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Hi Folks,

Always interested in hearing what it takes to get and maintain a motorcycle operator's license in other parts of the world.

Here in Oregon, USA you can transfer your "M" endorsement from another state if you already have one when you turn in your old license to obtain an Oregon driver's license. If however, you do not have a motorcycle endorsement and wish to have one in Oregon you have to demonstrate some level of proficiency before you get to pay an $88.00 fee for the endorsement. This used to consist of a simple multiple choice test of the vehicle code and a short ride around a marked course at the Department of Motor Vehicles. However as of January 1st 2014 every one under 61 years old must take and pass a motorcycle safety course before they get to pay the same $88.00 fee for their endorsement. In January 2015 the safety class requirement will apply to everyone, regardless of age.

The classes are designed for two levels of riders. Beginning riders must take a three day class which is comprised of eight hours of classroom and eight hours of range time. Intermediate riders are allowed to take a one day class consisting of four hours of class room and four hours of range time. The classes are not that tough but typically one or two students out of every class of twelve students fail either the knowledge or skills tests. I know this because I'm one of the local instructors for the state of Oregon. Once you have your "M" endorsement you are entitled to ride any two or three wheeled vehicle regardless of engine size. There is another endorsement, a "J" endorsement that covers trikes and sidecars only. Folks with a "J" endorsement may not ride a motorcycle.

I'm very interested in hearing about licensing and/or training requirements wherever you live.

Thanks

Bill

Mathews county Va 1975 when I came back from Germany. Guy says come out side ride down the road turnaround and come back and says you pass.

Great topic !

Passed my test in 1978. I was 17 then which was the minimum age then to take test.
It was report to the test centre on your bike (upto 250cc) with Learner L Plates fitted.
Guy comes out of centre with a clip board & asks me to read the number plate on a car 50 yards away. Did that ok.
Next told me to ride down the road and turn left & keep going round the block of houses until I see him again at road side.
Next I see him at side of road & he jumps out with hand in the air to make me do an emergency stop......did that ok.
Next he shows me 6 road signs to identify & i got them all right.

THAT WAS IT........I PASSED MY TEST.

Went back to bike shop I worked in as a mechanic..............serviced a Z1000 & took it for a test ride !! WOW
Within 6 months I had ridden my first ever Z1300, CBX1000, GPZ1100, GSX1100, GS1000 & most other cult 80's muscle bikes.

I gather now it is easier to climb through the eye of a needle than pass you bike test in the UK as our IDIOT politicians dont understand motorcyclists or motorcycling so make it very had & expensive for anyone to ride one.

Pete

pete1958 wrote: Mathews county Va 1975 when I came back from Germany. Guy says come out side ride down the road turnaround and come back and says you pass.

Hi Pete,

In 1977 I arrived in Oregon with only a Virginia driver's license. I went to the DMV to take a riding test. A 300 pound woman said ride down to that light pole, shift four times round the pole and ride back. The pole was about two hundred yards away, I did it and passed. Each of our examiners must have read the same test circular.

Bill

Aint it remarkable how times have changed ?
I rode a 250cc for a year on L Plates then passed my test in 20 minutes then 1 hour later was on a Z1000 !!! No wonder the accident rate was so high !

I bought my first & ONLY new bike soon after.......Yamaha RD350LC.......absolute rocket & the best fun ever. Ended up racing them for 3 seasons & had 6 in total.

I convinced myself for 2 years I REALLY was Barry Sheen haha

Pete F

strate6 wrote: Aint it remarkable how times have changed ?
I rode a 250cc for a year on L Plates then passed my test in 20 minutes then 1 hour later was on a Z1000 !!! No wonder the accident rate was so high !

I bought my first & ONLY new bike soon after.......Yamaha RD350LC.......absolute rocket & the best fun ever. Ended up racing them for 3 seasons & had 6 in total.

I convinced myself for 2 years I REALLY was Barry Sheen haha

Pete F

So in the UK you had to start with a restricted license? What did you have to do to get an "L" plate?

Bill