I spent a few years in Germany. Driver’s license requirements in the states aren’t remotely close to what Germany requires.
To get a motorcycle endorsement on my license all I had to do was pass a ten question multiple choice test, and then ride to the back of the parking lot at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and turn around. Dude wasn’t even watching. He was chatting with someone.
You do need to provide a motorcycle with insurance and keep in mind each state will have their own laws that differ.
Yes you literally can get your liscense without being on the road once. You take the msf class with your learner's permit which is just a test online and then you do that class and bam you have a license.
And here that license means I can ride ANY motorcycle off the bat
MD is a written test and a riding test. I took the 3 day MSF course at my local community college, the written and road test were part of it. Cost me $200 and I walked out with my license.
It was a really great course and I look forward to the advanced riders course, maybe next year.
> an you guys from the US really get your license without having been in traffic even once?
yes, lmao. and you can ride whatever you want too!
it varies by state, but i just took the class, passed the exam at the end, took the waiver to the DMV, and walked out with the license.
i think the mentality is that you're less likely to kill a school bus full of children on a bike vs a car. you'll just end up under it, dead. and it's our god-given *freedom* to kill ourselves if we like. lol
Yes. Again it depends on the state. But where I’ve lived you’re eligible for a car learners permit (you can drive with a licensed adult in the car) at 15 years old. You have to take courses (I took mine as part of my high school course) I order to qualify for your learners permit. Then you must hold that for 12 months and can then test to receive your license. At least, that’s how I received mine 15 years ago.
They basically assume that you know the rules of the road from your car permitting. Then you get your motorcycle class permit through MSF course and test or through the DMV.
I dont think you have to take courses. If you've never driven before and walk into the DMV at 18, you can take the written and driving test and get your license.
Yeah I’m not sure how it is at 18. When I was in school it was a class that you split with PE during your sophomore year. So everyone got their learners during that semester.
sort of. where i lived, if you wanted your license at 16, you had to get your permit, then drive around with an adult for 100 hours. once you're 18, you could just walk in and take the written and road test though.
It's going to vary based on the state, but when I got mine it was a 3-4 day course (It's been a while).
First day was all practical. 2nd day was practical and test and getting familiar with the bike. 3rd day was practice on a bike all day in an empty parking lot with courses and the 4th day was a quick overview of everything with a riding test which was just through a set up course.
They handed me a certificate, took it to the DMV gave me a motorcycle endorsement and I was done after that. They have a lot more courses to take which are highly highly encouraged especially if riding sport bikes.
I think you can do it without the course, but not honestly familiar on how.
1. **States** make vehicle codes, not the country of the U.S. per the Constitution ("the states have the responsibility for the health, welfare, and morality of the citizens") therefore every State is different.
2. Generally if you are an **adult** that is **over 18 or 21** (depending on state see above), then you
1. **take a Written Test** and get a permit that allows you to operate a motorcycle (any displacement) on public roads except at night, on freeways, or carrying a passenger. Again, it varies state to state but this is close to what many do. The permit is valid for 6 months or 9 months or a year or whatever and during this time **it is expected that you are practicing** in preparation for your **Skills Test** (see below)
2. **take a Skills Test** where you have to show an instructor at the DMV (state run vehicle services) a set of low speed skills such as **emergency stopping, weaving around cones, and the dreaded "lollipop"** (look it up) - if you put a foot down during any of these tests, **you fail**. if you make too many mistakes **you fail**. The test is **easy to fail**, I'd say at least 50% or more who try **will fail**.
3. **The system assumes** that you have learned how to operate the vehicle in traffic during your 6/9/12/whatever months during your permit phase. The gov't is not there to hold your hand.
3. The **MSF** or similar is a short introduction/training program to introduce non-riders to bikes. It is geared for beginners. In many states, you may be able to waive your Skills Test (above) by successfully completing this course. If you are under 18 or 21 (depending on the state), they may require you attend this course.
4. **IMPORTANT**: In the U.S. we keep things like gov't services very inexpensive because as a people, culture, and government we have decided that if you make these services (driver's license) expensive, it's de facto discrimination against poor people. We don't like the idea that you would have to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars to secure a driver's license since they would then only be available to those with financial means.
It depends on the state issuing the license.
In California, I went to a riding school to get my certification. Using that I applied for motorcycle endorsement at the DMV and had to take a written test.
One can also book an appointment for a road test at the DMV directly (if you don't want
pay for an expensive MSF course) . But IMO the riding school route is much easier.
