Post by 90GTVert on Mar 21, 2016 17:44:58 GMT -5
** DISCLAIMER : This is information based on my experience obtaining a motorcycle endorsement and information that I have researched along the way. Read the information provided by the MVA for current and official requirements and details. I am simply posting this in hopes that it will be helpful in some way to an individual considering or pursuing their motorcycle license. I tend to sweat the details, so I tried to break things down quite a bit for anyone like me. **
As long as you have a MD driver's license, you can go in without an appointment and take a written (computer) test to earn your learner's permit. You'll have to do a quick vision test that checks for 20/40 vision and peripheral vision before the written test and verify some info. Do yourself a favor and download the Motorcycle Operator's Manual from the MVA or walk into a branch and pick up a copy. Read it the day before or in close proximity to your test to make it easier. Some of the statistics in there may be hard to know and it's good to know what they're looking for on the questions. If you read the manual, the test should be pretty simple. The test was 25 questions and you could miss 3 or 4 and pass. It is timed, 20 minutes, and multiple choice.
Here's a link to MD's Motorcycle Operator's Manual :
www.mva.maryland.gov/_resources/docs/DL-001.pdf
Should you fail the test, you can take it again the next day. Fail again and you must wait 7 days to retake.
Again I stress reading the manual. I read that something like 50% of people fail their first attempt, and I'd believe it. Any time I've been in the section of the MVA where tests are taken, at least one person has failed a written test. 10 years ago when I got a permit, a friend and I decided we knew enough to pass the test without reading anything. Both of us failed it. Both of us read the manual. The next day we both passed it. The MVA isn't a fun place, so prepare to pass the 1st time.
There are even sample tests online to get an idea of what it's like, though I will say the real test was a bit trickier than the samples I checked out. I've included an example below :
driving-tests.org/maryland/maryland-motorcycle-permit-practice-test/
If you pass the test, you pay $30 and may have to verify more info. They'll give you a learner's permit without your picture to accompany your regular license. The permit expires 6 months from the date that you get it. Having a permit allows you to ride a motorcycle when accompanied by someone 21 years of age or older and who has had their motorcycle license for at least 3 years. They can be on the bike with you, on their own bike in close proximity, or even in an automobile or on foot (practicing in a parking lot for example) in close proximity.
You must have the permit for 2 weeks before you can schedule a motorcycle skills test. You can schedule by phone or a website. I used the website and it was quick and also allowed me to see all available appointments. Doing it that way, you may be able to get an idea of how busy it will be. You can print out a confirmation, though they never needed mine.
When you go in for the skills test appointment, you check in and then you'll only be waiting along with other people taking a written or skills test. They should give you a form to fill out with vehicle and insurance information. I printed mine out ahead of time so I was ready when I arrived at the MVA. I added a link to it below. Once they get to you, you'll have to give them your license and permit and verify your info just as you did at the written test visit.
Insurance and authorization form :
www.mva.maryland.gov/_resources/docs/certification-of-insurance-and-authorization-to-operate-vehicle.pdf
They will ask if there is a licensed rider with you and where they are. At some point they will need to see his/her license. You can ride to the test the same as you ride anywhere else with a licensed rider when you have a permit. You could also have a licensed rider take the bike to the MVA for you. If you have a licensed rider there, make sure they stay near you any time you're with the bike.
The other option is to truck or trailer the bike there. I had no one available when I wanted to go, so I took mine in a truck. In the manual and on their site, the information says that you may only unload the motorcycle while the examiner is present (unless you have a licensed rider along with you). In my case, I was instructed by the person at the desk to go outside and unload the motorcycle and take it to the starting line. I brought up what the manual said and asked if this were indeed allowed without a licensed rider present. In both cases I was told that it was fine and given some paperwork along with my license and registration to give to the examiner.
If you do have to go without a licensed rider, push the motorcycle to the starting line when instructed to move it. Do not ride it. As I understand it, being caught riding it over to the test area could result in a failure of the test. I believe that's also what happens if you were to unload it without an official giving you the O.K., so don't touch it until you've been inside and been told to unload.
In the operator's manual it states that crossing onto the white stop bar at a stop sign is a violation of traffic law and results in a failure of the test. Keep this in mind when you push the bike to the starting line. I have no idea if it will be strictly enforced at the beginning of the test, but I take the better safe than sorry approach and keep the front wheel a few inches back when parking there.
