If you're thinking about driving a motorcycle for the first time this year, you better think about whether or not you can legally do so first. In order to legally ride a motorcycle, you have to have either a motorcycle permit or a motorcycle license. Here are the options that you have for getting a motorcycle license.
One nice thing about the process of getting a motorcycle license is that there is more than one option for doing so. You can either choose to go directly for your license by taking the rider test, or you can go through an educational course in which you learn important riding skills and safety knowledge.
Before you can do either though, you have to get a motorcycle permit which allows you to legally ride a motorcycle on learning/instructional basis. This permit is not a full fledged license so there are limitations on your driving. For example, you can't drive a motorcycle with a passenger on board. If you have any questions about the limitations you face with permit, check the rules and regulations within your state.
The Motorcycle Safety Course
If you've never driven a motorcycle before and feel that you would benefit from learning important rider skills and safety tips, then perhaps the rider course is the way to go. This type of course is typically held at a local technical college, or their may be held at local businesses. Check around in your area if you cannot find one at a local college. If you live in a bigger city, you will probably have more luck finding one.
During the safety course you will learn many new driving skills that will help you become a better driver in real life. Not only that, but you will also learn many different safety tips and techniques that will help make you safer on the road and more aware of your surroundings while driving.
Upon successful completion of the rider course, you will be presented with you motorcycle license and you will be free to ride wherever and whenever you like.
The Motorcycle Rider Test
If you don't want to mess with taking a rider course because you feel you are experienced enough as it is, then you can go straight to taking your rider test with the local department of transportation in your state. One thing worth mentioning is that many states are eliminating the rider test, ultimately forcing you to go through a rider course in order to get your license.
Typically there will be a written portion of the test and then an actually driving portion of the rider test. In order to get your license you will have to pass both portions. During the rider test you will be evaluated on a number of different riding skills such as starting, braking, signaling, turning, speed, awareness, and motorcycle handling in certain types of specialized turns.