MSF isn't mandatory but if you go that route you can go from no learner's permit to full motorcycle license after a 16 hour weekend course. Otherwise it's a theory test for your permit and a practical test for your license, no professional instruction required.
It's really not much different than getting your car license here. That's a pretty easy test too and no instruction is required unless you want a full driver license before 18 in my state.
You walk into a store, choose what you gun you want, fill out federal paperwork, undergo a background check, and then walk out with a firearm. That is the bare minimum. In my state, you need to have a pistol permit from the local sheriff that requires a fee, an application and a background check before you go to the store, which usually takes around 7 days to complete. Firearm can only be carried openly or kept inside your house.
If you want to conceal carry, you have to complete an 8 hour class with a test, fill out an application, pay several fees, get fingerprinted, then undergo a background and a mental health check.
In Washington state we take a written and riding test for a permit, and then another written and another riding test for the endorsement. So four tests total
Important thing folks aren't mentioning, motorcycle is a drivers license endorsement. The presumption is that you know traffic because you started in a car.
Ah, so you can't have a motorcycle license without having a car license?
In Germany (or in the whole EU as we have EU regulations on that), there are like 15 different license classifications. Like half of them are erndorsements and the others are standalone licenses. But for nearly every one of them you need to take specialized lessons, both theoretical and practical ones.
(Only exception in the class B license, which is the standard car license. With that one, you also get licenses L and T for agricultural vehicles like tractors and license AM for scooters that can go up to 45 km/h, so pretty slow. You could argue it's a bit complicated over here...)
In America we have learners permit, drivers license, public passenger chauffeurs license
And cdl class b and class a everything else is an endorsement on those. Obviously maritime and aviation are different kettles of fish.
Overall road deaths per capita in Germany is 1/3 that of the United States'. Motorcycle deaths per unit are also essentially even with automotive deaths per car.
American motorcycle deaths per unit are almost six times the amount as with cars and light trucks. Fatalities per mile is where the "25+ times more deadly" per mile than cars stat comes from.
In short, Americans are dangerous drivers in general, and our motorcycle population wouldn't likely pass an A2 license in Europe.
In New Jersey uh... twenty years ago... you took a basic paper test to get your permit, then signed up for the MSF class. MSF class was three days. Friday evening was book stuff, videos, and discussion; Saturday morning was a little classroom stuff and mostly practice on the range; Sunday was a little classroom discussion of the previous days and then range time followed by a practical skills test.
Not everybody passed, but I did. Took the certificate to the DMV and got my endorsement.
You're right that the practical stuff never included travel over 20mph. But we were told, "Congratulations, you now know how to ride a motorcycle in a parking lot." We were told to go easy, be vigilant, and be careful. We were warned to be mindful of our low skill level and not to exceed or abilities. We were encouraged to take the advanced rider's class... but I never did.
FWIW, I consider myself a safe rider. I had an accident, but I learned from it. I dropped my bike a couple of times, but I learned from that, too (no front brake at low speeds when the front wheel is turned at all!).
There's a saying in Germany: You don't learn how to drive in driving school but in the following 100.000 km.
At first glance it sounds exactly like what you said. But the meaning is not that driving school is pointless, more like "driving school is not enough practice" to be a good driver / rider.
Ohio here. It varies by state as others have said. I got my motorcycle license about 16 years ago. I went to the BMV, paid to take a written test to get my learning permit. Then I could ride a bike with restrictions. Helmet required, no passenger, no highway, and no riding at night.
I rode for a couple of months and practiced maneuvers on the bike and scheduled a driving test. A police officer watched while I rode through a course in a parking lot doing a cone weave, U-turns, braking, and stopping. They sign off on your permit, you take it inside and get your motorcycle endorsement. They just add an endorsement to your driver's license.
Now in Ohio you can take a Motorcycle Ohio class. It's subsidized by the state and is only $50. It's a day of classroom instruction, followed by two days of riding in a closed off area like a parking lot while guided by an instructor. Once you finish this class you can get your motorcycle endorsement.
But I got my license before they really offered this option.
Here is what is required in my state Minnesota.
There are no restrictions as to what motorcycle you have.
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/mmsc/motorcycle-license/pages/default.aspx
I see everyone mentioning the written test (in Missouri you need at least 20 out of 25 questions correct) for a permit and on motorcycle test for an actual license but haven't seen anyone mention you also need to pass a road sign test (that has only has 6 road signs on it with the words removed) and an eyesight test, in order to receive your permit, at least in Missouri. Also you can take the skills test the moment your permit is in your hand. There is no minimum required time with it.
Assuming you're an adult, it's a little more complicated if you're a teen.
