motorcycle endorsement

[NancysToy]

I would like to join put in my thoughts on the license....
Here in Calif., any 3 -wheeled motorcycle only requires a regular driver's license. No restrictions on passengers, etc. So...what if you drive over the State line; will other States be cool with not having a special m-1 or m-2 license? I decided to push my 50 yr old self a little bit. Got my permit and completed my Motorcycle safety course last weekend (2 wheels are just scary, except my pink minibike). In a few weeks, I will have the M-1 lic. that should satisfy everyone. The DMV here would not allow me to take the driving test on a 3 wheeled bike and I was not going to buy or rent a 2 wheeled bike for learning/testing purposes. The safety course offered in Calif. (cost) includes the use of a bike that meets DMV requirements.

As I understand it, the states are supposed to follow the licensing requirements of the driver's state of residence, if the vehicle being driven is licensed in that same state. That doesn't mean there won't be hassles, questions, or poorly informed cops. Maybe even just some plain mean ones. On the other hand, vehicle and operator safety equipment requirements follow the state laws where you are driving. If your state doesn't require a helmet, and you venture into one that does, better be wearing that skid lid.

-Scotty

 

[trikester]

In California if it has three wheels it is still a motorcycle but does not have to have the endorsement, only a drivers license. All other motorcycle rules apply (helmet etc.) including being able to drive in the carpool lanes.

 

[Derwin]

I was wondering if somebody could help me out. I live in the Chicago, Illinois area, and I still need to take the "driving test" to obtain my official motorcycle endorsement on my drivers license. Well, I was wondering if the secretary of state of Illinois will allow us to take the driving test using the Spyder itself, or are we required to use a conventional 2-wheeled motorcycle?

If anybody knows for certain, please let me know. Thanks.

Derwin

 

[Director]

I was wondering if somebody could help me out. I live in the Chicago, Illinois area, and I still need to take the "driving test" to obtain my official motorcycle endorsement on my drivers license. Well, I was wondering if the secretary of state of Illinois will allow us to take the driving test using the Spyder itself, or are we required to use a conventional 2-wheeled motorcycle?

If anybody knows for certain, please let me know. Thanks.

Derwin

Hi Derwin. The Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual states as follows:
"To accommodate applicants whose vehicles have more than two wheels (i.e.,
sidecar, trike) but are registered as motorcycles, the ALMOST test will be
modified by waiving certain driving exercises. If you test on a three-wheeled
vehicle, a J-11 restriction (three-wheeled motorcycle only) will be added until
completion of a two-wheeled test."
If you Google "Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual" you can download the whole thing. It looks like you will receive a restricted motorcycle operator's licence by testing on the Spyder. :doorag:

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[LittleJohn]

Heres a link to the aforementioned manual
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x1406.pdf

 

[Derwin]

Wow! Thanks, fella's. :bigthumbsup: I appreciate the super-fast help on that! :2cool:

Well, it looks like I'll only be allowed to ride my Spyder. But that's fine....I never intended on getting a 2-wheeled motorcycle anyway. Again, thank you so much for the help. :a18:

Derwin

 

[morgcl]

Wow! Thanks, fella's. :bigthumbsup: I appreciate the super-fast help on that! :2cool:

Well, it looks like I'll only be allowed to ride my Spyder. But that's fine....I never intended on getting a 2-wheeled motorcycle anyway. Again, thank you so much for the help. :a18:

Derwin

me and you both on the three wheeler.

florida only made me do an emergency stop and a crash avoidance move.

 

[Derwin]

me and you both on the three wheeler.

florida only made me do an emergency stop and a crash avoidance move.

So you actually took the test using the Spyder? What was the reaction of the SOS employee?? ;D

It sounds like the test is pretty easy. Well, I can't wait until my SE5 arrives. This is real torture hearing all of the stories of guys that already have their Spyder, and I know mine won't be here for months down the road. :cus: Sometimes I think about the looooooong summer ahead waiting to get my call from the Spyder Dealer, and I just can't take it! Oh, well, I just had to let that out. Please forgive me! I'm actually really excited about getting the Spyder, it's just the waiting part I can't stomach. :barf:

Derwin

 

[Star Cruiser]

That is very interesting. I am a motorcycle instructor and examiner for the Province of Ontario, and I will be curious to see how we handle the first Spyder test here too. It is licensed as a motorcycle, but it will be far too wide for a number of our test manouevres as well.
Congratulations on getting your license. :bigthumbsup:
Cheers,
Bruce

Bruce,
Ontario MOT will not allow you to obtain your "M" endorsment using the Spyder. You must use two wheels. I guess it makes sense because once you have the "M" designation you are allowed to ride all motorcycles. Not sure why they don't have a three wheel only restriction, but they don't

 

[rkteck]

Arizona

In Arizona he looked at it then scratched his head a bit. He finally decided to have me take the "trike" test. No cone weaving just emergency stop, U-turn and obstacle avoidance.
They ended up putting a restriction on my motorcycle license that limits me to 3 wheels. If I want the restriction removed, I have to re-take the test on 2 wheels.
When my wife went for the test, they forgot to put the restriction on her license.

 

[spyderbitten]

Looks like you need to have a licensed escort.
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilc...eqEnd=72100000&ActName=Illinois+Vehicle+Code.


