QuestionHi Tom, my name is Austin, I'm 16 years old and am looking to get a street bike. I am looking at 2 bikes in particular, the Honda cbr 250 and the Kawasaki ninja 250. I'm leaning more towards the ninja. I have a few questions as I am new to the world of motorcycles.
1.) I have had my learners permit for over 6 months now and I know I qualify to get my motorcycle license. So my question is do I need my own bike before testing to get my motorcycle license?
2.) What do you have to do in the course in order to get you license? Like do you have to do an online class before you go to the DMV? Do you do a class at the DMV? Is there a written test? How does the driving test work, do you do it at the DMV or what? And once you pass everything you have to do you get your motorcycle license right away or do you have to have like a permit for a while?
Sorry for asking so many questions and I know #2 is more like 10 questions. Thank you so much in advanced for helping me out.
AnswerAustin,
First, let me congratulate you on doing this research so you can make informed decisions regarding motorcycling. You didn't mention whether you have ever ridden a motorcycle previously. In any case, I highly recommend that you take the MSF Basic Rider Course.
Each state's licensing laws are unique to that state. I am most familiar with the New Jersey licensing rules. If you live in NJ I can give you more information. However, let me address some of your questions.
Practically every MSF rider training program supplies the motorcycle for you to take the BRC course. And most state's also accept passing of the BRC a course to grant a motorcycle endorsement to your license and you won't need to take a test at the state DMV. As I said each state is different so your state may vary.
The BRC class is classroom and on range riding exercises. There a 50 question written test from the classroom section and there are 16 riding exercises and a 4 riding evaluations.
How your state handles the licensing for the motorcycle endorsement will be unique to your state. If you do a search for rider training in your state you will likely find many of your questions are answered. If you are from New Jersey I can help a little more definitively.
Good luck and please remember that the BRC licensing class is just the beginning of your rider training. Motorcycle skills development is a lifelong endeavor. A good rider is always looking to improve and polish their skills.
Thank you for the question. I hope I was able to help you.
Tom Wright
