Beginner Riders: Motorcycle License Tips
The process of getting licensed to ride can be both nerve-wracking and arduous, and the differences from state to state (even from county to county!) can differ dramatically in terms of what a new rider must do to demonstrate their two-wheeled competency.
We’ve compiled some tips and hints to help prepare you for the process of getting your license that should apply to most would-be riders in all states.
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First Steps
To start down the path of becoming a licensed rider, there are usually a couple of different ways to go about it. One option is to hit the local DMV and pass what’s usually a pretty rudimentary written test to get you a learner’s permit so you can begin practicing. There will usually be restrictions placed on when you can ride (daylight hours), where you can ride (not on freeways), and with whom you can ride (no passengers), but it’s enough to get you out honing your skills. Check your local requirements though because some states call for more than just a written test before hitting the road, even just to practice.
The better option is to sign up for a Motorcycle Safety Foundations (MSF) course. This will allow you to be taught proper techniques, help you avoid developing bad habits, and the courses are often set up where they provide the motorcycle. Best of all, they will have certified evaluators test you and provide your endorsement approval on the spot.
Practice, Practice, Practice some more
In some jurisdictions, more than one-third of the applicants fail their first riding test. On the one hand, if this happens to you, don’t sweat it, just suck it up and try again. On the other hand, regular, consistent practice will help improve your odds of success considerably.
Low-speed manoeuvres tend to be the trickiest to master for new riders. Working on figure-eights and U-turns in a big, open parking lot can do a lot to build a rider’s low-speed comfort and competency. If you’re working with pylons (or even red Solo cups) to simulate the markers that are used on courses and some tests, remember to keep your eyes up and look where you want to go—not at the markers.
Thanks to nerves, riders often execute these moves so slowly that they look shaky and nervous, but rolling on a bit more speed will help the bike work with momentum and execute the moves more smoothly. The best low-speed trick is to smoothly drag the rear brake which helps load up tension in the motorcycle and balance it. Again, this is the sort of thing that’s great to practice when there’s no time constraints or stress of others around, giving plenty of time to just increase your comfort in the saddle.
Throw in some slalom riding and emergency braking practice and you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the riding test.
Before the Test
A bit of extra preparation can go a long way toward giving you an easier go of your actual riding test. Plan to wear the same riding gear you’ve grown comfortable with (remember: all the gear, all the time!), and check that forecast. If it’s calling for cool temperatures or rain, dress appropriately, since being cold and wet can make it really tough to concentrate.
Taking the test in a more relaxed state is better than a frantic one. Go into the exam well-rested, and make sure you’re not hungry, thirsty, or in need of a bathroom break, since all of those aspects can be big distractions too.
Most evaluators will check to ensure your motorcycle is in compliance with state laws, including mirrors, functioning lights, and that it’s generally in a good, safe state of repair. Having a battery that runs out of juice or a bike that runs out of gas during the test is not going to help you pass the test. And make sure you know where all the motorcycle’s controls are. Author’s Note: During my evaluation, the tester asked me to demonstrate the four-way flashers (not every bike has them).
Showing up on time and treating your evaluator with consideration and respect is always a smart move, too
The Moment of Truth
The riding tests vary wildly. In some jurisdictions, an evaluator will stand in the parking lot and ask the rider to demonstrate some basic skills, maybe riding up and down the road a bit, and make a determination. Most places are more stringent and will equip the rider with a headset so that they can be given instructions from the evaluator following in a car.
The obvious evaluation points that can make or break a test are whether or not the rider obeys the laws of the road. Speeding will certainly get penalized, and traffic violations like running a red light or stop sign, or having a preventable collision are likely to be an automatic failure. Many testers will fail a rider if they drop the bike, too, since it shows lack of control over the machine.
Other areas evaluators are watching are less obvious, but can quickly add up to a failure with too many misses. When stopped, testers will be looking to ensure the brake light remains illuminated the entire time the bike is stopped. Other times evaluators will be looking to see if a rider shifts mid-turn when rounding a corner (instead of executing the shift before or after the turn).
Lane selection and blocking position are other factors testers watch for. MSF courses will teach proper lane positioning and blocking for the rider’s safety, and riders will be expected to demonstrate that during the ride.
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Lastly, one of the most important things a rider can do to help ensure success is to keep his or her head moving frequently. The tester wants to know that you’re observant of your surroundings and obvious head movements can show the evaluator that you’re paying attention to what’s happening around you, checking your blind spots, and your mirrors. To help ensure the tester notices your head movements, affix a vertical strip of reflective tape to the back of your helmet to make the movements appear more obvious.
Tests are never fun, and certainly getting your motorcycle license has some tense moments, but you can do it, and the pay-off of years of safe and happy riding make the effort well worthwhile.
Jeff Wilson
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