A motorcycle license is an essential piece of paper to ride a motorcycle hassle-free. It gives you protection against traffic-related issues and makes you a better citizen. However, if you are a newbie in motorcycle-related things, a specific question may pop up in your mind.
Can you get a motorcycle license without a motorcycle? You may wonder how anybody can get the paper of something without actually possessing it. Today, I will guide you through how to get a motorcycle license without a motorcycle.
I have gathered quite the experience as I have done the steps many times for myself. In addition, I also helped my friends in this regard. So, let’s know everything about getting a motorcycle license without actually having a motorcycle.
7 Easy Steps To Get A Motorcycle License Without Having A Motorcycle
People don’t practice their newly owned motorcycles to learn to drive in the real world. So, you don’t need to worry much about this. Besides, I have prepared this guide, especially with steps where you won’t need a motorcycle to get your license. Let’s head to the guide:
Step 1: Go Through The Manual
The first phase of getting the license is to get a learner’s permit first. And to obtain a learner’s permit, you have to give a test which includes both a written and a vision test. To pass the written test, you have to know the answers by reading a handbook or manual.
You will most likely get the handbook on the website of your nearby motor vehicle bureau. But if you want, you can also get a copy of the manual in the office of the motor vehicle bureau.
Read the handbook thoroughly. Don’t rush to finish it. Take notes and try to remember the answers that are provided there. These answers will come in handy when you give the written test to get the learner’s permit.
Step 2: Take The Written And Vision Test
Once you have finished going through the handbook, you have to take the test to get the learner’s permit. You will have to give two tests: a written test and a vision test. After paying the permit application fee, you will be able to take those tests.
You will easily pass the written test if you have gone through the manual well. When you give the vision test, the test-takers will note the particulars. After the trial, these particulars will be inserted into your endorsement or license.
For example, if you wear glasses while taking the vision test, the test-takers will ensure that the information is inserted into your learner’s permit. Later, you won’t be able to drive without wearing glasses. So, take this vision test seriously.
Step 3: Complete The Formalities To Get The Learner’s Permit
After taking the test, wait for the results. If the results are positive, you will get the learner’s permit. If the results are not positive, you won’t obtain the learner’s permit.
However, you can again take the test after paying the application fee if you fail in the first instance. So, don’t worry much if you can’t get through the tests on your first try.
Step 4: Practice Throughout The Gap Days
Everyone has to wait for a certain period after getting the learner’s permit to get a full license. The time may vary from State to State. The mandatory waiting period is at least 20 days. In some states, the waiting period is six months.
There is an objective behind this time gap between the learner’s permit and the full license. They put a crack so that you can practice these days. Use these days to nourish your skills to your full potential.
Step 5: Enroll In A MSF-Approved Training Program (Option 1)
When the waiting period is near the ending line, get admitted to a training program or a coaching program. Choose a program that is suitable to your living place and your budget. However, try to enroll in an MSF-approved driving training program.
This program or course won’t take more than 2/3 days. It is a very brief course. You should already know the ABC of motorcycle driving; they will just give you some professional directions.
Even if you don’t know anything about driving, this won’t take long. In most cases, the trainers are very professional and friendly. You won’t need to worry about having your bike, as the course will most likely cover a training bike.
After completing the course, collect your certificate and take it to the local motor vehicle bureau. If the course is an MSF-approved one, you won’t have to retake the driving test in the bureau to get the license. This is the plus of admitting to an MSF-approved coaching program.
Step 6: Take A Test In Your Motor Vehicle Bureau (Option 2)
If you are confident about your skills, you may not choose to get admitted to a training center. Instead, you can skip the coaching program and directly give a driving test in the motor vehicle bureau.
The bureau doesn’t provide a training motorcycle. That is why you have to bring your bike to give the test. Try to know the place and time of the examination from the bureau. Follow the instructions of the test taker, and everything should be easy.
Step 7: Get The Motorcycle License
After completing the course and getting the certificate (in case of option 1) or getting the driving test results, go to the motor vehicle bureau again. Now you can get your motorcycle license just after finishing some paperwork.
If you fail the driving test you have given in the bureau, you can give the test again for a reasonable fee. Don’t worry. Things don’t go in the wrong way multiple times in this kind of test.
You will most probably receive the permanent motorcycle license after finishing the paperwork. If the office can’t provide you with one right way, they may give you a temporary permit. In that case, they will provide you with a permanent license in the mailbox later.
Carry your motorcycle license with you whenever you are riding your motorcycle. It is a legal document to approve your ride on the road. Generally, one can drive in all the states with a license from any State.
5 Basic Things You Need To Keep In Mind Before Applying For A License
Applying for the final or permanent license is a must to get the license and ride your bike legally on the road. However, you have to keep the following things in mind before applying for a license-
1. Becoming Familiar With The Handbook
Getting to know the handbook or the manual is crucial before applying for the license. If you don’t know the things inside the directory properly, you may not pass the written test that is necessary to get the learner’s permit.
And you can’t get your full license without the learner’s permit. That makes knowing the handbook well a mandatory thing.
2. Getting The Learner’s Permit
You should already know the importance of getting the learner’s permit. It is the primary step to getting your hands on a motorcycle license. After getting the learner’s permit, you have to wait for a certain period to apply for the motorcycle license.