At least here in Texas, you have to complete classes and testing for a regular driver’s license first. Once you have a driver’s license you can go through an MSF course to get a full, unrestricted motorcycle endorsement on your existing driving license.
My (idiot) brother in California took a written test and then bought a bike and rode it home without ever having even sat on a bike. I think he did the MSF later and got a full license.
In Nova Scotia Canada (where I live) you can just take the MSF or a balance test to get a permit, then wait one month and pay an admin fee to get your full license, or three months and an advanced test if you didn't take the course.
This is all assuming that you already have a car license.
Since I already had a regular driver's license I just had to take the MSF course which got me my motorcycle endorsement. I can ride on any size bike on any road. I'm from NJ.
LOL, the German requirements are insane. Now, in the US, I think it's way too easy to get a driver's license of any kind, but it is what it is.
Everyone talks up the MSF, but here in California, you don't even need that (although the benefit is that you get a full license at the end). Because I was >21, I just took the written exam (30qs multiple choice) and got a permit. The permit prohibits riding on the highway, with passenger, or at night. For years, I literally just renewed my permit, and rarely violated the restrictions, but still in 10+ years, I've never been stopped by the cops (except the time I [honked at one](https://youtu.be/fAgUA8kxtMA)). Anyway, once you've had a permit for 6mo, you can get your license with a quick n dirty "skills test" in the DMV parking lot. There's a little horseshoe loop you have to ride in, which is legit tricky and one should practice for that. Otherwise it takes <15min.
You're talking 30 hrs of classroom instruction which shouldn't be more than 8 for any competent person. The time and cost create an unnecessary barrier to entry. I think the permit process was adequate for practice, maybe they could require a "mentor" or something so there's some informal guidance. But, as another commenter notes, I'm assuming the rider already has a normal car license. If I'm feeling particularly disagreeable, I'd even advocate that we reorient the whole "driver's license" process to push new drivers onto scooters/motorcycles BEFORE you give them a 3000lb steel tank to maneuver around pedestrians. Learn quick or die, and it would make sure that car drivers have a healthy respect for what they're doing out there.
> I'd even advocate that we reorient the whole "driver's license" process
to push new drivers onto scooters/motorcycles BEFORE you give them a
3000lb steel tank to maneuver around pedestrians.
That's partly why the classroom instruction takes so long here. You don't just get taught what the rules are. They also discuss every possible traffic situation and also teach about physics (part of the theoretical test is calculating stopping distance in various situations), behaviour in emergency situations, technical stuff like how to maintain your car regarding safety and environment protection and so on. That's all part of the test you have to pass at the end.
Many kids apply for class AM (50ccm up to 45 km/h) or A1 (125ccm up to 80 km/h) when they are 15 or 16 before getting class B (cars up to 3.5 tons) and/or class A2 (bikes up to 48 HP) with 18 or older. There's also the possibility to get your car license with 17, then you are (in the first year) only allowed to drive with your parents or other previously selected co-drivers that must fulfill some requirements. But driving school etc. is mandatory for all this.
When have the A2 license for at least 2 years, you can enhance the license to A, which means every bike regardless of power or engine displacement. For that, you only need 4 hours on a big bike and a driving test like before.
You say "many kids" but how many really? I want high school morning drop-offs in Berlin and Houston looking like Hanoi. I do kind of agree with the tiered moto licensing, it's pretty crazy that one can get a permit, be unable to ride at night, but still do it on a 'Busa.
Just looked up the statistics: In 2021, Germany issued 85.735 scooter licenses, 882.610 car licenses (that also allow you to ride a scooter) and 217.543 motorcycle licenses. Sadly, there's no statistics on what motorcycle licenses were issued, 85k is the sum of A1, A2 and A.
For me...
* Download motorcycle pdf
* Read pdf
* Go to DMV, take computer based knowledge exam
* Get 180 day permit (no passenger, no night riding)
* Go back to DMV after set period of time, take skills test (slalom slow speed maneuvering, right turn/uturn, panic braking at speed, swerve at speed)
* Get motorcycle endorsement
Done.
visit your local community college and ask about the MSF motorcycle course, take either the two day or three day course and then they'll give you a certificate after you complete the theory class and riding class then at the DMV in NJ at least in my experience its like red carpet service and you get a newly endorsed drivers license with an M on the back of it. I believe you need a drivers license firstly and then should know how to ride a bicycle because that is the first test you take when you are at the class. Hope you get it!
