Skills Test on Can Am Spyder

[jthornton]

EXACTLY!

Can you imagine taking a slow, sharp turn and having to keep BOTH feet on the pegs?! What are these people thinking? :dontknow:

Oh, and I forgot to mention. If you attempt to ride away without first putting the kick stand up you FAIL Immediately!

I'm sorry, I just can't talk about it anymore....

It does vary by state and here in MO they changed it not to long ago to be more in line with the national standard whatever that is. I passed the motorcycle test with a perfect score with a GS250, my previous attempt was with a GL1500 and the old test is impossible to pass with a GoldWing as you can not see the tiny cones... I'm glad they changed it to a more sensible test.

John

 

[spydernatic]

Test

Here is a very important hint to pass, each test can be done at the slowest speed possible except the the emergency braking and the last test where you have to get up to a certain speed (15-18 mph) and then do a right and left weave with out touching the brakes.
As for the rest take your time go as slow as you like and make sure the front wheels do not touch the white lines even the cone weaving can be done as slow as you like to make sure you get it exactly right ...I passed with a 100% due to going slow and making sure I was following their instructions.

 

[ARtraveler]

The test will vary from one state to another as well as one DMV test station to another. The test here, in Palmer, took my ex less than 5 minutes. Drive around a marked area. Do a quick stop. Done.

 

[sjcpanther]

Just got back from my road test. The test itself was very easy, but I failed to make a proper right hand turn signal (with my right hand), which is an automatic failure.

There are 5 diagrams in the Motorcycle Handbook, and the instructor picked out 3 of them.

The Serpentine was easy. No problems.

The Pause and Go was easy. No problems.

The Right Turn and Quick Stop is what got me. Failed to properly signal with my right hand. I used the turn signal, which apparently is not good enough.

I will try again in 1 week, and no doubt will pass with flying colors.

Just kind of sucks. The weather is getting nice, and the wife wants to ride. My permit prohibits me from carrying any passengers.

 

[bruiser]

That's strange. I always use the turn signal only except when group riding. Then I use both hand and turn. Most cagers won't know what you're signalling anyway, they may even think you're flipping them off. Did you take an MSF course??? Take it at the local community college and you won't have to take the DMV skills test. You also have the added bonus of a % off your insurance and professional training. Have you ridden before???

 

[OJ UK]

EXACTLY!

Can you imagine taking a slow, sharp turn and having to keep BOTH feet on the pegs?! What are these people thinking? :dontknow:

Oh, and I forgot to mention. If you attempt to ride away without first putting the kick stand up you FAIL Immediately!

I'm sorry, I just can't talk about it anymore....

Ron, please don't do this to yourself.....sharing is fine but we don't wan't you to get over stressed!
Go and take a short nap in a darkened room.

:roflblack:

 

[BajaRon]

It does vary by state and here in MO they changed it not to long ago to be more in line with the national standard whatever that is. I passed the motorcycle test with a perfect score with a GS250, my previous attempt was with a GL1500 and the old test is impossible to pass with a GoldWing as you can not see the tiny cones... I'm glad they changed it to a more sensible test.

John

Years ago the California MC test included 2 circles. An inner circle and an outer circle. You had to enter between the inner and outer circle lines, ride 3 full circuits without touching either the inside or outside lines and exit. With a Goldwing, even if you took the handlebars to the stop and walked the bike around you would end up running outside the outer circle line. Needless to say, you could not take that test on a Goldwing.

I'm sure they have changed it by now.

Just got back from my road test. The test itself was very easy, but I failed to make a proper right hand turn signal (with my right hand), which is an automatic failure.

There are 5 diagrams in the Motorcycle Handbook, and the instructor picked out 3 of them.

The Serpentine was easy. No problems.

The Pause and Go was easy. No problems.

The Right Turn and Quick Stop is what got me. Failed to properly signal with my right hand. I used the turn signal, which apparently is not good enough.