I was told that I was allowed to start the bike and warm it up while waiting if needed. If you aren't told this and your vehicle needs to be warmed up, I suggest asking. There are penalties for stalling on the test. You can be failed if the engine stalls multiple times. I assume they are looking more at clutch control for manual bikes here, but if your bike stalls when cold it could be important to warm it up. There are too many little details that could cause you to fail, and it only takes a second to ask.
From there, you will be waiting for an examiner to become available. Even with the scheduling system, how long depends on how busy they get. On my first test, I waited just a few minutes. On my second attempt, I spent about 30 minutes standing by the scooter waiting for the examiner. BTW, I don't know the rule here for certain, but I stood beside the scooter rather than sitting on it since I had no licensed operator with me.
Once the examiner gets to you, he or she will need to see the paperwork that you should have obtained inside and your credentials. Then the examiner will do some safety checks. You have to have a helmet and it has to be DOT certified and marked as such. I failed my first test before it started because I had removed the DOT sticker from my helmet. The examiner then instructs you to start the bike so they can check it over. They command you to turn on lights and signals and beep the horn so they can verify that those things are in working order and look the bike over.
Just a few notes before I move on : Remember that your test vehicle must be 51cc or more. No 49cc scooters. It must also be registered as a motorcycle. The safety check is brief, but make sure you have a vehicle that complies with MD laws. Check all lights and the horn the day before the test so you have an opportunity to replace or repair anything as needed.
As long as you pass the safety requirements, they should then tell you to get on the motorcycle and begin to give you instructions. The examiner has a laptop and will read from pages on it that explain the section you're working on. There are 4 sections of the skills test, and each is explained individually just before the section. After the description is read, they will ask if you have any questions. According the the Operator's Manual, you can be failed if you don't understand the instructions after 2 explanations or if you don't perform the test as instructed. Definitely ask if you have a question so you can be confident that you know what they're looking for. I don't know if there is a limit to questions or a limit only on how many times you can have the instructions read to you, but I tried to make sure my questions were concise so I had to ask very little.
After you acknowledge that you have no more questions, the instructor will move to the position that they want to observe you from. There are multiple markings in some areas, and my instructor moved to the ones I was instructed to use and pointed them out to me before moving into position. Hopefully this is standard practice, but if you have any doubts about which marks you are to use, be sure to ask before you say you have no questions. Once the examiner is ready, they will signal you to begin the test. In each segment of the skills test, once you start it you must complete it without further instruction. I assume if you stop the test to ask a question you will fail or at least be penalized with points.
If you are wearing a helmet with a face shield and have no other DOT approved eye protection, it is very important to remember to put your visor down before you begin any section. If you can hear the instructor and they can hear you, you can just leave it down while talking to the instructor so you won't forget. If you don't have the visor down and have no other approved eye protection at any point while performing a skills test, you will fail the test so be aware of your face shield. I can tell you that it is enforced, because I was present when an instructor told a friend that he had to fail him because he forgot to put his visor down.
After you complete a section, wait for the examiner to approach you and give you further instruction. You may need to make your way back to a spot that you initially started in. I asked the examiner if it was alright to make a U-turn and he said that's fine. I suggest clarifying if they'd like you to make your way around the course or if a U-turn is allowed. I say this because there IMO are strange or unclear rules that sometimes make it seem as if you're on a roadway and to obey all laws of the roadway and sometimes the rules act as if you're on a closed course (as you probably will be). I prefer to try and cover the details and cover my butt so even the strictest examiner should have no complaints regarding my course of action. Again, don't forget to have the face shield down while moving from spot to spot. Also, never ignore a stop sign. If you have to make your way around the course, stop and signal just as you should on a roadway.
Once the test is complete, I was told to ride the motorcycle to a parking spot and then meet the examiner at the door of the MVA. I assume that is an indication that you passed or are passing, as you aren't allowed to operate unsupervised if you don't have a license, but I can't tell you for sure. It may mean nothing. If you are allowed to ride to a parking spot to exit the course, again be sure to obey every traffic law. Don't assume that you passed and can ride like no one is looking. I was present when a friend went through a stop sign on the course after he was told to park the bike after the test, and was subsequently failed. Pay attention to all laws at all times if you wish to pass the test.
