the dmv; written or street like there is for a 4 wheeled automobile.
any and all help would be appreciated
thank you
Marcus

 

It's a state by state thing as far as the specific requirements but yes, basically just get in contact with DMV in your state and ask them what you need to do.

Here in NY there's a written and a road test.

 

In some states you can obtain your license through a Motorcycle Saftey Foundation course. You can look up MSF on the web and get info for your area. The course is excellent and worth every penny if you are learning to ride.

Good Luck

 

In California, if you pass the MSF beginner course you can get your motorcycle license without taking the riding test.

I've been riding for many, many years, but doubt I could pass the California riding test without many hours of practice unless I got a bike that turns much sharper than mine to take the test on. They have you go twice around a circle that is basically the same turning radius as my bike at full lock. I tried it a couple of times after hours and made it around one and a half times before having to put a foot down. That was going counterclockwise, which is easier than clockwise due to the throttle position. What the test has to do with being able to ride safely on the street I don't understand.

When I got my motorcycle license as a teenager in Utah, I had ridden for a total of less than two hours and hadn't studied anything. I passed the written test 100% and passed the riding test the first time as well. I don't think most DMV testing checks real world skills.

My advice to anyone seeking a motorcycle license is to take the MSF beginner course, whether or not it helps you get licensed in your state, then get your motorcycle license and start out on something with less than 75 horsepower (i.e., not a 600cc sport bike or anything faster).

 

Since this is an old post maybe you have your license by now but I'll throw in my 2 cents worth anyway.

I am a 45 year-old woman and have had my motorcycle license for 8 years. I live in Southern California and got my bike license after having had my car license for 27 years. I had to first take the written motorcycle test and I think that got me a permit for motorcycle street use. Then I went back later and did the circle driving in both directions to get the final license, like scottrnelson says. I too had ridden for (about 29) years, but only off-road. To me the hardest part was the written test. It was not based on common sense but on what the DMV book says. I was on a Yamaha Serrow 225cc for the driving test and it was hard to keep the throttle at an even speed but the lady giving the test was understanding to me, and with the guy on the big Harley who tested before me. She knew it wasn't easy to drive in that tight circle.