Motorcycle License endorsement

[Superfly]

Hi!

I am going to buy a bike early next year and was wondering how one goes about getting a motorcycle endorsement without actually having a motorcycle? I live in VA, if that helps.

Thanks!

Brian

[bahrbearian]

1. In Washington you have to take a riding test in the parking lot.

[Bozola]

3. Which is kind of useless, it is far better to...

take the Motorcycle Safety Course which actually teaches you something, and you can, in Washington, and Virginia it seems, get your endorsement after successfully completing the course.

As a licensed road racer, I can tell you that you cannot get enough training or practice on a bike. The most important motorcycle skills are counter-intuitive and they require a lot of training to learn properly.


Take the course.




In Virginia the DMV states
http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/motorcycle.asp

Class M Designation

If you already hold a valid Virginia driver's license without a motorcycle designation, you may add Class M that will allow you to also operate a motorcycle. To obtain this motorcycle designation, you must:

Pass the required vision screening
Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
Pass the motorcycle road skills test

IF YOU ARE 19 OR OLDER, you must also:
Hold a motorcycle learner's permit for at least 30 DAYS
OR
Provide DMV with a certificate from the Virginia Rider Training Program indicating that you have successfully completed the state-approved motorcycle safety course.

NOTE: If you provide DMV with a valid motorcycle safety course certificate, you will be exempt from holding the motorcycle learner's permit for 30 days and from taking the motorcycle road skills test at DMV.

[democracyindanger]

4. What class do you race?

n/t

[Bozola]

8. Stupid, loud, and slow...

by, by damn, I am NOT a track oiler.

Classics/Vintage with the rare excursion into two-stroke 125 madness.

[Heddi]

5. My husband took the motorcycle safety course in WA

and didn't have to take the written or driving test for his motorcycle license.

It was INVALUABLE information, seeing as he'd only ridden a scooter and not a motorcycle before.

PLUS--taking the Moto Safety Course takes OODLES off of your insurance for said motorcycle.

Check out the course---he said at least 70% of the people there had never ridden a bike before, and it was a 3 day course and covered everything from learning how to balance the bike to finally doing manuevers and stuff like that.

[democracyindanger]

2. Motorcycle Safety Foundation

http://www.msf-usa.org/

At least out here in Cali you can take a riding course from MSF instructors and upon completion, you've got your license. The course out here uses little 250s, so you don't need your own bike. It's the best way to go about it, IMO. DMV tests won't prepare you for real-world riding issues like an MSF course.

[BiggJawn]

6. True. If you cross RR tracks like the Indiana BMV tells you...

..You will DIE.

Take the course. Check your local ABATE chapter, a lot of those Bros are involved in Safe Rider programs.

[DealsGapRider]

7. Where in VA?

My dad and I are both motorcycle riders. He lives in Falls Church, VA.

I took the MSF course when I was first starting out and found it useful for a beginner.

What kind of bike are you going to get. Please don't say a Harley!

[Superfly]

9. I work at Ft Belvoir

I'm a defense contractor.

I will probably take the course. How much does it cost?

I am going to get a BMW RS 1100 S ...those loud Harley's are starting to get on my nerves.

B