First time rider

[Ocho]

Hello! My name is Jorge (pronounced Whore-hey haha.. or just call me George) and I moved to the Bay (and the US) a year ago. After walking and Ubering everywhere I decided I want to get a bike for my daily 3-4~ mile route to work, move close by, and (hopefully some day) to explore the Bay and California.

I completed the safety course and I plan to get a bike this month (probably a FZ-07, maybe a SV650, not sure).

However, I'm in this weird interesting situation with getting my license and wanted to see if anyone has some feedback about this:

I don't have any kind of license (other my foreign driver's license).

I went to the DMV last week to get my Class C driver's license, I completed the test and I've got a permit, but my behind the wheels test is until Oct 12 (earliest appointment).

I have yet to get my endorsement from the safety course, but I read that if I don't have a Class C/etc driver's license I STILL need to pass an 'observation' test, even with the DL389 in hand.

So here's what I would like to do:

Go next week to the DMV and complete the written test, get a motorcycle permit, buy a bike.

Wait till Oct 12, pass my Class C diver's test, get my license.

Go back to the DMV with my DL389 in hand and ask to get a proper license without having to do any other test.

Seems pretty straightforward, would this be okay? Or would you guys suggest I get my endorsement first and try to get the full license before I get my Class C license? What I want to avoid is going there with my DL389, they noticing I don't have a class C license, and making me take the observation test anyway.

Thanks for your info guys and hopefully I start riding soon with you all.

Edit: Using DL389 now instead of 'endorsement'

 

[motomania2007]

I am an instructor so here is what I know/recommend:

1) you must take the written dmv test for car and motorcycle

2) go take the motorcycle written exam and get your permit.

3) your completion certificate (called dl389) will be mailed to you about a week to 10 days after completing the course. If you don't have it within 2 weeks, call the course provider.

4) once you have the dl389, take it to the dmv and get your motorcycle license.

5) I don't know if you can get your mc license before you get your car license. Some people say you can, some say you can't.

6) you don't need to take the riding portion of the Motorcycle dmv test

 

[Ocho]

Thanks for the info. I got my DL389 today so I'll go tomorrow and see if I can get a proper license without having a Class C license first.

By the way, I'm now an owner of a 2007 Vstrom! Decided to buy used and cheap, so I don't mind if I damage the thing.

 

[budman]

:newbie Jorge!!

Good to have you on barf and best wishes on your two wheel journey. Life has more smiles when you enjoy two wheel miles.

 

[motomania2007]

Thanks for the info. I got my DL389 today so I'll go tomorrow and see if I can get a proper license without having a Class C license first.

By the way, I'm now an owner of a 2007 Vstrom! Decided to buy used and cheap, so I don't mind if I damage the thing.

Congrats!

Please post up if you are successful in getting your MC license (Class M1) without a car license (Class C)

 

[Ocho]

Congrats!

Please post up if you are successful in getting your MC license (Class M1) without a car license (Class C)

I'm sure I can, I just hope I don't have to do an 'observation' test even with the DL389 in hand. I'll let you know.

 

[Ocho]

Update: They gave me a permit for Class C & M1, and I won't have to take the motorcycle test, but I won't get my dual license until I pass the car behind the wheels test.

So, not bad, I don't have a license but the permit will do fine, I think (unless I can't insure if I don't have a license?).

 

[2DaLu]

Update: They gave me a permit for Class C & M1, and I won't have to take the motorcycle test, but I won't get my dual license until I pass the car behind the wheels test.

So, not bad, I don't have a license but the permit will do fine, I think (unless I can't insure if I don't have a license?).

Depends on company. Geico had no problem insuring my bike with me only having a M1 permit. State Farm gave me 2 months to get my M1 license to keep it insured.

 

[Ocho]

Depends on company. Geico had no problem insuring my bike with me only having a M1 permit. State Farm gave me 2 months to get my M1 license to keep it insured.

Would you recommend I go with State Farm over Geico? It looks like State Farm covers protective armor damage unlike Geico? Them helmets are expensive.

 

[motomania2007]

Progressive covers my riding gear.

 

[Losmeister]

bienvenido, hombre...