Info on getting license for Spyder RT in Mass?

[sniderspyder]

Does anyone know how it actually works in getting a motorcycle license in Mass? I got my permit. I checked into taking one of those weekend courses where they give you a license at the end of it BUT they told me they don't do Can-Am Spyders right now. Maybe in spring.
So what do they do on the actual road test? I don't want to learn how to ride a standard 2 wheel motorcycle, just my Can-Am Spyder. That's it.

I seem to get all kinds of answers from everyone. Getting any kind of answer from the registry is impossible.

Can anyone help on the real process PLEASE?

Mucho thanks my Spyder friends.

SniderSpyder in MA.

[Oldmanzues]

I am in Ohio, so not much help for "real" except a couple suggestions
Ohio has a motorcycle handbook with information needed for the motorcycle testing. Book and "road" test. "Road" test is in a parking lot/test site. Does your state ?
The other idea would be to find out when a site was open for test and go watch what is going on ? Or at least the layout.
Good Luck
Oldmanzues

[Dan McNally]

In West Virginia, they modify the motorcycle road test, slightly, for the Spyder . . . distances between traffic cones are farther apart, for example. I was unable to take a class on my Spyder in West Virginia, because it wasn't offered, so I practiced a lot in a parking lot, then took the state test and passed . . . afterwards, I went to Virginia for a three day class . . .

I contacted my state delegate and got him to work with the state DMV to change their policy so that people could go to another state and take a trike class, and WV would accept it, if there was no in state class near where they lived. Didn't help me, as I'd already gotten my license on my own, but did make it easier for folks who follow.

I'd suggest you go to DMV (face to face) and ask them how they will test you . . . and then, go practice the heck out of that . . . and keep looking for a class, even if you have your license by the time you find one . . . safety training and riding skills are things we all need more of.

[Dan McNally]

http://massmotorcycleschool.com/ offers a sidecar/trike class . . .

[Bob Denman]

Unfortunately, you've just got to keep working your way up to the top of the manure pile..
They can't handle licensing a Spyder owner; I'd push for a direct answer as to why not!
DEMAND that a procedure be implemented so that you can get your bike on the road. Tell them that you're very unwilling to wait until "Maybe in Spring".
Don't be the least bit afraid to get the Poliitical machine pulled into the effort; it's an election year, so they're pretty willing to make themselves look good in the public eye.
Good Luck, and please let us know how the battle goes!

[durango kid]

You can take your driving test on a "trike" but you have a trike only restriction on your license

[Bob Denman]

I wonder how come he couldn't get THAT answer from DMV??

[ARtraveler]

Isn't bureaucratic red tape fun?

Your going to get a lot of answers. Most states have a driver course for motorcycles that is laid out in the parking lot of the DMV. Those not taking the approved msf training course have to drive their cycles through the "magic lines" of the course.

It should not present a problem for the Spyder. You are ahead of the game when it comes to not falling down. The only issue you may have is right turns/left turns as the course may be narrower than you like. My recommendation, go and practice on a Sunday to get the feel of the course. Go during the week and watch a couple others take the test--to get a feel for it.

If you take the test on a trike, you will be given a trike endorsement. Not a problem for most.

Hope you get it figured out.

[steve0530]

Does anyone know how it actually works in getting a motorcycle license in Mass? I got my permit. I checked into taking one of those weekend courses where they give you a license at the end of it BUT they told me they don't do Can-Am Spyders right now. Maybe in spring.
So what do they do on the actual road test? I don't want to learn how to ride a standard 2 wheel motorcycle, just my Can-Am Spyder. That's it.

I seem to get all kinds of answers from everyone. Getting any kind of answer from the registry is impossible.

Can anyone help on the real process PLEASE?

Mucho thanks my Spyder friends.

SniderSpyder in MA.

there are two ways, you can get a motorcycle lic. For just three wheel vehicles, our you can take the two wheel course, that deals in more than just riding. A lot of safety stuff, and bang you have a lic. That is good for two or three wheels. Just a hint if you finance a Spyder you do not have to get a boatload of insurance. The finance folks don't care. I even had to educate my Insurance guy and had him call the finance Company. Crescent Credit in Brockton Ma. 2.5 percent. Just saying.

[captgeorge]

I love in mass. I took my licence test on my spyder. They put a 3 wheel restriction on my lisence. The road test was a breeze.no cones. Drive straight shift up gears. Drive and show hand signals. Do a figure 8. That was it. At first they said I could not take my test on a spyder. I told them I don't drive 2 wheels so they said 3 wheel restriction which was fine with me.

[bmccaffrey]

Seems like you found your answer. Most states will let u take it on a 3 wheeler and your license will have just a 3 wheel endorsement which will not give you the privilege of driving 2 wheel. Which from your statement doesn't matter. GO GET IT

[Root]

Hi,
I took the 2- day motorcycle course, http://Trainingwheelsonline.com, in Woburn.
I'll never forget it ..... it rained on both days!

They pretty much assume you've never previously ridden a motorcycle; although most students there probably have. The bikes were small 250cc, and I don't think we ever got over 15mph.

The class covered nothing regarding 3 wheels. But, taking the course and passing their exams gets you a MA motorcycle license good for 2 and 3 wheeled vehicles. There was a written (multiple choice) exam and a practical exam. They made every effort to make sure all students passed. There were 8 students to a class, and two teachers.

I must say, the course was very structured, presented professionally by experienced riders, and wasted no one's time.

Do it.
Give a shout if you have any questions.
best of luck,
j

[kawakii]

MOST Motorcycle Rider Training in NH does 3 wheel classes and can get you a license for MA, Nh or Maine if you pass. Check it out - http://www.mostridertraining.com/#!3w-brc/c1dru

I took it and loved it. We had a few riders from Mass attend.