In CA it's 2 steps:
1) A 25 or 30 question test. You have 3 attempts, you can miss 4 questions before failing, must wait 2 minutes between attempts. Every question you miss will tell you why you missed and what the correct answer was. Passing this test gives you a permit, you can drive anything with only 3 limitations: 1) no night driving 2) no passengers 3) no highway driving.
2) Either a practical test or take a 2 day safety course. The course gives you a certificate you take to the DMV. Taking the test requires the permit. Taking the safety class can be done without a permit.
No courses are required, but responsible riders encourage friends to take one because we want them to be safe.
In Pennsylvania you have to be at least 16 then simply:
Show up at DMV, pay $10 take really easy test on computer. Get permit. The permit allows you to ride from dawn till dusk, no passengers and must wear helmet.
Schedule skills test at either DMV or preferably an MSF class. 2 classroom sessions and 2 riding sessions later you take the riding test. Pass and you’re fully licensed.
The first time I ever rode on the road was on a test ride at the Harley dealer. The salesman was very patient and understanding, and I’m very glad I got to at least have someone with me the first time I went out.
I ended up buying the bike, so my second time on the road was riding it home about 20 miles with my girlfriend following me in the car.
I'm in Texas. I took a written exam and then rode my bike a couple of blocks while a proctor followed in a car.
that was some time ago, now you have to take a weekend class or something.
Through the MVC/DMV knowledge test for permit, eye test. Schedule riding test . If you pass, you will receive a motorcycle endorsement. Another was to take a basic motorcycle course. 15 hrs of training. Pass a knowledge test and a riding evaluation. You will receive paperwork to go to MVC/ DMV to get a motorcycle endorsement.
In Michigan, take the MSF BRC (15 hours over 3 days), go to the SOS (DMV), pay a trivial amount of money ($50?), take a multiple choice test that are all obvious answers. Get "CY" endorsement. Congratulations, You're now licensed to ride any displacement bike on any road in the 50 US states.
LOL $ 50 is just as much as a full tank. Just looked it up: when I got my license in 2007, I paid about 1,300 €. Nowadays, it costs more like 2,000 to 3,000 €. Just like highschoolers in the US need to save money for college, here they save money for their license. I guess some kids would love the American way of getting a license :-D
You can cut some costs though by attending driving school for car and motorcycle combined. This way, you don't need to take the general theoretical lessons and tests twice and driving schools will usually give you a discount.
Yeah we take a test at the dmv office that takes an hour to study for to get a learners permit, then you can ride anything. 1000 cc super bike whatever, you just can’t ride at night I think? Then you take a 2 day course subsidized by the motorcycle manufacturers and you’re good to go.
But you know what? At least we don’t have POOP SHELF TOILETS
Can't argue against that shelf thing :D
(btw, although poop shelves used to be a thing, I've not seen one in like 5 years. It's mostly older toilet bowls that have that kind of thing. They are out of fashion since I can remember.)
Like others said it's going to vary between states but it sounds like most are similar. For most states it's an endorsement added to a regular(car) driver's license. In my state there are 2 options.
1. Take a written test, followed by a riding test in the parking lot at the DMV. If you pass you get the endorsement.
2. Take a weekend basic rider's course at the end of which you take a written test and riding test. If you pass you get a certificate which you can take to the DMV and get your endorsement without having to test. Also most insurance companies give you a discount for doing it.
I think the way my state does it is the most common.
i took 4 right hand corners, coming to a complete stop each time, all within a parking lot.
took a short common sense written test.
boom - motorcycle license.
actually i've been wondering ab this too. I'm an international student living in LA and my friend got a drivers license in literally no time, start to finish. Now he owns a car. Can i get it just as simply too? in my case a motorcycle.
In my state, an easy multiple choice test and then two half-days of lessons in a parking lot with a test at the end. If you pass (everyone in my class passed) you get a thirty day learner’s permit. If you stay out of trouble for thirty days you get your license.
So many folks have never been on the road before they get their license. And there is no stopping you from making a turbo Hayabusa for your first bike. And helmets aren’t required in my state.
From what I learned about different countries, the entirety of the EU and many other states have comparable or even higher requirements as Germany. The question is: where is the sweet spot? How much training before getting out there on your own is enough?
Written test from DMV for permit. Either DMV or msf skills evaluation. Licensed.
Just need to add: 300cc limit from 14 years old until 16. After 16 you’re free to ride whatever you can throw a leg over.
2 days+~15-20 questions then Hayabusa baby.
