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Post by zhan on Dec 23, 2014 3:03:59 GMT -5
Hi folks! I'm in my mid 40's and I've been riding motorized 2 wheelers for the last 28 years. I've never bothered to get my motorcycle endorsement on my drivers license and I've never had a problem. Of course I've never been pulled over on a bike either. I've talked with other motorcycle / scooter riders and it seems most of them haven't bothered with the motorcycle endorsement either. I've heard that if pulled over it's a minor citation for driving without a motorcycle license (So long as you have a valid driver license). I'm just curious as to how many people on this forum actually took the test and got their endorsement. Please share. And don't be bashful about telling me how foolish I am for not getting it. For the record; Yes, I am that lazy. The DMV here is a painful experience. Long lines. Huge waits. It's an all day production just to get the simplest things accomplished there. I keep telling myself that one day I'll bite the bullet and go take the test. But the last time I got up the gumption to go down there, I found it was a 4 hour wait just to get to take the test. I wasn't willing. I'd rather just get the ticket if pulled over. Cheers!  |
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Post by SylvreKat on Dec 23, 2014 8:06:38 GMT -5
Since I'd never driven two wheels before, and had only ridden once or twice, I took the MSF beginner's class. That pretty much covered the test for the DMV. Renewed my license with the M endorsement, because that's what I'm supposed to have to drive my scooter.
I think some DMVs take appointments for the tests. You might look into that. Or else take some vacation hours from work one morning and do it first thing.
>'Kat
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Post by JerryScript on Dec 23, 2014 8:17:02 GMT -5
Here in Nevada, if you take the MSF course, the DMV waives the test. It's a long two day course costing around $150, but well worth it for riders of any experience level. Most MSF courses provide the bikes for the course, you just have to show up with the proper safety gear (call ahead and find out their requirements, usually helmet, boots, gloves, and jacket), and a valid standard drivers license. It is pretty hard to fail the MSF course, the instructors are dedicated riders who actually want you to learn and pass.
Note- Here in Nevada, as in most states, whatever you take the test on determines your endorsement, doesn't matter if the test is at the DMV or the MSF. If you take the test on a scooter, you often will not get a full motorcycle endorsement (varies state to state).
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Post by shalomdawg on Dec 23, 2014 16:21:47 GMT -5
howdy, the op didn't specify what state or location but i know from where i live in oregon, you can go outside the metropolitan area and find dmv office with no wait or very minimal wait. i also see the notice of test appointments which should minimise the wait.
lotsa miles and smiles to ya
ken
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Post by zhan on Dec 23, 2014 18:27:42 GMT -5
I live in Arizona. Possibly one of the worst states in the union for trying to get business done with the state. I looked it up online and the only appointments the DMV makes are for CDL license testing. I could indeed take one of the classes that the state accepts as good for the motorcycle endorsement. I've looked into those as well. They run about $250 here. I haven't been willing to pay up. It's something like $15 or $20 to take the test at the DMV. One of these days I'll just bite the bullet and bring a lunch box with sandwiches, drinks, and a crossword puzzle book and just spend the day waiting at the DMV for the test. Maybe even get there at 8am when the door opens and try to be the 1st in line. =)
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 23, 2014 20:17:40 GMT -5
Zhan,
I'm not much help on this one, since I got my MC license in Illinois around 1968... That's when the state figured out they could make a bunch of money making licensed drivers get "new" motorcycle licenses... LOL! When I moved to Texas back in 1977, the state just added the MC endorsement by virtue of my IL license and I've kept it ever since.
The problem I envision is that should you have an accident, most likely your INSURANCE would fink-out on you, claiming you weren't covered because you weren't a licensed motorcycle driver. That could bring about a nasty legal problem should someone sue you... ESPECIALLY a passenger on your scoot.
These days, everybody is looking for a way into your pocketbook... Like the old Arab story that if you let the camel get his nose under the tent, pretty soon you'll have the whole camel in there with you... LOL!
Just my thoughts,
Leo (ridin' on a REALLY old MC license) in Texas
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Post by rustic on Dec 23, 2014 22:47:40 GMT -5
I started with a 50cc in Wisconsin, no license was required. When I wanted to trade up to a 125, the dealer would not allow me to take a test ride without the mc endorsement or a mc learner's permit. The learners permit is a written test and was not a big hassle. After the required length of time with the learner's permit I took the road test and got the endorsement. When I applied for insurance on the 125, I had the mc endorsement
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Post by rockynv on Dec 24, 2014 0:26:53 GMT -5
The severity of punishment for riding without depends on where you live and the situation. When I took the MSF course here in Tampa Bay Florida almost half of those taking the course were there to get their endorsement to get their bikes out of police impound because an officer randomly ran their plate and found the registered owner was not properly licensed to ride in Florida. Insurance companies can deny coverage to unlicensed riders who get into accidents for both liability and medical coverage. If your in the military it could lead to disciplinary action or even dishonorable discharge depending on the situation.
Here in Florida the State has turned over the motorcycle road testing to MSF and no longer gives them themselves so if you pass the 2 day MSF course they certify you so its usually 15 minutes to get your picture took and endorsement processed by the DMV.
Why fool around. Take the MSF course and you will be benefited with a legal ticket to ride and learning the best riding practices to follow. Even veteran riders who take the course come out the better for it.
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Post by zhan on Dec 24, 2014 2:32:56 GMT -5
You guys are probably right. I can't even join scooter clubs here because they require that you have the motorcycle endorsement on your license. It's one of my bucket list items to check off to ride in a scooter gang. LOL! I'm between jobs right now, and I really don't have any great excuse not to just go down to the DMV and sit around waiting to take the test. I simply detest the idea of wasting an entire day just to satisfy the state. Oh well, I guess I'll do it. You're right about the insurance. If in an accident of any kind there will be a denial of payment just due to the fact that the rider of the bike wasn't endorsed by the state to ride. I know because I actually work in the insurance industry. LOL! But like Thomas Jefferson, I believe that a little revolution now and then is healthy!
Zhan
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Post by 2wheelfun on Dec 29, 2014 18:09:38 GMT -5
Don't forget they can impound your ride too for riding out of class of your DL. Then only the registered owner can get ride out and must have an endorsement then. Daily fees plus the tow and the fine on your record, is it worth it?
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Post by retrobrian on Dec 30, 2014 12:17:34 GMT -5
Here in California, driving without an endorsement would get your scoot impounded...possibly for 30 days, which would make it not worth retrieving. Also ...any insurance you have really isnt worth the paper its written on.
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Post by novaraptor on Dec 30, 2014 15:00:00 GMT -5
True enough that a lot of people (mostly on 150's, with the 1 removed from the decal) get away with it. But if the officer is having a bad day and checks the bike out, yeah. Impound, ticket for no registration, no endorsement, no insurance. Around $2000.00 in fines. If possible, take a MSF course on a 250cc motorcycle or greater. That gives you an upgrade path in case you want to move on to larger bikes. Besides, you will meet other riders in your area.. Happy New Year...
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Post by wheelbender6 on Dec 30, 2014 15:01:17 GMT -5
Just suppose a jay walking kid steps out in front of you. You lock down the brakes, but still hit him, breaking his arm.
Even thought the kid jay walked and the accident was unavoidable, YOU will be found at fault for not having a scooter or motorcycle license. Its not fair, but that is what happens.
Like Leo said, your insurance company will act like they have never heard of you.
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