question regarding the license test

[pt33]

I have my permit and Insurance and gear and all that good stuff. I have been riding since I got my bike at the end of last July. I went to take the test a few months ago at the dmv and I failed. I took the test on my bike, a 2002 ducati monster 750. I just found it real hard to make such tight radius turns at such a low speed.

I know that taking the msf course is highly recomended but I am a student and I work on the weekends. I just cannot get the weekends off and I would like to get my license. The price of the msf factors in as well to my choice. I will probably take the experienced rider course eventually as I think that will be more benificial to me.

My question is this: Can I take the test with a scooter or something like that, something real small? [rant|on] It's not that I don't feel like I am not to the ability level to ride on the street, I have over 10,000 miles so far and no accidents (yet. and I hope it stays that way). I know I have a lot to learn still, but i don't think riding in a small circle is a good way to test for that. [rant/off]

If you guys have the info regarding the scooter option let me know. Thanks, Pt33

 

[slydrite]

I'm not a LEO, but.......

I believe San Mateo is offering the MSF on weekdays, highly recommended and forget about worrying about the $, how much is your safety worth exactly, anyway?......

and remember, you can still learn from the Basic Rider Course, I mean, how did you learn to ride? Most people start by learning from their friends/family and then are self taught, so you may have learned some bad habits that have yet to have the right opportunity to bite you

other than that, if you look in ads on CL and CityBike, there's always a guy offering a small bike for taking the test for a small fee.........

you can read the VC to be sure of this, or the LEO's may weigh in, but I believe that scooter riders get an M2 license, that does not enable them to ride on the freeway

 

[pt33]

craigslist, should have thought of that! You can get anything there...I agree with the msf being a good experience and solid foundation, but I feel that the advanced rider course is up my alley, and that does not qualifiy for the m1. I might get flames for saying this, but I think that I won't learn as much in the msf as opposed to the advanced course. I have 10,000 miles in less than a year. I can navigate in a parking lot and shift fairly well. I would like to hear the classroom side of the course though, that is what I am more intrested in. Thanks for the reply

 

[Brash47]

As far as I know, you can do the ride test on any motorcycle you want. It does not have to belong to you. I would suggest getting a street legal motocross style bike. They are the easiest to handle in tight turns.

brash

 

[silversvs]

Slydrite is correct. If you take the test on a scooter you will only get scooter status. You need to be on a motorcycle. Find a Rebel to boorow, or as Brash said an enduro would be the best. Most DMVs have the circle painted in the lot and you can practice after hours until you are comfortable enough to ace them on the bike you ride. Ask Brash, or any of the other motor guys, how many hours they spend riding cones. Its time well invested.

 

[motorman4life]

I agree with the msf being a good experience and solid foundation, but I feel that the advanced rider course is up my alley, and that does not qualifiy for the m1. I might get flames for saying this, but I think that I won't learn as much in the msf as opposed to the advanced course. I have 10,000 miles in less than a year. I can navigate in a parking lot and shift fairly well. I would like to hear the classroom side of the course though, that is what I am more intrested in. Thanks for the reply

I had 4 years riding experience and over 18k of street riding when I took the basic MSF in 1997. I went with a buddy that had over 30 years riding experience and had been a motor officer in the 60's. He went because Honda Rider Club paid for it and his insurance was offering 20% off if he completed basic MSF. Anyhow, even he felt it was worthwhile and he learned something. I know I learned a lot and after the course, we were talking about it. He agreed, anytime you can "push your limits" in a controlled environment, you will learn something.

As an experienced rider, you will likely get more out of the same course compared to a novice. But, don't discount the valuable experience you will gain in their riding labs. OTOH, I felt the lectures and videos they had were wayyyyy too heavily weighted toward anti-DUI riding and I almost felt like I was at a court mandated DUI course or driving school.. as if I had gotten a ticket!

