Motorcycle question

[SimonM]

The DMV here are useless. I get different answers depending on who I talk to.

I got my first US license in 2004 in MN. I had a full motorcycle license on my Australian (and EU drivers license after that). When I came to the US in MN they said I would have to do a separate test to get my motorcycle license. I didn't think I'd use it much there due to the tropical climate . . . so I didn't push it. I have now moved to MD and I'm thinking again about whether there are different options depending on the state. Does anyone know if I can just get my license transferred with the motorcycle endorsement intact - or do I have to do the riding test again?

[TwoUp]

Simon I think it's state to State - I had a motor cycle license when I first came here and also inquired - I was told I would have to do it all again and it's separate from my drivers license. One thing different here in CA they don't force you to start on a 250cc vs Aus where you are only allowed to drive a 250cc the first two years for memory. I'm sure you can find the answer on line.

[Jacaranda]

I wonder why it had to be separate Sas? Hubby has a CDL and his motorbike license is on that. :scratch: His license has moved with him from California to Washington state, Missouri and now New Mexico.

[NeilG]

Simon, I have had a motorcycle licence in Australia for 45 years and still had to do the written and riding test here in Florida. I also had my truck endorsement in Australia and had to resit the test again and do the driving test here to get a CDL here. All my licences are on the one card. The stupid thing was that when I first got here and went to the DMV they just simply transferred my Aussie car licence to to a Florida one with no test at all.

Just as an aside, it was interesting doing the rider test in and out of the cones on a Harley Ultra Classic.

[kyrial]

I wonder why it had to be separate Sas? Hubby has a CDL and his motorbike license is on that. :scratch: His license has moved with him from California to Washington state, Missouri and now New Mexico.

I think Sas meant the tests are separate not the actual licence. My hubby has his both displayed on the one licence too in Cali.

[philandkris]

Even with a normal driver's license, many states make you at least do the written test over - my stepson just changed his from Louisiana to Ohio and had to do written. Again, like the others, it would be state to state, and whoever is at your local BMV.

[TwoUp]

yeh I meant the test is separate from my drivers license - here your bike license shows up on your drivers license - like Deb said - at home I had two different id's one for my bike license and one for the car. And I think each State has their own rules and regs - regarding how to get, when, where, what related to any license. I know in CA for instance if you are deemed a resident, after ten days you need to get a license you can't drive on an international license any more.

[SimonM]

Thanks everyone. Went down to purgatory (aka DMV) and waited my mandatory 1 1/2 to get a solid answer. Turns out here in MD anyway, you have to start from scratch - written and skills test. The one upside as Saskia noted is that the cc limitation doesn't exist.
Thats a photo worthy metal picture Neil. I can imagine the exhaust throb knocking down the cones as you pass them!

[RollyTG]

Just as a side story- I did my motorbike test in Darwin back in the early 70s on a Honda trail bike - a single seater. After a figure 8 in the car park the tester just said "OK - ride around the block and if you come back with all your bark on I'll give you a license". :)

[NeilG]

Trouble was that when I did the test there were about 15 other riders waiting their turn. At least half of them should seriously consider selling their bike because they sure as hell can't ride. Still passed the test though. I think the tester just wanted to get inside out of the rain.