Senior motorcycle riders should become familiar with what a motorcycle license is, as well as which vehicles a motorbike license allows them to drive. Essentially, the motorcycle drivers license allows riders to operate either a two- or three-wheel motorcycle within their given states. Although the process for obtaining a license for motorcycle riding is similar to that of the standard car and truck licensing procedures in each state, the process may vary throughout the U.S. Generally, the process to receive a senior motorcycle license will involve safety courses within a classroom and a closed course, along with written tests. Once a senior rider has completed this process, his or her DMV motorcycle license will allow him or her to operate either a two- or three-wheel bike, depending upon the initial application and subsequent courses completed. Continue on to the sections below to review more information about how and where to get motorcycle license credentials.
How to Apply for a Motorcycle License Learners Permit
The motorcycle license is available to any biker over the age of 16 who has completed the required application and has exemplified riding ability within either a learners course or a road skills test. Senior applicants for full bike licenses should note that although their age may exempt them from taking a learner’s course, other aspects within the application process will still apply. All applicants will be required to complete the following in order to first receive a learner’s permit before a full license:
- Apply for a learners permit – This is a required form that will depend upon the state in which a senior citizen is applying for motorbike licensure. Learners permits and motorcycle license online availability is unlikely; prepare to complete these requirements in person at the DMV.
- Pay the learners permit form processing fee – This will affect the motorcycle license cost, depending on the state of application. This is a processing fee paid to the state’s DMV office in order to proceed to the next part of the application after receiving a learner permit.
- Complete a vision test – Motorcycle license applicants of all ages must complete this test in order to gauge visual acuity. A wall chart placed 20 feet away from the examinee will be used to measure his or her ability to read off each letter from the chart as they become smaller in succession. Although each state will have different vision requirements in order to receive a drivers license for motorcycle riding, any senior driver who fails this exam will not be able to obtain a learners permit.
- Complete a written motorcycle knowledge test – This is the final step for getting your motorcycle license learners permit as a senior citizen in the United States. You must pass this test, and will then be given a choice to either immediately take a driven skills test or apply for learner’s courses.
Within each application for motorcycle licensing, every U.S. state builds content promoting safe driving techniques which also aims to educate senior bikers on state laws. As such, before receiving a drivers license for motorcycle riding, all senior applicants will be required to demonstrate knowledge on motorcycle safety, whether it is through a learner’s course or a driven examination. Specifically, when completing a motorbike driving license form, the learner’s permit will provide for limitations to the rider’s privileges as he or she learns to ride. Learning senior riders may only operate a motorcycle during the hours of sunrise to sunset. Additionally, seniors may only ride under the supervision of another licensed driver and may not carry passengers unless these passengers are certified instructors.
How do I obtain a full senior motorcycle license?
For those seniors wondering where to get motorcycle license tests done after receiving a learners permit, there are two choices available to complete the application process for a full bike license: immediately schedule a road skills test or register for a Basic Rider Course. Senior riders should note that the Basic Rider Course to receive a motorcycle drivers license may be free for state residents, and can be completed in as little as two weeks. However, some states may charge a fee to complete the learner’s courses for both in-state and out-of-state students.
The former option is appropriate for experienced riders who want to receive their Class M motorcycle license credentials quickly, as it is the most immediate option. This motorcycle licensing option may be applicable to riders who have been licensed in another country and are now driving in the United States or those who have been self-taught or educated by a friend/family member. Upon successful completion of the driven road skills test, senior riders may begin riding right away.
The latter option for getting your motorcycle license credentials will be completed through a Motorcycle Safety Program (MSP) course that will benefit you if you are still learning to ride. Your selected state will provide a set of Motorcycle Safety Program courses that educate on safety, basic maneuvers and allows for in-class and on-the-road training. Once you have completed a basic MSP course, you will be able to waive the driven road skills test and immediately receive a motorcycle drivers license after paying the applicable fees. This test is waived by presenting the Certificate of Completion card that the MSP course will award you.
Note that motorcycle licensing and motorcycle registration should go hand-in-hand if you plan to operate your own motorcycle as soon as you are properly licensed.