I Passed the Written and Driving Tests

[Dave & Karen]

This is Karen. This is my first motorcycle license. Here is how I did it...
First I went on line and took 9 mock motorcycle tests to be prepared for the knowledge part of the exam. http://driving-tests.org/
I was surprised...in Georgia there were only 20 questions. Breezed through them and got my permit that day. (No driving at night or on the interstate and no passengers.)

Then, I watched some YouTube videos of the driving test. But the best thing was I found the driving test diagrams on line and went to the DDS in the evening after they were closed and practiced the driving tests several times. Sooooo glad I did. It made it so much easier the day of the exam which I passed with ease. https://www.michigan.gov/documents/s...__382067_7.pdf

So I am now an official licensed motorcycle driver. Yahoo!

[rpatsh]

[Bob Denman]

There'll be no stopping you now!!!
I can sense that the infestation of Spyders will soon be growing...

[robmorg]

Dont you just love it when a plan comes together?

[JKMSPYDER]

Congratulations Karen! Now ride that Spyder like you stole it!!

[ARtraveler]

My friend Linda did the same and pre-tested the driving course when they were closed. She got very mad at me the first time she went, I guess I was a tough driving instructor.

A couple more times, and she was ready. Passed with flying colors I may add. Only glitch, she did not hit the quick stop hard enough, and went over the line by about 2 inches.

[Chupaca]

You did the work and the homework. congratulations it is quite an accomplishment... Now you can ryde in comfort knowing you are qualified but the real lessons will come with the time on the road...be safe...

[latony007]

Sounds like the exact same process i went through in CA. Not sure if the course is the same but practicing while the DMV was closed was a great idea. Would have passed easy except my fricken bike stalled while i was on my 2nd circle. Luckily the guy realized it wasnt my fault and saw i was having problems doing it so he let me do it again. Assuming it might stall again i had to clutch it and keep reving the crap out of it to make sure it didnt which added a little more challenge

Congrats on passing! now you can 2 or 3 wheel

[SPYD1]

Congrats. I'm impressed with your preparation!

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

This is Karen.
So I am now an official licensed motorcycle driver. Yahoo!

That is great! Now all you have to do is become an experienced rider!

If you can find a motorcycle riding course for trikes, take it. Like they say, you're never to old to learn. I finally am going to get a chance to take the GWRRA Trike Rider Course at Wing Ding in Billings this August. By then I'll have been on my Spyder for 3 seasons. I'm looking forward to it. I took the Advance Rider Course 4 years ago on my Goldwing. VERY, VERY, worthwhile. And this was after I had been riding my Wing for 6 years!

[motoswami]

Sounds like the exact same process i went through in CA. Not sure if the course is the same but practicing while the DMV was closed was a great idea. Would have passed easy except my fricken bike stalled while i was on my 2nd circle. Luckily the guy realized it wasnt my fault and saw i was having problems doing it so he let me do it again. Assuming it might stall again i had to clutch it and keep reving the crap out of it to make sure it didnt which added a little more challenge

Congrats on passing! now you can 2 or 3 wheel

You have just pointed out the idiocy of our country's licensing requirements.

How in the world does a person taking a test on a three-wheeled vehicle equate to being certified to ride a 2-wheeled vehicle?

Please note, I am by no way saying anything derogatory about the lady from Flowery Branch, GA, who did due dilligence and got certified to drive her Spyder legally, nor am I suggesting it sounds as if she's about to go buy a Huyabusa and wheelie off into the sunset.

I am talking about a system which has its head in the sand, which -- by jumbling together all two and three vehicles into a common category -- certifies people to do things for which they have not demonstrated competancy.

[GeorgiaBill]

WOW! I recognize that name. I took the Stayin' Safe tour in October 2001 with you and Larry Grodsky.

You and I rode back to Georgia together after the class, me on a red 2001 Honda VFR800. You are that Pete, aren't you?

Talking about the idiocy - I got my first M/C endorsement in 1971 after my wife and I transferred from PA to CA. I didn't think I needed one until we got to Los Angeles. We took the car and M/C written exams, and then the M/C riding test. I took my wife's little 125 Yamaha off the trailer and she answered both of the examiner's questions INCORRECTLY. Where are the brake and clutch levers? How many gears? I guess he knew the questions to ask, but not the correct answers.

My wife then rode around some pylons and was deemed successful. I put her bike on the trailer and started to get my larger Kawasaki off. The instructor said "don't bother". If you can get that bike off the trailer, surely you can ride it.

I think next February I have to take both written and riding exams for cars and motorcycles because of my age. As far as licensing requirements, that is a baby step in the right direction. I'll do like Karen and practice in case we still have to parallel park cars???

