From the Yamaha XVS thread it looks like there are some pretty diverse licencing requirements across the US and the world. I was interested to know what you have to do to get on a 'big bike' where you are?
Here in the UK it is pretty convoluted (which is a reason given by the MC industry for falling sales):
- before you can ride a bike of any size you have to apply for and obtain a provisional licence and then take a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course - usually takes one day and includes theory and an observed ride on the road. The usual is either a 125cc scooter (for people who only want to ride these) or a 125cc geared bike (for those with bigger intentions). The CBT has a 2 year life - if you don't take any further tests before it expires you have to do it again. Some people just do an eternal cycle of CBTs, enabling them to ride a 125cc bike with learner-plates on, meaning no passengers and no using the motorways. Common pizza delivery riders' route.
- once you have your CBT you can then take a formal riding test*:
-- if aged 16 you can only ride a 50cc bike - you need a CBT and can take a 'moped' test but nobody does as it gains you little and in a year you can move up
-- if aged 17-19 you can take a test* to ride up to 125cc with a maximum power-to-weight ratio
-- if aged 19-24 you can take a test* to ride a bike up to 35kW (47bhp) with a maximum power-to-weight. The bike can be restricted to meet the power limit, but the full power from which it was restricted can not be more than double the limited power (so 70kW/94 bhp maximum)
-- if aged 24 or older you can take a test* to go straight to an unrestricted licence, to ride any bike of any size or power.
For the mid-power and full-power licences, you can either go straight in for those tests (if you are old enough) or you can do the lower power test and wait 2 years, do another test to 'upgrade' your licence to the next stage up. This means that you can beat the age limit (eg, if you are 19, do the mid-power test, wait 2 years you can go for the full-power test at 21).
* the test is done in 2 parts - 1st on an off-road test course (in a parking lot or similar) doing various handling manouvres then a second test on the road. You have to do them in order and have to have done the classroom-based theory test first.
You can do training for the mid- and full-power licences on a bike of the appropriate type, but you have to be accompanied by, and in radio contact with, an approved motorcycle training instructor and you must display learner plates. You can not ride anything more than a 125cc bike on your own (or with experienced riders) until you have the correct licence.
Luckily I got my licence many years ago when it was far simpler (CBT plus one theory and one practical test).
Here in the UK it is pretty convoluted (which is a reason given by the MC industry for falling sales):
- before you can ride a bike of any size you have to apply for and obtain a provisional licence and then take a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course - usually takes one day and includes theory and an observed ride on the road. The usual is either a 125cc scooter (for people who only want to ride these) or a 125cc geared bike (for those with bigger intentions). The CBT has a 2 year life - if you don't take any further tests before it expires you have to do it again. Some people just do an eternal cycle of CBTs, enabling them to ride a 125cc bike with learner-plates on, meaning no passengers and no using the motorways. Common pizza delivery riders' route.
- once you have your CBT you can then take a formal riding test*:
-- if aged 16 you can only ride a 50cc bike - you need a CBT and can take a 'moped' test but nobody does as it gains you little and in a year you can move up
-- if aged 17-19 you can take a test* to ride up to 125cc with a maximum power-to-weight ratio
-- if aged 19-24 you can take a test* to ride a bike up to 35kW (47bhp) with a maximum power-to-weight. The bike can be restricted to meet the power limit, but the full power from which it was restricted can not be more than double the limited power (so 70kW/94 bhp maximum)
-- if aged 24 or older you can take a test* to go straight to an unrestricted licence, to ride any bike of any size or power.
For the mid-power and full-power licences, you can either go straight in for those tests (if you are old enough) or you can do the lower power test and wait 2 years, do another test to 'upgrade' your licence to the next stage up. This means that you can beat the age limit (eg, if you are 19, do the mid-power test, wait 2 years you can go for the full-power test at 21).
* the test is done in 2 parts - 1st on an off-road test course (in a parking lot or similar) doing various handling manouvres then a second test on the road. You have to do them in order and have to have done the classroom-based theory test first.
You can do training for the mid- and full-power licences on a bike of the appropriate type, but you have to be accompanied by, and in radio contact with, an approved motorcycle training instructor and you must display learner plates. You can not ride anything more than a 125cc bike on your own (or with experienced riders) until you have the correct licence.
Luckily I got my licence many years ago when it was far simpler (CBT plus one theory and one practical test).