By Chief Steven J. Wojnar
Dudley Police Department The warmer spring weather, finally, means many people are out riding motorcycles. I was asked a question regarding motorcycle licenses. The person was interested in obtaining a motorcycle license. They wondered about the licensing process and if they needed to actually own a bike to obtain one. The Registry of Motor Vehicles creates rules and regulations for obtaining a motorcycle permit and license. To obtain a permit, a person must complete an application. You will also take a basic 25 question examination and must correctly answer at least 18. A vision screening is also conducted prior to any permit being issued. When operating on a motorcycle permit, a person is not allowed to carry passengers, must operate only during the day light (sunrise to sunset), must wear an approved helmet and eye protection, and must not operate out of state unless the other state allows such operation. Motorcycle license regulations can be very similar to those for obtaining a permit. However; completion of a road test is required. A person must also take the Motorcycle Rider Education Training Course prior to any license being issued. There are also fees associated with both the license and permit process. A person is not required to own a registered motorcycle while obtaining a license. The rules are similar to the driver's license road tests with cars or trucks. The Registry states the following regarding motorcycle exams: "For all road tests, you are required to supply a properly equipped, legally registered and insured motorcycle that has a valid inspection sticker. The motorcycle must be acceptable to the examiner." |
A rider should be confident in his/her ability to safely ride whatever motorcycle they plan to operate. Consult with professionals on the subject prior to riding or buying any motorcycle. More information can be obtained through the Registry at www.mass.gov/rmv.
Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen |
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