All of a sudden, I'm reminded of the idiocy you mentioned. I took a trike/sidecar class in Virginia in 2009 - more fun than Six Flags. A woman in the class had purchased a Harley, but could not pass the riding test - I guess that would be the Basic Riders Class? The class started Friday Night and concluded Sunday Afternoon with a written and riding test. She rode like a zombie around and through the pylons - eyes and head straight ahead and way too slowly. She started slowly, rode slowly, and stopped too slowly. She failed the test because of the time window. She was permitted to take the test again and barely passed, and I guess she got her M/C endorsement. Assuming she ever ventured on a public street, I hope she survived. So she barely passes on three wheels and is deemed capable of survival on two.

Take Care.
-Bill

You have just pointed out the idiocy of our country's licensing requirements.

How in the world does a person taking a test on a three-wheeled vehicle equate to being certified to ride a 2-wheeled vehicle?

Please note, I am by no way saying anything derogatory about the lady from Flowery Branch, GA, who did due dilligence and got certified to drive her Spyder legally, nor am I suggesting it sounds as if she's about to go buy a Huyabusa and wheelie off into the sunset.

I am talking about a system which has its head in the sand, which -- by jumbling together all two and three vehicles into a common category -- certifies people to do things for which they have not demonstrated competancy.

[Bob Denman]

You have just pointed out the idiocy of our country's licensing requirements.

How in the world does a person taking a test on a three-wheeled vehicle equate to being certified to ride a 2-wheeled vehicle?

That's not the case in New York State...
If you "road-test" on three: that's what your license is restricted to.
If you "test on two"; no restrictions apply!

[bscrive]

That's not the case in New York State...
If you "road-test" on three: that's what your license is restricted to.
If you "test on two"; no restrictions apply!

That is how it is in Ontario as well.

We have a graduated licensing here in Ontario. You do the written test to get your M1. It is good for 90 days. After 60 days you can go do your M2 driving test. It is a 20 minute test on a closed course. If you pass, then you are given a M2 license. The M2 is good for 5 years. After 22 months, you are eligible to try for your full M license. If you Pass then you get your full M license. If you fail, then you can keep trying up to the 5 year date. The test to get your full M license is a 1 hour road test with the licensing officer behind you in a car. You have a communicator in your ear, and they licensing officer tells you where to turn, switch lanes, etc. One aspect of the test is to drive on a 400 highway (Interstate) for part of the test.

The same thing goes with a car license as well with a few modifications.

Totally different from when I got my license in the early 80's. I wrote my test and did the driving test the next week, because they were booked up until then. I could have done it the same day if there was an opening. The graduated licensing is supposed to make drivers better, but they just seem to be getting worst. Too reliant on technology, and too many on their phone when they should be driving.


Oh ya, congrats on getting your license. Nothing like the freedom a bike gives you.

Brian

[BlueBayou]

While being followed by my wife and the examiner, I rode my Spyder 2 blocks on a public road, did a K-turn, returned and was handed my license.

[Bob Denman]

You've GOT to know what they were thinking...

"Just who the heck, does this Clown think he is?"

[Big F]

This is Karen. This is my first motorcycle license. Here is how I did it...
First I went on line and took 9 mock motorcycle tests to be prepared for the knowledge part of the exam. http://driving-tests.org/
I was surprised...in Georgia there were only 20 questions. Breezed through them and got my permit that day. (No driving at night or on the interstate and no passengers.)

Then, I watched some YouTube videos of the driving test. But the best thing was I found the driving test diagrams on line and went to the DDS in the evening after they were closed and practiced the driving tests several times. Sooooo glad I did. It made it so much easier the day of the exam which I passed with ease. https://www.michigan.gov/documents/s...__382067_7.pdf

So I am now an official licensed motorcycle driver. Yahoo!

It's a good thing you do not live in Nebraska cuz they put yu the ringer on questions (electronic machine) and if you miss more than two you fail?????? when you retake the test it is a whole new set of questions.... then the silly driving test when the examiner is behind you in his vehicle giving you instructions on what to do next via a two-way radio. the test is very difficult and most of the situations you would not encounter in a lifetime?????????k
BIG F

[BlueBayou]

Having seen the non-test I passed, now my insurance rates will probably go up>

[SpyderAnn01]

Congratulations and I hope you have tons of fun and safe miles.

[bronzeflex42]

to you and be safe out there!!

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

That's not the case in New York State...
If you "road-test" on three: that's what your license is restricted to.
If you "test on two"; no restrictions apply!

Same here in North Carolina.

[Bob Denman]

Having seen the non-test I passed, now my insurance rates will probably go up>

Nahhh...
Is your lovely Bride looking to sell her two-wheeler yet?
If she decides to "clean out the garage"; let me know, and I'll let Sonny-Boy give it some thought!