When you meet up with the examiner again, they will tell you if you have passed or failed and have you sign something on their laptop. If you passed, they should then give you back some paperwork and instruct you to go inside where you'll get in line to have your picture taken and pay any fees. I believe the fees can vary, so check the MVA's section about licensing fees. A link to fee info is provided below. When you finish you should be able to walk out with your motorcycle license in hand.
MVA fee list :
www.mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/fees/
If you do not pass the skills test, you can take it as soon as the next day if an appointment is available. If you fail on the second attempt, you must wait 7 days before you can try again. After the first attempt, hopefully you will have an idea of what you need to work on or what you did wrong. If not, ask the instructor for clarification. You would have already failed at that point, so I don't see why it would hurt to ask.
I know I haven't mentioned any of the skills involved in the test yet, but I will try to get something together on that as well in the near future.
Wait times can vary a lot at the MVA, so I'll give you another tip. When I google "MVA" and the town/city that a branch is is, some information will come up from google. In that info, they include a bar graph that allows you to see day by day and hourly when the MVA has been the busiest. It seemed to be pretty accurate for me. I went in without checking on my first vist and the place was packed. I looked later and that day and time had higher peaks on the bar graph. On my next visits I chose times when the bar graph showed low levels. Both of those time there were significantly less people and less wait times.
If you don't like the idea of taking a written test, waiting at least two weeks, and then taking a skills test; you have other options. There are training courses that can be taken. If you can pass the appropriate training course, you get a certificate of completion and then you can go to the MVA with it and get your endorsement. The MVA also has a Fast Track program now. It allows you to take your own bike to the MVA, transported legally much like I described earlier for the skills test. You can then take the written and skills tests in the same day and get your license that day if you pass both. Unlike the method I described for getting a license, in the Fast program you can retake the written or skills test again after some coaching according to their site. In the standard licensing method, each test is one attempt only on any given day.
Course info :
www.mva.maryland.gov/safety/motorcycle/training/
www.mva.maryland.gov/safety/motorcycle/fast-track-licensing.htm
One issue that I know of with rider courses or the Fast Track program is the availability. Enroll ASAP when you know you want to use one of those programs, because there are a limited number of participants allowed in each one. As an example, it's currently March and the next available opening in a Fast Track course is in September according to the site.
if you take a training course you may be able to receive a discount on motorcycle insurance, so be sure to ask your insurance company.
As long as you have a MD driver's license, you can go in without an appointment and take a written (computer) test to earn your learner's permit. You'll have to do a quick vision test that checks for 20/40 vision and peripheral vision before the written test and verify some info. Do yourself a favor and download the Motorcycle Operator's Manual from the MVA or walk into a branch and pick up a copy. Read it the day before or in close proximity to your test to make it easier. Some of the statistics in there may be hard to know and it's good to know what they're looking for on the questions. If you read the manual, the test should be pretty simple. The test was 25 questions and you could miss 3 or 4 and pass. It is timed, 20 minutes, and multiple choice.
Here's a link to MD's Motorcycle Operator's Manual :
www.mva.maryland.gov/_resources/docs/DL-001.pdf
Should you fail the test, you can take it again the next day. Fail again and you must wait 7 days to retake.
Again I stress reading the manual. I read that something like 50% of people fail their first attempt, and I'd believe it. Any time I've been in the section of the MVA where tests are taken, at least one person has failed a written test. 10 years ago when I got a permit, a friend and I decided we knew enough to pass the test without reading anything. Both of us failed it. Both of us read the manual. The next day we both passed it. The MVA isn't a fun place, so prepare to pass the 1st time.
There are even sample tests online to get an idea of what it's like, though I will say the real test was a bit trickier than the samples I checked out. I've included an example below :
driving-tests.org/maryland/maryland-motorcycle-permit-practice-test/
If you pass the test, you pay $30 and may have to verify more info. They'll give you a learner's permit without your picture to accompany your regular license. The permit expires 6 months from the date that you get it. Having a permit allows you to ride a motorcycle when accompanied by someone 21 years of age or older and who has had their motorcycle license for at least 3 years. They can be on the bike with you, on their own bike in close proximity, or even in an automobile or on foot (practicing in a parking lot for example) in close proximity.