I can tell you this.. when I left the basic MSF, I was not only a better rider, but I truly was in awe that I had not KILLED myself with the techniques I had been using prior to the MSF instruction. I spoke with another friend that attended MSF recently and he said the same thing. It is money well spent.

Shop around, each location has different prices based upon what they have to pay for insurance. Some places required huge umbrella policies. I have found junior college campuses are cheaper because they can get away with the $7.50 coverage through the school. I have seen prices ranging from $94 to $160. Big difference for the same instruction!

As for the DMV test, I did mine on a Nighthawk. I know many people that have borrowed "standard" bikes to do the test because their bikes are not suited for the circles.

Take the MSF.. you won't regret it.

 

[pt33]

Everywhere that ichecked had the same price : $198
I am sure that I will benifit from the MSF, but I'd rather take the experienced rider one. Unfortantly that doesn't count as far as the DMV is concerned. It will also be a while before I can take weekends off. I am not sure what I am going to do. I know that I need to get my license...

 

[Blue Buddha]

First off, I agree with the MSF recommendations. I'm thinking about taking it again. That was how highly I thought of it.

As for the second, remember that classes are divided up between m1 and m2, the difference being the cc's (and a few other things). Now, I don't work for the DMV, but I believe you could take the test on a scooter over 250cc's and get your license.

At least, that is my understanding. You could always go on the DMV website, or call.

 

[6th Gear]

I aced my test on my Motard!! DRZ400

 

[squidhunter]

Take the MSF like everyone suggests. I know there is a long waiting list for most of them. While you wait, theres no reason not to get your M1. Most DMV's have the course painted out in their parking lots somwhere. Go and pratice after hours, on YOUR bike. Sure, using a motard or somthing else like it will make the test easier, but you really should be able to do that stuff on the bike that you plan to actually ride on the street. On the tight circles, LOOK as far around the circle as you can, turn your head, not just your eyes. Dragging the rear brake will help control speed. It takes paractice, but it can be done.

 

[Slowmofo]

yea take the class i got my license in one week becasue i took the MSF course and plus i learned a ton of stuff

 

[6th Gear]

Sure, using a motard or somthing else like it will make the test easier, but you really should be able to do that stuff on the bike that you plan to actually ride on the street.

Dude I have been riding for 10yrs....and I have taken the MSF...it is still extremely hard to pass the test on my 954

 

[pt33]

to make the turn, my handelbars are all the way to full lock, and I have to countersteer. My bike has a pretty wide turning radius. I don't know when and where on the street I have to make a tight, slow, without putting my feet down even though i am going 2 miles an hour turn. I think the msf will offer good experience, but the dmv test doesn't gauge real world ability IMHO.

 

[JayJ]

I failed my first test too. Seeing how dejected I was, a guy on a BMW mentioned that I should set my idle (or choke) up a little high. Instead of concentrating on three things all I had to do was adjust speed with my clutch and then steer.

It worked great! Even on a '86 Shadow 700, I passed the test the following week.

 

[Diezel]

Everywhere that ichecked had the same price : $198
I am sure that I will benifit from the MSF, but I'd rather take the experienced rider one. Unfortantly that doesn't count as far as the DMV is concerned. It will also be a while before I can take weekends off. I am not sure what I am going to do. I know that I need to get my license...

You said you were a student? Are you over age 21? If not, then you have one hell of a discount coming if I remember correctly.

Dude I have been riding for 10yrs....and I have taken the MSF...it is still extremely hard to pass the test on my 954

Ya know, I had some smart alec' guy at DMV tell me, "it's a piece of cake, I do it on my goldwing all the time to practice". I said show me your M1, tossed down my wallet said "there's $250 in cash, PROVE IT". Funny he never looked up or got off his chair.

That circle can be damn near impossible on certain bikes.

Also +1 on the choke trick. Set your idle high, works well.

 

[pt33]

You said you were a student? Are you over age 21? If not, then you have one hell of a discount coming if I remember correctly.

I am 25 soon to be 26 in a few months.