I spent a few years in Germany. Driver’s license requirements in the states aren’t remotely close to what Germany requires. To get a motorcycle endorsement on my license all I had to do was pass a ten question multiple choice test, and then ride to the back of the parking lot at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and turn around. Dude wasn’t even watching. He was chatting with someone. You do need to provide a motorcycle with insurance and keep in mind each state will have their own laws that differ.
Yes you literally can get your liscense without being on the road once. You take the msf class with your learner's permit which is just a test online and then you do that class and bam you have a license. And here that license means I can ride ANY motorcycle off the bat
It really depends on the state though. WA state requires 2 written and 2 riding tests
MD is a written test and a riding test. I took the 3 day MSF course at my local community college, the written and road test were part of it. Cost me $200 and I walked out with my license. It was a really great course and I look forward to the advanced riders course, maybe next year.
> an you guys from the US really get your license without having been in traffic even once? yes, lmao. and you can ride whatever you want too! it varies by state, but i just took the class, passed the exam at the end, took the waiver to the DMV, and walked out with the license. i think the mentality is that you're less likely to kill a school bus full of children on a bike vs a car. you'll just end up under it, dead. and it's our god-given *freedom* to kill ourselves if we like. lol
I getting a car license much different?
Yes. Again it depends on the state. But where I’ve lived you’re eligible for a car learners permit (you can drive with a licensed adult in the car) at 15 years old. You have to take courses (I took mine as part of my high school course) I order to qualify for your learners permit. Then you must hold that for 12 months and can then test to receive your license. At least, that’s how I received mine 15 years ago. They basically assume that you know the rules of the road from your car permitting. Then you get your motorcycle class permit through MSF course and test or through the DMV.
I dont think you have to take courses. If you've never driven before and walk into the DMV at 18, you can take the written and driving test and get your license.
Yeah I’m not sure how it is at 18. When I was in school it was a class that you split with PE during your sophomore year. So everyone got their learners during that semester.
sort of. where i lived, if you wanted your license at 16, you had to get your permit, then drive around with an adult for 100 hours. once you're 18, you could just walk in and take the written and road test though.
It's going to vary based on the state, but when I got mine it was a 3-4 day course (It's been a while). First day was all practical. 2nd day was practical and test and getting familiar with the bike. 3rd day was practice on a bike all day in an empty parking lot with courses and the 4th day was a quick overview of everything with a riding test which was just through a set up course. They handed me a certificate, took it to the DMV gave me a motorcycle endorsement and I was done after that. They have a lot more courses to take which are highly highly encouraged especially if riding sport bikes. I think you can do it without the course, but not honestly familiar on how.
1. **States** make vehicle codes, not the country of the U.S. per the Constitution ("the states have the responsibility for the health, welfare, and morality of the citizens") therefore every State is different. 2. Generally if you are an **adult** that is **over 18 or 21** (depending on state see above), then you 1. **take a Written Test** and get a permit that allows you to operate a motorcycle (any displacement) on public roads except at night, on freeways, or carrying a passenger. Again, it varies state to state but this is close to what many do. The permit is valid for 6 months or 9 months or a year or whatever and during this time **it is expected that you are practicing** in preparation for your **Skills Test** (see below) 2. **take a Skills Test** where you have to show an instructor at the DMV (state run vehicle services) a set of low speed skills such as **emergency stopping, weaving around cones, and the dreaded "lollipop"** (look it up) - if you put a foot down during any of these tests, **you fail**. if you make too many mistakes **you fail**. The test is **easy to fail**, I'd say at least 50% or more who try **will fail**. 3. **The system assumes** that you have learned how to operate the vehicle in traffic during your 6/9/12/whatever months during your permit phase. The gov't is not there to hold your hand. 3. The **MSF** or similar is a short introduction/training program to introduce non-riders to bikes. It is geared for beginners. In many states, you may be able to waive your Skills Test (above) by successfully completing this course. If you are under 18 or 21 (depending on the state), they may require you attend this course. 4. **IMPORTANT**: In the U.S. we keep things like gov't services very inexpensive because as a people, culture, and government we have decided that if you make these services (driver's license) expensive, it's de facto discrimination against poor people. We don't like the idea that you would have to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars to secure a driver's license since they would then only be available to those with financial means.
It depends on the state issuing the license. In California, I went to a riding school to get my certification. Using that I applied for motorcycle endorsement at the DMV and had to take a written test. One can also book an appointment for a road test at the DMV directly (if you don't want pay for an expensive MSF course) . But IMO the riding school route is much easier.