[midnightbreeze50]

Hard work paid off, Right now I'm 60 Yrs old , I've had my license, since I was 52, LOL, rode all those years without one, a License does not make you a better driver, Just legal, Take your time, getting out on the road , it will get easier as you get more miles under your belt , one rule: NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN, you know what your going to do , but People in a cage , almost always NEVER SEE YOU, Look Twice B-4 you leave from a light, always check behind yourself of other drivers not stopping and rear ending you, always give yourself an excape route, other than that have fun !!!!



Midnightbreeze LOVE my Spyder

[motoswami]

[QUOTE=GeorgiaBill;1109954]WOW! I recognize that name. I took the Stayin' Safe tour in October 2001 with you and Larry Grodsky.

You and I rode back to Georgia together after the class, me on a red 2001 Honda VFR800. You are that Pete, aren't you?

Talking about the idiocy - I got my first M/C endorsement in 1971 after my wife and I transferred from PA to CA. I didn't think I needed one until we got to Los Angeles. We took the car and M/C written exams, and then the M/C riding test. I took my wife's little 125 Yamaha off the trailer and she answered both of the examiner's questions INCORRECTLY. Where are the brake and clutch levers? How many gears? I guess he knew the questions to ask, but not the correct answers.

My wife then rode around some pylons and was deemed successful. I put her bike on the trailer and started to get my larger Kawasaki off. The instructor said "don't bother". If you can get that bike off the trailer, surely you can ride it.

I think next February I have to take both written and riding exams for cars and motorcycles because of my age. As far as licensing requirements, that is a baby step in the right direction. I'll do like Karen and practice in case we still have to parallel park cars???

Bill:

Yes, I am that same Pete with whom you rode back toward Atlanta following your successful participation in the StayinSafe training class.
I thought your face looked vaguely familiar! Good to hear from you.

Since you mention our training program, I'll add that we are looking into the possibilities of expanding our on-road instruction to include a separate 3-wheel curriculum. Part of the decision will be based on whether we think there would be sufficient demand for such an offering, especially since it would NOT include any short cut toward earning an endorsement (StayinSafe/Advanced Rider Training LLC does no certification related to obtaining or upgrading an actual driver's license), which unfortunately is often the only reason for many to take any sort of training.

As I'm sure you are aware, it isn't easy to get riders to spend the time/money engaging in any sort of training, even though it's readily acknowledged that riding a motorcycle is a difficult and challenging activity. Since there is no balance issue with three-wheeled vehicles, making them relatively more stable and therefore easier to ride than a conventional 2-wheeler, I have reservations about how many new or experienced three-wheel operators would find such training attractive.

Thoughts?

Regards,
Pete Tamblyn
Senior Instructor
StayinSafe/Advanced Rider Training LLC

[GeorgiaBill]

Pete:

Like you, I suspect most of us would not be willing to pay for the training on 3 wheels. We appear to be marginally capable and hope time in the saddle will elevate our safety and competence.

I thought the instruction and street riding wisdom you and Larry delivered was so good that I offered to pay for my son to attend, but he wouldn't bite. Every time I overtake a vehicle to my left that is stopped to make a left turn, I am reminded of Larry's admonition - "PRESENT YOURSELF'. Then I slow down/move to the right in case there is an approaching vehicle also turning left that is unable to see me.

Time in the saddle didn't cut it for me with a GL1800/Hannigan sidecar. I had about 18 months with the sidecar attached when I attended the Trike/Sidecar course in Christiansburg, VA. It's over 400 miles and the ride up was still uncomfortable, especially right hand sweepers on the interstate. The ride home was so much smoother and so much more comfortable with a little instruction - and a whole lot safer even though I rode faster.

Bottom line - I suspect many of us need some instruction with street survival wisdom, but are not ready to admit it or pay for it.

Stay Safe.
-Bill

[QUOTE=motoswami;1110626

Bill:

Yes, I am that same Pete with whom you rode back toward Atlanta following your successful participation in the StayinSafe training class.
I thought your face looked vaguely familiar! Good to hear from you.

Since you mention our training program, I'll add that we are looking into the possibilities of expanding our on-road instruction to include a separate 3-wheel curriculum. Part of the decision will be based on whether we think there would be sufficient demand for such an offering, especially since it would NOT include any short cut toward earning an endorsement (StayinSafe/Advanced Rider Training LLC does no certification related to obtaining or upgrading an actual driver's license), which unfortunately is often the only reason for many to take any sort of training.

As I'm sure you are aware, it isn't easy to get riders to spend the time/money engaging in any sort of training, even though it's readily acknowledged that riding a motorcycle is a difficult and challenging activity. Since there is no balance issue with three-wheeled vehicles, making them relatively more stable and therefore easier to ride than a conventional 2-wheeler, I have reservations about how many new or experienced three-wheel operators would find such training attractive.

Thoughts?

Regards,
Pete Tamblyn
Senior Instructor
StayinSafe/Advanced Rider Training LLC[/QUOTE]