Generally, you may have to wait three to six months to apply for the permanent license again. However, the mandatory waiting period is only 20 days in some states.
3. Carefully Driving While Using Learner’s Permit
During the waiting period, you will be able to drive a motorcycle by using the learner’s permit. However, there will be certain restrictions that you must obey while driving a bike using a learner’s permit.
You can’t drive at night. This is one of the most common restrictions. You can’t also carry passengers. And the most important restriction is that you can’t consume alcohol before driving. In most cases, the condition of alcohol is very severe (often 0%).
Try to obey these restrictions as much as you can. Getting a complaint at this stage may hamper getting your permanent license.
4. Getting Admitted To A MSF-Approved Training Center
This is a widespread trick to avoid the driving test in the bureau. As the trainers are primarily friendly, people feel comfortable learning their lessons in this training center. If you are admitted into one of the courses that the Motor Safety Foundation supervises, you won’t have to take the driving test at the bureau.
5. Having Knowledge About The Formalities
Knowledge is the most potent weapon in the world. Having adequate knowledge about the fee, application process, and how to collect the license is always a plus.
If you know these things, you will be able to save a lot of money and precious time. So, try to know all these before applying for a license for your motorcycle.
Importance Of Getting A License As A Motorcycle Rider
In most states, motorcycle riders require a license. However, it is not the same in all the states. While some states allow you to ride without a license, you must understand your state’s laws before riding a motorcycle. Other than the laws, here are some of the benefits of getting a license as a motorcyclist-
1. Avoid Fines And Legal Issues
One of the most significant benefits of obtaining a license will help you avoid fines and legal issues. In many states, riding without proper registration or insurance can lead to penalties and suspension of your driver’s license.
If you get caught without proper registration, insurance, or driver’s license, you will lose your driving privileges for several months or even years! Having a driver’s license and necessary documents can save you from fines and other legal issues.
2. It Makes You Responsible
When you drive your motorcycle with proper documents or your driving license, you prove yourself as a responsible person. If another person is with you on your ride, it makes you a sound person even more. You will be confident in your drive as you won’t fear getting a ticket.
3. Benefit Of Purchasing Insurance Policy
You will be able to purchase insurance policies that include medical coverage and property damage coverage if you have a driving license. If you don’t have one, insurance companies won’t give you the chance to enjoy their facilities. Why should you leave this type of opportunity?
Related Questions:
Is It Legal To Apply For A License If You Don’t Have Any Motorcycle?
It is legal to apply for a license if you don’t have a motorcycle. You can apply for a driver’s license if you have no bike. It will not affect your ability to get a license. Even if you have a motorcycle but not a driver’s license, you can still apply for a learner’s permit or an intermediate license (if age requirements are met).
Another thing is, in most cases, people don’t have their motorcycles while they are in the learning phase. So, yeah. Applying for a license is legal if you don’t have a motorcycle.
Can You Buy A Motorcycle Without A Motorcycle License?
You can buy a motorcycle without a motorcycle license. However, you will not be allowed to ride it until you have your license in hand. So, you will have to wait until you get your motorcycle license in your hands.
The interesting fact here is that people normally don’t use their newly bought motorcycles for training purposes. That means there is no point in purchasing a motorcycle early without having a motorcycle license.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Motorcycle License?
In most cases, it will take around seven to eight months to get your motorcycle license. It takes this long, primarily because of the waiting period before applying for the permanent license. However, the time it takes to get a motorcycle license also depends on other factors.
For example, your state’s requirements and whether or not you already have a valid driver’s license. Some states may require you to take an additional test. But others simply require that you show proof of identity and pass the written exam.
How Much Is A Motorcycle License On Average?
The average cost of a motorcycle license is $150 and includes all fees, tests, and licensing paperwork. Many states have interstate reciprocity agreements with other states. So, if you already have an out-of-state motorcycle license, you can use it to get the license in another state.
This will save you money because you won’t need to retake an entire course. However, it may be worth going through the complete process to get your license quickly. Or, if your current state doesn’t honor reciprocity agreements with other states.
Can You Get Your Motorcycle License Online?
Some states allow people to get their motorcycle licenses online, but most require classroom training for at least part of the process. Only a few states allow people to get their licenses online without ever stepping foot in a classroom or taking any classes (Colorado and Vermont are two examples).
If you want to get your motorcycle license online without taking any classes at all, look into getting an endorsement on your regular driver’s license. In this way, you won’t have to do any offline activities.
Is It Possible To Ride A Bike Without A License?
Generally, it is not possible to ride a bike without a license. But in some special situations, you can ride a motorcycle without a license. For example, you drive in off-road places like hillside roads or forests. You won’t need a license to ride or drive your bike in those cases.
Except in the mentioned places, you can’t ride a bike without a license. You will most likely get tickets and face legal issues if you do so.
Final Touch:
You may have searched for how to get a motorcycle license without a motorcycle out of interest to start your bike journey. In the article, you have already known that it is not mandatory to have a motorcycle to get a motorcycle license.
However, you have to complete the steps correctly to get your license. If you don’t, you can’t have your license, and ultimately you will have to fight legal battles against the traffic.
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