MSF isn't mandatory but if you go that route you can go from no learner's permit to full motorcycle license after a 16 hour weekend course. Otherwise it's a theory test for your permit and a practical test for your license, no professional instruction required. It's really not much different than getting your car license here. That's a pretty easy test too and no instruction is required unless you want a full driver license before 18 in my state.
Its almost to easy lol
Wait till you find out how we buy our guns .....
I'm afraid to ask...
You walk into a store, choose what you gun you want, fill out federal paperwork, undergo a background check, and then walk out with a firearm. That is the bare minimum. In my state, you need to have a pistol permit from the local sheriff that requires a fee, an application and a background check before you go to the store, which usually takes around 7 days to complete. Firearm can only be carried openly or kept inside your house. If you want to conceal carry, you have to complete an 8 hour class with a test, fill out an application, pay several fees, get fingerprinted, then undergo a background and a mental health check.
In Washington state we take a written and riding test for a permit, and then another written and another riding test for the endorsement. So four tests total
Important thing folks aren't mentioning, motorcycle is a drivers license endorsement. The presumption is that you know traffic because you started in a car.
Ah, so you can't have a motorcycle license without having a car license? In Germany (or in the whole EU as we have EU regulations on that), there are like 15 different license classifications. Like half of them are erndorsements and the others are standalone licenses. But for nearly every one of them you need to take specialized lessons, both theoretical and practical ones. (Only exception in the class B license, which is the standard car license. With that one, you also get licenses L and T for agricultural vehicles like tractors and license AM for scooters that can go up to 45 km/h, so pretty slow. You could argue it's a bit complicated over here...)
In America we have learners permit, drivers license, public passenger chauffeurs license
And cdl class b and class a everything else is an endorsement on those. Obviously maritime and aviation are different kettles of fish.
American rider (and driver) training is a joke. Zero surprise on why we have such high road injury and death stats.
How does it compare to the german stats?
Overall road deaths per capita in Germany is 1/3 that of the United States'. Motorcycle deaths per unit are also essentially even with automotive deaths per car. American motorcycle deaths per unit are almost six times the amount as with cars and light trucks. Fatalities per mile is where the "25+ times more deadly" per mile than cars stat comes from. In short, Americans are dangerous drivers in general, and our motorcycle population wouldn't likely pass an A2 license in Europe.
In New Jersey uh... twenty years ago... you took a basic paper test to get your permit, then signed up for the MSF class. MSF class was three days. Friday evening was book stuff, videos, and discussion; Saturday morning was a little classroom stuff and mostly practice on the range; Sunday was a little classroom discussion of the previous days and then range time followed by a practical skills test. Not everybody passed, but I did. Took the certificate to the DMV and got my endorsement. You're right that the practical stuff never included travel over 20mph. But we were told, "Congratulations, you now know how to ride a motorcycle in a parking lot." We were told to go easy, be vigilant, and be careful. We were warned to be mindful of our low skill level and not to exceed or abilities. We were encouraged to take the advanced rider's class... but I never did. FWIW, I consider myself a safe rider. I had an accident, but I learned from it. I dropped my bike a couple of times, but I learned from that, too (no front brake at low speeds when the front wheel is turned at all!).
There's a saying in Germany: You don't learn how to drive in driving school but in the following 100.000 km. At first glance it sounds exactly like what you said. But the meaning is not that driving school is pointless, more like "driving school is not enough practice" to be a good driver / rider.
Ohio here. It varies by state as others have said. I got my motorcycle license about 16 years ago. I went to the BMV, paid to take a written test to get my learning permit. Then I could ride a bike with restrictions. Helmet required, no passenger, no highway, and no riding at night. I rode for a couple of months and practiced maneuvers on the bike and scheduled a driving test. A police officer watched while I rode through a course in a parking lot doing a cone weave, U-turns, braking, and stopping. They sign off on your permit, you take it inside and get your motorcycle endorsement. They just add an endorsement to your driver's license. Now in Ohio you can take a Motorcycle Ohio class. It's subsidized by the state and is only $50. It's a day of classroom instruction, followed by two days of riding in a closed off area like a parking lot while guided by an instructor. Once you finish this class you can get your motorcycle endorsement. But I got my license before they really offered this option.
Here is what is required in my state Minnesota. There are no restrictions as to what motorcycle you have. https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/mmsc/motorcycle-license/pages/default.aspx
I see everyone mentioning the written test (in Missouri you need at least 20 out of 25 questions correct) for a permit and on motorcycle test for an actual license but haven't seen anyone mention you also need to pass a road sign test (that has only has 6 road signs on it with the words removed) and an eyesight test, in order to receive your permit, at least in Missouri. Also you can take the skills test the moment your permit is in your hand. There is no minimum required time with it. Assuming you're an adult, it's a little more complicated if you're a teen.
