You dont need to own a motorcycle — or even a helmet — in order to earn a motorcycle license. In fact, it’s better to learn to ride before buying a bike. You’ll find out if motorcycling is for you. If it is, you’ll be able to choose a motorcycle based on more than looks alone.
If this site hasn’t already made it clear, motorcycles are fast (or slow), hilariously fun, and economical. They’re also a great way to get around. I learned to ride at a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course in a parking lot in Michigan more than a decade ago, Wes learned to ride in England, and we’re still not quite sure if Justin Bieber knows how to ride. Angelina Jolie does.
Why ride? Some motorcyclists want to get out of the subway or always wanted a Vespa. Maybe you always wanted to ride a certain type of bike. Maybe motorcycles just look like more fun than the cars on sale these days. Maybe you’d be able to ride in HOV lanes. Maybe you’re about to go over on your lease mileage. Perhaps taxis are too expensive. Maybe you have a hunch that they’re tremendous fun.
In America, earning a motorcycle license isn’t very hard. State governments leave most of the work of becoming a proficient motorcyclist up to the rider.
Read on to find out how to get a motorcycle license, and the next steps to take toward becoming a safe, proficient rider.
Getting a license:
For a new rider, the best way to get a license is to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse ($25 – $300, depending on the state), a 2-3 day class split between the classroom and a practice range, where students learn to ride a motorcycle (read one account here). Graduates earn a road test waiver to take to the DMV and exchange for a motorcycle license.*
To sign up for a Basic RiderCourse near you, click here and poke around until you find the phone number of a training center near you. Call the phone number, and sign up for a class. You may need to apply for a learner’s permit beforehand. To find out, call the training center or check the requirements for your state here (Oregon, for instance, has their own course, called Basic Rider Training).
Basic RiderCourses are often booked weeks in advance. In the meantime, consider riding a bicycle. Being able to ride a bicycle is a prerequisite of the RiderCourse, and being comfortable on a bike can make the course easier. It’ll also help you feel comfortable around traffic while on two wheels.
Because the Basic RiderCourse isn’t long enough to take students on the road and to teach them more advanced maneuvers, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers additional courses like the Basic Bike-Bonding RiderCourse — which helps riders become comfortable on their specific bikes — and the Street RiderCourse 1, a one-day course where instructors stay in radio contact with students as they venture on to the streets. The more training you get, the better. This applies no matter how experienced you become, riding a bike is a lifelong pursuit of skill.
Things to think about on your way to becoming a proficient, safe rider:
Protect yourself:
Buying protective gear should be part of the budget for your first bike. Read here to see why.
Take care of your vision:
Good eyesight can mean the difference between an accident and an incident. I wear contacts or clean glasses with a clean, fresh shield on my helmet. It’s nice to be able to see the road clearly. Clean mirrors make it much easier to see what’s going on behind you when riding at night. Protect your eyes at all times, catching a bug or rock in the eye can cause a crash.
Pick up a copy of Proficient Motorcycling
Practice:
Head out early in the morning on the weekends — the roads will be nearly empty, and you can focus on riding technique rather than being overwhelmed with cars. Ride with a buddy who has your safety in mind, not someone who will be pushing you to ride in situations you’re not ready for. Empty parking lots at giant box stores make for great places to practice.
Remember that you’re invisible:
Expect oncoming cars to turn across your path. Try not to get upset when they do, just plan for it in advance and avoid them. Be paranoid.
Expect the unexpected:
You may get a flat tire. You may take a bird to the faceshield. You may unexpectedly run out of gas. When these things happen, keep calm, wave a hand to let others know you’re in trouble, and pull over to the side of the road.
Get the right first bike:
To find a great first bike, look at used bikes 500cc or under, or check out RideApart’s Buying Guide. Keep in mind that everybody drops their first bike. Save the expensive, fancy purchase for when you’re ready and you’ll enjoy it much more.
Check out forum threads like this one.
Other than that, have fun out there!
The post How To Get A Motorcycle License appeared first on RideApart.
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