You must have the permit for 2 weeks before you can schedule a motorcycle skills test. You can schedule by phone or a website. I used the website and it was quick and also allowed me to see all available appointments. Doing it that way, you may be able to get an idea of how busy it will be. You can print out a confirmation, though they never needed mine.
When you go in for the skills test appointment, you check in and then you'll only be waiting along with other people taking a written or skills test. They should give you a form to fill out with vehicle and insurance information. I printed mine out ahead of time so I was ready when I arrived at the MVA. I added a link to it below. Once they get to you, you'll have to give them your license and permit and verify your info just as you did at the written test visit.
Insurance and authorization form :
www.mva.maryland.gov/_resources/docs/certification-of-insurance-and-authorization-to-operate-vehicle.pdf
They will ask if there is a licensed rider with you and where they are. At some point they will need to see his/her license. You can ride to the test the same as you ride anywhere else with a licensed rider when you have a permit. You could also have a licensed rider take the bike to the MVA for you. If you have a licensed rider there, make sure they stay near you any time you're with the bike.
The other option is to truck or trailer the bike there. I had no one available when I wanted to go, so I took mine in a truck. In the manual and on their site, the information says that you may only unload the motorcycle while the examiner is present (unless you have a licensed rider along with you). In my case, I was instructed by the person at the desk to go outside and unload the motorcycle and take it to the starting line. I brought up what the manual said and asked if this were indeed allowed without a licensed rider present. In both cases I was told that it was fine and given some paperwork along with my license and registration to give to the examiner.
If you do have to go without a licensed rider, push the motorcycle to the starting line when instructed to move it. Do not ride it. As I understand it, being caught riding it over to the test area could result in a failure of the test. I believe that's also what happens if you were to unload it without an official giving you the O.K., so don't touch it until you've been inside and been told to unload.
In the operator's manual it states that crossing onto the white stop bar at a stop sign is a violation of traffic law and results in a failure of the test. Keep this in mind when you push the bike to the starting line. I have no idea if it will be strictly enforced at the beginning of the test, but I take the better safe than sorry approach and keep the front wheel a few inches back when parking there.
I was told that I was allowed to start the bike and warm it up while waiting if needed. If you aren't told this and your vehicle needs to be warmed up, I suggest asking. There are penalties for stalling on the test. You can be failed if the engine stalls multiple times. I assume they are looking more at clutch control for manual bikes here, but if your bike stalls when cold it could be important to warm it up. There are too many little details that could cause you to fail, and it only takes a second to ask.
From there, you will be waiting for an examiner to become available. Even with the scheduling system, how long depends on how busy they get. On my first test, I waited just a few minutes. On my second attempt, I spent about 30 minutes standing by the scooter waiting for the examiner. BTW, I don't know the rule here for certain, but I stood beside the scooter rather than sitting on it since I had no licensed operator with me.
Once the examiner gets to you, he or she will need to see the paperwork that you should have obtained inside and your credentials. Then the examiner will do some safety checks. You have to have a helmet and it has to be DOT certified and marked as such. I failed my first test before it started because I had removed the DOT sticker from my helmet. The examiner then instructs you to start the bike so they can check it over. They command you to turn on lights and signals and beep the horn so they can verify that those things are in working order and look the bike over.
Just a few notes before I move on : Remember that your test vehicle must be 51cc or more. No 49cc scooters. It must also be registered as a motorcycle. The safety check is brief, but make sure you have a vehicle that complies with MD laws. Check all lights and the horn the day before the test so you have an opportunity to replace or repair anything as needed.
As long as you pass the safety requirements, they should then tell you to get on the motorcycle and begin to give you instructions. The examiner has a laptop and will read from pages on it that explain the section you're working on. There are 4 sections of the skills test, and each is explained individually just before the section. After the description is read, they will ask if you have any questions. According the the Operator's Manual, you can be failed if you don't understand the instructions after 2 explanations or if you don't perform the test as instructed. Definitely ask if you have a question so you can be confident that you know what they're looking for. I don't know if there is a limit to questions or a limit only on how many times you can have the instructions read to you, but I tried to make sure my questions were concise so I had to ask very little.
After you acknowledge that you have no more questions, the instructor will move to the position that they want to observe you from. There are multiple markings in some areas, and my instructor moved to the ones I was instructed to use and pointed them out to me before moving into position. Hopefully this is standard practice, but if you have any doubts about which marks you are to use, be sure to ask before you say you have no questions. Once the examiner is ready, they will signal you to begin the test. In each segment of the skills test, once you start it you must complete it without further instruction. I assume if you stop the test to ask a question you will fail or at least be penalized with points.