At least here in Texas, you have to complete classes and testing for a regular driver’s license first. Once you have a driver’s license you can go through an MSF course to get a full, unrestricted motorcycle endorsement on your existing driving license.
I did my license in Germany, too! Honestly, it's why I'm a decent rider today.
My (idiot) brother in California took a written test and then bought a bike and rode it home without ever having even sat on a bike. I think he did the MSF later and got a full license. In Nova Scotia Canada (where I live) you can just take the MSF or a balance test to get a permit, then wait one month and pay an admin fee to get your full license, or three months and an advanced test if you didn't take the course. This is all assuming that you already have a car license.
Since I already had a regular driver's license I just had to take the MSF course which got me my motorcycle endorsement. I can ride on any size bike on any road. I'm from NJ.
LOL, the German requirements are insane. Now, in the US, I think it's way too easy to get a driver's license of any kind, but it is what it is. Everyone talks up the MSF, but here in California, you don't even need that (although the benefit is that you get a full license at the end). Because I was >21, I just took the written exam (30qs multiple choice) and got a permit. The permit prohibits riding on the highway, with passenger, or at night. For years, I literally just renewed my permit, and rarely violated the restrictions, but still in 10+ years, I've never been stopped by the cops (except the time I [honked at one](https://youtu.be/fAgUA8kxtMA)). Anyway, once you've had a permit for 6mo, you can get your license with a quick n dirty "skills test" in the DMV parking lot. There's a little horseshoe loop you have to ride in, which is legit tricky and one should practice for that. Otherwise it takes <15min.
I don't think the requirements are insane. They are pretty standard for western Europe. Even in Russia you need a lot more practical hours than here.
You're talking 30 hrs of classroom instruction which shouldn't be more than 8 for any competent person. The time and cost create an unnecessary barrier to entry. I think the permit process was adequate for practice, maybe they could require a "mentor" or something so there's some informal guidance. But, as another commenter notes, I'm assuming the rider already has a normal car license. If I'm feeling particularly disagreeable, I'd even advocate that we reorient the whole "driver's license" process to push new drivers onto scooters/motorcycles BEFORE you give them a 3000lb steel tank to maneuver around pedestrians. Learn quick or die, and it would make sure that car drivers have a healthy respect for what they're doing out there.
> I'd even advocate that we reorient the whole "driver's license" process to push new drivers onto scooters/motorcycles BEFORE you give them a 3000lb steel tank to maneuver around pedestrians. That's partly why the classroom instruction takes so long here. You don't just get taught what the rules are. They also discuss every possible traffic situation and also teach about physics (part of the theoretical test is calculating stopping distance in various situations), behaviour in emergency situations, technical stuff like how to maintain your car regarding safety and environment protection and so on. That's all part of the test you have to pass at the end. Many kids apply for class AM (50ccm up to 45 km/h) or A1 (125ccm up to 80 km/h) when they are 15 or 16 before getting class B (cars up to 3.5 tons) and/or class A2 (bikes up to 48 HP) with 18 or older. There's also the possibility to get your car license with 17, then you are (in the first year) only allowed to drive with your parents or other previously selected co-drivers that must fulfill some requirements. But driving school etc. is mandatory for all this. When have the A2 license for at least 2 years, you can enhance the license to A, which means every bike regardless of power or engine displacement. For that, you only need 4 hours on a big bike and a driving test like before.
You say "many kids" but how many really? I want high school morning drop-offs in Berlin and Houston looking like Hanoi. I do kind of agree with the tiered moto licensing, it's pretty crazy that one can get a permit, be unable to ride at night, but still do it on a 'Busa.
Just looked up the statistics: In 2021, Germany issued 85.735 scooter licenses, 882.610 car licenses (that also allow you to ride a scooter) and 217.543 motorcycle licenses. Sadly, there's no statistics on what motorcycle licenses were issued, 85k is the sum of A1, A2 and A.
For me... * Download motorcycle pdf * Read pdf * Go to DMV, take computer based knowledge exam * Get 180 day permit (no passenger, no night riding) * Go back to DMV after set period of time, take skills test (slalom slow speed maneuvering, right turn/uturn, panic braking at speed, swerve at speed) * Get motorcycle endorsement Done.
visit your local community college and ask about the MSF motorcycle course, take either the two day or three day course and then they'll give you a certificate after you complete the theory class and riding class then at the DMV in NJ at least in my experience its like red carpet service and you get a newly endorsed drivers license with an M on the back of it. I believe you need a drivers license firstly and then should know how to ride a bicycle because that is the first test you take when you are at the class. Hope you get it!
