Motorcycle Saftey Course

[Apone]

I live in Kingwood, TX (north of Houston) and commute to the city. On my work schedule I see light traffic four days a week and I would like to get a motorcycle for various reasons. I do NOT have a motorcycle license and have only ridden dirtbikes. I read the information on the Houston DPS (what most cities call the DMV) website about getting a motorcycle license. According to the website, you take a written exam and you get a restricted motorcycle license that allows you to ride only in the company of another rider 21 years of age or older.

Does this mean that someone has to be physically on the bike with you or can they ride alongside you on another bike?

Also, the Houston DPS office reccommends finishing the MSF course, but how do you even get to and from the office if all you have is a restricted motorcycle license?

[YamahaFan]

Errr are you sure you were looking at motorcycle page and not cars? MA laws:
- on cars if you're under 18 (with license) and drive between 1AM - 4AM you need to be accompanied by a guardian/parents (or something like that). If you have a permit only you that person has to have at least 1 year on his/her license.
- on motorcycle you CANNOT carry passenger until you have your license, but you can ride with permit.

[Schneiderman]

I'm pretty sure that they expect the wingman to be on a bike or in a car, within 1/4 mile of you at all times.

[primalmu]

Apone, the MSF Course requires you to use bikes that they provide. They won't even allow you to use your own bike. Once you've passed the MSF course, then *most* states will give you a motorcycle license without taking their riding test (passing the MSF riding test takes the place of the DMV riding test).

[she*devil]

In Colorado, once you pass the written test you get a permit which is good for 3 years. You need a licensed rider who is over 21 to ride with you on their own bike, not on the back of yours. You can take the drive test at any time within that 3 years. OR, you can take the class, once the class is done you just take in your certificate and get your license. Primalmu is right, you cannot use your bike for the class, nor ride it to the class, unless you're with a licensed rider. :)