If you are wearing a helmet with a face shield and have no other DOT approved eye protection, it is very important to remember to put your visor down before you begin any section. If you can hear the instructor and they can hear you, you can just leave it down while talking to the instructor so you won't forget. If you don't have the visor down and have no other approved eye protection at any point while performing a skills test, you will fail the test so be aware of your face shield. I can tell you that it is enforced, because I was present when an instructor told a friend that he had to fail him because he forgot to put his visor down.
After you complete a section, wait for the examiner to approach you and give you further instruction. You may need to make your way back to a spot that you initially started in. I asked the examiner if it was alright to make a U-turn and he said that's fine. I suggest clarifying if they'd like you to make your way around the course or if a U-turn is allowed. I say this because there IMO are strange or unclear rules that sometimes make it seem as if you're on a roadway and to obey all laws of the roadway and sometimes the rules act as if you're on a closed course (as you probably will be). I prefer to try and cover the details and cover my butt so even the strictest examiner should have no complaints regarding my course of action. Again, don't forget to have the face shield down while moving from spot to spot. Also, never ignore a stop sign. If you have to make your way around the course, stop and signal just as you should on a roadway.
Once the test is complete, I was told to ride the motorcycle to a parking spot and then meet the examiner at the door of the MVA. I assume that is an indication that you passed or are passing, as you aren't allowed to operate unsupervised if you don't have a license, but I can't tell you for sure. It may mean nothing. If you are allowed to ride to a parking spot to exit the course, again be sure to obey every traffic law. Don't assume that you passed and can ride like no one is looking. I was present when a friend went through a stop sign on the course after he was told to park the bike after the test, and was subsequently failed. Pay attention to all laws at all times if you wish to pass the test.
When you meet up with the examiner again, they will tell you if you have passed or failed and have you sign something on their laptop. If you passed, they should then give you back some paperwork and instruct you to go inside where you'll get in line to have your picture taken and pay any fees. I believe the fees can vary, so check the MVA's section about licensing fees. A link to fee info is provided below. When you finish you should be able to walk out with your motorcycle license in hand.
MVA fee list :
www.mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/fees/
If you do not pass the skills test, you can take it as soon as the next day if an appointment is available. If you fail on the second attempt, you must wait 7 days before you can try again. After the first attempt, hopefully you will have an idea of what you need to work on or what you did wrong. If not, ask the instructor for clarification. You would have already failed at that point, so I don't see why it would hurt to ask.
I know I haven't mentioned any of the skills involved in the test yet, but I will try to get something together on that as well in the near future.
Wait times can vary a lot at the MVA, so I'll give you another tip. When I google "MVA" and the town/city that a branch is is, some information will come up from google. In that info, they include a bar graph that allows you to see day by day and hourly when the MVA has been the busiest. It seemed to be pretty accurate for me. I went in without checking on my first vist and the place was packed. I looked later and that day and time had higher peaks on the bar graph. On my next visits I chose times when the bar graph showed low levels. Both of those time there were significantly less people and less wait times.
If you don't like the idea of taking a written test, waiting at least two weeks, and then taking a skills test; you have other options. There are training courses that can be taken. If you can pass the appropriate training course, you get a certificate of completion and then you can go to the MVA with it and get your endorsement. The MVA also has a Fast Track program now. It allows you to take your own bike to the MVA, transported legally much like I described earlier for the skills test. You can then take the written and skills tests in the same day and get your license that day if you pass both. Unlike the method I described for getting a license, in the Fast program you can retake the written or skills test again after some coaching according to their site. In the standard licensing method, each test is one attempt only on any given day.
Course info :
www.mva.maryland.gov/safety/motorcycle/training/
www.mva.maryland.gov/safety/motorcycle/fast-track-licensing.htm
One issue that I know of with rider courses or the Fast Track program is the availability. Enroll ASAP when you know you want to use one of those programs, because there are a limited number of participants allowed in each one. As an example, it's currently March and the next available opening in a Fast Track course is in September according to the site.
if you take a training course you may be able to receive a discount on motorcycle insurance, so be sure to ask your insurance company.