(625 ILCS 5/6‑105) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 6‑105)
Sec. 6‑105. Instruction permits and temporary licenses for persons 18 years of age or older.
(a) Except as provided in this Section, the Secretary of State upon receiving proper application and payment of the required fee may issue an instruction permit to any person 18 years of age or older who is not ineligible for a license under paragraphs 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, or 8 of Section 6‑103, after the applicant has successfully passed such examination as the Secretary of State in his discretion may prescribe.
1. An instruction permit entitles the holder while having the permit in his immediate possession to drive a motor vehicle, excluding a motor driven cycle or motorcycle, upon the highways for a period of 12 months after the date of its issuance when accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older, who has had a valid driver's license classification to operate such vehicle for at least one year and has had one year of driving experience with such classification and who is occupying a seat beside the driver.
2. A 12 month instruction permit for a motor driven cycle or motorcycle Tmay be issued to a person 18 years of age or more, and entitles the holder to drive upon the highways during daylight under the direct supervision of a licensed motor driven cycle operator or motorcycle operator with the same or greater classification, who is 21 years of age or older and who has at least one year of driving experience.

This must be 4 wheel vehicles only.

 

[spyderbitten]

I tested in Missouri. You can drive unacompanied with a learners permit.

The test was a series of approx 75ft of straight travel through an area

marked with traffic cones. This area was widened for the Spyder (from

about 18"). DMV officer measured the width (58" i believe), then added

14". This allows 7" clearance on each side for the straight ahead exam.

Then a slalom course which they do not widen and the Spyder will not

turn short enough to complete successfully (2 cones knocked over

is 10 point penalty). Then you do an acceleration/braking test. 0 to a

minimum 15mph in about 20ft, shift to 2nd, remove hand from clutch,

downshift to 1st, remove hand from clutch, then stop without hitting

cones at end of course (about 70ft altogether). I averaged 19mph

on this portion. That will get you licensed in Missouri. I lost 10pts, passed

with a 90pct.:2thumbs:

 

[patches]

I went to the DMV here with my old CA license and said, I needed a new one for NC. NC laws let you have a permit for 18 months. Just can't ride a passenger is all. So I ask about the test and what they do, they said, if you bike will not pass, you will not pass. Go find or rent a 2 wheel bike and come back to take the test.
To me, that seems a bit odd. I have a license from another state, it is ovboius I have ridden for many years but they want to act like I am an idiot. The only other solution I have found in NC is to take the silly courses at a local comm college. It cost around 100 bucks and it last all day Saturday. I can take the Spyder or use one of thiers. Once completed, you get your license. No test required. Anyone else in NC try this?

 

[Magic Man]

Here in NY you have to get a motorcycle license. However if you take your test on a three wheeler it has a "3 wheel restriction" on it so you can only drive trikes.

MM

 

[Buelldog]

RENT A TRAILER?!! Why didn't I think of that? That is the perfect solution. Thanks. :a18:

Derwin

Why not ask your Spyder salesman to be there for you....most dealer salesmen are avid riders!

 

[Smylinacha]

They (DMV) should adapt the Spyder video with that obstacle course on it. I have to look up the laws here but I don't think you can take the test for an MC license on a :spyder:because I don't think they let you get your MC license on a trike either.

 

[shunkmanitu]

NAS Pensacola/base pass/MSF course

Also when I was checking on base with the guys teaching the MSF course they told me there was a trike (conventional and Spyder) in the works, they did some pilot courses back last fall at Herlong airport so that course is in the works. He says those of us that already have MSF certs and previous owners will probably be "grandfathered"......I'm thinkin for funsies I wanna go do the course since I've been going to NAS and playing on the current course layout made for 2-wheelers....kinda fun. ;D :spyder:

I called NAS Pensacola and they said they treat it like a car for their pass office. This is good since I can no longer find a card from any of the previous courses (basic, advanced, and one track course) and I really did not want to mount a CB-250 to do it again.

In Florida if you have the two-wheel endorsement you can ride anything, if you take the test/course on a three wheeler you are limited to that.

As a member of the Honda Rider's Club I could take the MSF course of my choice every few years and they would reimburse for it. We need to convince BRP to work out a similar deal through their sponsored group.

 

[Oldmanzues]

Ohio Endorsement

The Examiners office told me that you must obtain a "learners permit" by first taking the "laws test at a exam station, then getting the three wheel, not two wheel endorsement permit. I think it good for a year (forgot to ask). it allows you to ride on your own with restrictions (of course), Then you have to schedule a "road test" at the exam station. They said, they modify a two wheel course to fit three wheels. (Wonder how long it takes to do the slow ride on a Spyder ?)
If you obtain a two wheel permit, you will have to take the test on two wheels. A two wheel endorement allos you to ride either.
It is "interesting, since Ohio law states a motorcycle is any three or two wheel vehicle. A modped (50cc engine or less comes under a different heading.

Hope this helps.

Old Man Zues

 

[irish2themax]

In West Virginia the Learner's Permit allows you to operate the Spyder with the following restrictions...1) no night operation, and 2) no passengers. Other than that, you can take it anywhere and get used to it before taking the test. The license you get is restricted to 3-wheelers. They don't use the 2-wheeler course. They put you on the road and follow you to make their decision

About 1.5 miles from me is an all but abandoned shopping center that I used/use to "play" with my Spyder. Another good place are school parking lots on weekends.

 

[zzneonzz]

Guess we have the easiest here in TN. The road test is driving around the parking lot obeying the stop signs and using turn signals as long as you don't fall off or hit anyone you will pass. Same test as 2 wheels here and they will usually just give you the M endorsement instead of the Trike endorsement