Skill and test rides

[RiskyBusiness]

Do any of you all have links that describe what type of tests different states require a person to take to get a cycle license? What about links to pages that have skill tests, exercises, etc?

I went over to a local school last night and practiced slow speed maneuvers and I really enjoyed the exercise. I was wondering if others have courses or exercises that they have found useful.

[Snow]

http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/handbook...l#anchor209253

In Florida (at least in Tallahassee), at the DMV they have a part of the parking lot they reserve every week for one day for M/C tests and have painted all of the lines and such on the pavement, very good for practicing for the test.

[beechfront]

my test has been the 2000 + miles i've ridden in the last year.

i know, shame on me.

[schpiff]

Wisconsin has a 2 part test.. (at least in portage and beaver dam)you are tested on the "mini" course (dodge the cones) and then on the road test...I took mine on a ?84 virago and the cone test was a !@@# cuz 1st gear at an idle was kinda too fast..(lotsa clutch) after my road test the examiner asked me how long i have been riding..so I told him the truth.."since I was about 7, only taking the stupid test cuz I got busted without a cycle license" I know ..dumb but....
The funny part was during my test on the road some "blue" hair lady decided to "share a lane with me" not really thinking at the moment as I saw what she was gonna do, I nailed it and got in front of her. As I think back, as we were in pretty heavy traffic..with no time to warn the cars behind me it was probably the best move... And when the examiner said thru the ear peice to head back to the "office" I was sure I blew it....I got my helmet off and he just kinda looked at me for what seemed like forever then he said lets go take your picture...WHEW!!

[dAMIAn-78]

http://www.rider-ed.com/

A nice saftey course that gets you a waiver for a road test, The course instructors actually test you. What surprised me was the fact that the beginners course had some expierenced riders in it, like they say bad habits are hard to break. They seemed to have the most trouble adjusting the way they rode, to the applied techniques of the saftey course. there are more advanced courses but requirements must be met to attend them. even the basic saftey course, I recommend.

[sksxs1100]

here i took the riding test on a full dress harley(step mom layed down her sportster 2 weeks before the test) Here in Tx, i had to bring a person in a cage to follow behind me as we went out on the road. 1 honk to turn right, two to turn left. went around a few blocks and that was it. no cones, no panic stops.. no stops on a hill...

[wpc57]

Here in ILLINOIS, at least here in DOWN STATE, Its the dodge the cone test and a written test. No Road. Oh and 1st gear at idle is to fast but they have you shift gears in the test here and come to a panic stop. Very nerve racking. We also have to levels if Liceneses(sp) moped up to 650cc and 650cc and above. (more or less) the lighter the bike is the better as itis taken on the parking lot at most locations.

[xssiveone]

IIRC, when I did mine I had a written for a learner's permit, then after a period of time I could come back and do the road test. It consisted of a walk thru the serpentine cones pushing the bike(thank goodness I brought my buddies Honda 175!!), then a ride thru the cones, and then a fast, straight run, stopping at a predetermined point demonstrating proper braking technique. This was followed by the examiner standing on a corner watching you drive thru traffic around several blocks in a figure 8 pattern. Never could figure THAT one out as they could only see you for about 2 turns and one straighaway but that's the Ontario government. Now I understand that they give you a headset and reciever and follow you, directing you where and when to turn.

[beechfront]

I know here in nebraska it all depends where you take the test. in the smaller towns they just follow you around the block and if you can turn corners and stop at stop signs you pass. In lincoln/omaha I am told the tests are much more difficult.

[Tiger9]

Amazing how things have changed.
My licence test (1978) was a ride around the block. I later ended up doing licences testing - in default of the proper roads authority - and made learners ride up the road, do a u-turn, back past me, through the shops / traffic then back to out car park where they had to do feet-up U turns and a figure 8. The blokes I worked with generally just wrote the licence out - that was early 80's.
Now, we've got pre-licence written tests and training both off-road and on. Learners get in small groups with instructors front and rear and go for a bit of a tour. Much better, but a bit daunting for some (like my wife, who I just can't convince).

cheers

[fusionking]

I took mine in early march with about 3'' of sleet on the roads back in '78. It was a couple of days before I had to move to CA. The dude just looked at like I was joking and told me to ride around the block. He just watched out the 3rd floor window and BS'd with my dad while on my DT250 I slid around the block. Needless to say passed with flying colors. I didn't bother telling him I'd allready rode 9 miles to get there. When I got to CA. the army made me take MDDC . It was a very good safety course with a lot of good tips & it lasted all day. I still use a lot of things I learned there. Garry

[rtucker5612]

I took my test in Tennessee last year - first a written (computer) knowledge test, then the road test. I passed the written with no problems - went out for the road test - the examiner took down my license plate number, then said, "I'll be in that van over there testing a kid for their license - just follow us." No way the examiner could see me! When we returned, the kid asked the examiner how she determined that I passed - she said that I didn't fall down and I made it back! What a farce!

[REFFI]

Licensing tests

In California there is a written and a riding test involving cones, fixed radius circles and "high" speed stops. The best way to get licensed is to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic course. Out here, the DMV comes to the "final" exam and licenses you based on your performance and the instructor's recommendation. No DMV hassle with lines. Plus, everything they teach you in the MSF is useful and will save your life. Remember the countersteering thread?

Ralph

[KNOCKER]

Here in Maryland there is a 2 part test. A written test (computerized) as well as a riding test, which consists of left and right turns,slow ride, braking, ride between lines without going outside (about 8" apart),upshifing and down shifting, and a turn around within a 10' box without putting your feet down. The state also requires riders under 18 to have a motorcycle saftey course given by the state, at which at the end they will test you for the riding part.(They also provide the bikes I believe they are of the Honda Rebel 250 type.
All riders reguardless of age must have a learners permit for a minimum of 4 months, the permit holder can only ride with a licensed rider over 21 and who has had a motorcycle license for more than 3 years. The licensed rider can either be on the bike or in close proximity.
Sorry to ramble on!