I will try again in 1 week, and no doubt will pass with flying colors.

Just kind of sucks. The weather is getting nice, and the wife wants to ride. My permit prohibits me from carrying any passengers.

Are you stopped when you are making this hand gesture? If you are moving why would they want you to take your right hand off of the throttle and away from the front brake (on most 2 wheeled vehicles)? This is not a safe way to ride.

Ron, please don't do this to yourself.....sharing is fine but we don't wan't you to get over stressed!
Go and take a short nap in a darkened room.

:roflblack:

Great advise! Now where is my pillow and my Bankie!?

 

[sjcpanther]

Years ago the California MC test included 2 circles. An inner circle and an outer circle. You had to enter between the inner and outer circle lines, ride 3 full circuits without touching either the inside or outside lines and exit. With a Goldwing, even if you took the handlebars to the stop and walked the bike around you would end up running outside the outer circle line. Needless to say, you could not take that test on a Goldwing.

I'm sure they have changed it by now.



Are you stopped when you are making this hand gesture? If you are moving why would they want you to take your right hand off of the throttle and away from the front brake (on most 2 wheeled vehicles)? This is not a safe way to ride.



I believe they did mean the left hand for the right turn. And yes, it's while the bike is moving. I'm so confused now it's ridiculous! They put signal lights on the Spyder. That's what we all use anyway.

 

[sjcpanther]

Thinking more about this, you would have to use your right hand to signal, because the clutch is at your left.

In that case, a straight out signal with the right hand should have been correct, as a signal with the elbow bent and hand straight up would signify a left hand turn.

I do believe I was screwed.

 

[Goblyn Gyrl]

NC TEST

I live in NC and my test was just like yours. The weave was a little difficult just because I had to start with my ffront tire directly beside the first cone. My course was set the same as for a 2 wheeler in a very narrow space. I knew beforehand about doing a hand signal. I was on the left of the cones and had to signal to turn right, round the cones and come back. I used my left arm to signal. I actually had trouble because I was going too fast and could not make the tight turn around the cones due to limited space, I had to reverse and then finish. I still passed. Good luck, next time will be easy now that you know what to expect.

 

[xGreenxMeaniex]

Took my test two weeks ago- super easy, did not have to weave through the cones- had to make a left turn and come around and stop with my right tire inside a white square- (well since our tires are so big I only had to not go out of the square), then had to do a right uturn and the braking part, which I got points deducted as I did not brake in the right space.

Then the obstacle weave was easy. I passed it!

Geez if they had made me do a hand gesture I woulda failed for sure. Hahaha, only one I know is one he would not have liked to see!!:doorag:

 

[Oldmanzues]

Here in East Tennessee the test is grueling!

1st, you have to get on your Spyder and start it up.

Then you have to ride down the street (with the DMV person watching) and make a U-Turn on a single lane road WITHOUT TAKING EITHER FOOT OFF THE FOOT PEGS!!!! :yikes:

If you can do this, you pass! Oh my WORD! The sheer stress of these unreasonable requirements are more than most can bear!

This test sounds like I had to take many years ago. I was in the USAF in LA. Ohio said, I had to take their test to get a m?c on my Ohio license. I did. I drove around a little parking lot a couple times, stopped when a car came in. I passed with 100% then Ohio decided I did not need the M endorsement, because my license had been valid when I went in. At the time Ohio license was valid until you got out of the USAF. License expried in 1967, renewed in 1983. Got a few funny look at check points, but no problems. Like you I had to drink a few...... cokes. Oldmanzues

 

[sjcpanther]

I live in NC and my test was just like yours. The weave was a little difficult just because I had to start with my ffront tire directly beside the first cone. My course was set the same as for a 2 wheeler in a very narrow space. I knew beforehand about doing a hand signal. I was on the left of the cones and had to signal to turn right, round the cones and come back. I used my left arm to signal. I actually had trouble because I was going too fast and could not make the tight turn around the cones due to limited space, I had to reverse and then finish. I still passed. Good luck, next time will be easy now that you know what to expect.