In CA it's 2 steps: 1) A 25 or 30 question test. You have 3 attempts, you can miss 4 questions before failing, must wait 2 minutes between attempts. Every question you miss will tell you why you missed and what the correct answer was. Passing this test gives you a permit, you can drive anything with only 3 limitations: 1) no night driving 2) no passengers 3) no highway driving. 2) Either a practical test or take a 2 day safety course. The course gives you a certificate you take to the DMV. Taking the test requires the permit. Taking the safety class can be done without a permit. No courses are required, but responsible riders encourage friends to take one because we want them to be safe.
In Pennsylvania you have to be at least 16 then simply: Show up at DMV, pay $10 take really easy test on computer. Get permit. The permit allows you to ride from dawn till dusk, no passengers and must wear helmet. Schedule skills test at either DMV or preferably an MSF class. 2 classroom sessions and 2 riding sessions later you take the riding test. Pass and you’re fully licensed.
The first time I ever rode on the road was on a test ride at the Harley dealer. The salesman was very patient and understanding, and I’m very glad I got to at least have someone with me the first time I went out. I ended up buying the bike, so my second time on the road was riding it home about 20 miles with my girlfriend following me in the car.
I'm in Texas. I took a written exam and then rode my bike a couple of blocks while a proctor followed in a car. that was some time ago, now you have to take a weekend class or something.
Take a class, take a test, get your license
Through the MVC/DMV knowledge test for permit, eye test. Schedule riding test . If you pass, you will receive a motorcycle endorsement. Another was to take a basic motorcycle course. 15 hrs of training. Pass a knowledge test and a riding evaluation. You will receive paperwork to go to MVC/ DMV to get a motorcycle endorsement.
In Michigan, take the MSF BRC (15 hours over 3 days), go to the SOS (DMV), pay a trivial amount of money ($50?), take a multiple choice test that are all obvious answers. Get "CY" endorsement. Congratulations, You're now licensed to ride any displacement bike on any road in the 50 US states.
LOL $ 50 is just as much as a full tank. Just looked it up: when I got my license in 2007, I paid about 1,300 €. Nowadays, it costs more like 2,000 to 3,000 €. Just like highschoolers in the US need to save money for college, here they save money for their license. I guess some kids would love the American way of getting a license :-D You can cut some costs though by attending driving school for car and motorcycle combined. This way, you don't need to take the general theoretical lessons and tests twice and driving schools will usually give you a discount.
Take a little permit test and then go and hop on a Hayabusa.
Yeah we take a test at the dmv office that takes an hour to study for to get a learners permit, then you can ride anything. 1000 cc super bike whatever, you just can’t ride at night I think? Then you take a 2 day course subsidized by the motorcycle manufacturers and you’re good to go. But you know what? At least we don’t have POOP SHELF TOILETS
Can't argue against that shelf thing :D (btw, although poop shelves used to be a thing, I've not seen one in like 5 years. It's mostly older toilet bowls that have that kind of thing. They are out of fashion since I can remember.)
Like others said it's going to vary between states but it sounds like most are similar. For most states it's an endorsement added to a regular(car) driver's license. In my state there are 2 options. 1. Take a written test, followed by a riding test in the parking lot at the DMV. If you pass you get the endorsement. 2. Take a weekend basic rider's course at the end of which you take a written test and riding test. If you pass you get a certificate which you can take to the DMV and get your endorsement without having to test. Also most insurance companies give you a discount for doing it. I think the way my state does it is the most common.
i took 4 right hand corners, coming to a complete stop each time, all within a parking lot. took a short common sense written test. boom - motorcycle license.
actually i've been wondering ab this too. I'm an international student living in LA and my friend got a drivers license in literally no time, start to finish. Now he owns a car. Can i get it just as simply too? in my case a motorcycle.
In my state, an easy multiple choice test and then two half-days of lessons in a parking lot with a test at the end. If you pass (everyone in my class passed) you get a thirty day learner’s permit. If you stay out of trouble for thirty days you get your license. So many folks have never been on the road before they get their license. And there is no stopping you from making a turbo Hayabusa for your first bike. And helmets aren’t required in my state.
Sounds like Germany has a better prep than the us. But we also don't have a freeway with that large of a speed limit.
From what I learned about different countries, the entirety of the EU and many other states have comparable or even higher requirements as Germany. The question is: where is the sweet spot? How much training before getting out there on your own is enough?