Were you driving a Semi Automatic, or a Manual?

i probably was told to use my right hand because I have an SEM.

 

[Goblyn Gyrl]

NC Test

I have a Semi auto. I have no idea why you would use right hand. Left is used for cars and bicycles, it is much more visible for those behind you. Also why would you remove your hand from the throttle. I think left is correct. I am sure you can ask before your test just to make sure. My tester was very confused by the Spyder plus he was being supervised. I had to do every single test item even though there was no real reason for some of them on the Spyder.
If I was you I would ask the tester what they want to guarantee you pass next time. I think you are going to breeze through the test now that you know what to expect.

 

[SPYDERGUY1]

OOOOOOO, I like that pic in your avatar thingy, would love to ride that curvy roadway....................

 

[SPYDERGUY1]

way back when Getting a bike license was easy and hard, you had to do the pilons, uphill/downhill start stop, emergency braking, without locking up the tires,the final test was an emergengy brake in front of the instructor at lower speeds, IF YOU PASSED ALL THE OTHER TESTS, AND touched the instructor ( or the non/free zone ) INSTANT FAIL.... Reading the posts on this are funny, putting your feet down on a three wheeler, I am unable to see that, other than a definitive mindset. have never had that response, am more than happy to keep both feet on the pegs and snicker when beside a 2 wheeler and they kind of look at ya funny. HOWEVER if you want to go, well then game on. Sorry for the rambling. ( hence the new rear tire ) , good luck to all those trying to get their license/endorsement, take it easy, bee cool, it will work.

 

[flaggerphil]

In Florida they have a course for a three-wheel motorcycle endorsement (you can only drive trikes and sidecar setups with it) and my wife took it in November (I've had a motorcycle license for years). It was a two day course and they tailored it for trikes...both standard and Spyders. You could use one of their rigs or your own...she used my RT. It was a great course with lots of time on the bike and she loved it. After she was done she just had to take her paperwork to dmv and got her endorsement.

I just wish they'd come up with an advanced course. THAT would be cool...

 

[lyonsden]

My MC license was really hard to get. Back when I was 16 and got my drivers license if you paid an extra $2 they would add the "M". Had it ever since. I kept it even though I didn't have a motorcycle for 25 years. I figured you just never know, and then the Spyder came along and the rest is history.:yes:

 

[tofriendscreek]

In Illinois the skills tests are identical, whether 2 or 3 wheeled. The only difference is the cones are wider for the 3 wheelers. Avoidance, hard braking, turning, backing, etc., had to done within or without touching the lines accordingly.

In preparation for my test I went to a nearby vacant parking lot and replicated the course found at the State DMV. I used partially filled 1/2 gallon jugs for cones and a little chalk to draw the various lines. I practiced the maneuvers till I was ready. Worked out well for me = perfect score.

 

[solidgranite]

NC Spyder Skills Test

I took the skills test on my Spyder yesterday at the local DMV office. It was a breeze. They had to make the cones wide enough to accomodate the Spyder. I have the SE-5 tranny and the instructor waived the exercise to shift from 1st to 2nd gear because the parking lot was so small, I couldn't get up enough speed to shift gears. The test was very easy IMO. I had taken a 3 wheel course for 2 days several weeks ago and it was much more involved.

I'm getting my RT SE5 in 2-3 weeks, and will need to take the skills test here in Northeastern NC. Looks like I'll have to explain a few things to the tester...like no shifting, and the width of the trike. I'm hopeful that they'll be accommodating because, as you know, my trike won't fit through the cones set up for a 2 wheeler. I'm looking into courses for 3 wheelers, but haven't found any locally yet...only 2 wheel courses. I'll have to keep looking because I want the course cert. so I can get a break on my insurance.