What you need to know if you want to start driving a motorcycle in Virginia
I have been wanting to buy a motorcycle for a long time, but I always delayed because I was under the impression that getting a motorcyle license was a very long process. After studying the DMV regulations, I concluded the best way to borrow someone's bike to take the exam..... well I was wrong.
It turns out that it is possible to get a license in about 1 week for about $120. Since I could not find a simple explanation on how to get a license and buy a motorcycle, I decided to create this page, hoping to help others.
The basic steps I suggest are the following:
1) Steps relative to getting a driving license
1a) Take the theory exam at DMV
1b) Take the DMV BRC - Basic Rider Course (It also waives the practial exam of license requirements)
1c) Get the motorcycle drive license
2) Steps relative to buying, registering and titeling a motorcycle
2a) Choose, find and buy a motorcycle
2b) Drive legally your new motorcycle to DMV
2c) Register and title the new motorcycle
2d) Take your new motorcycle to the state inspection station
2e) Pay property taxes
I will describe each of these points individually. If you think I missed something, or that the information are wrong, please let me know and I will fix this page accordingly.
1) Getting a motorcycle driving license
You can either obtain a license that will entitle you to drive only motorcycles or, if already have an automobile driving license, a license that will allow you to drive both cars and motorcycles. More details are found on the DMV website. In short, you must:
* Pass the required vision screening
* Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
* Pass the motorcycle road skills test1a) Assuming you can see, the first step you have to do is to take the knowledge exam. This is a simple multiple-choice exam, where you must obtain a score of 80% correct answers or higher. Although the exam is not difficult, you better study the DMV book very carefully (including the pictures). You can also take sample exams on the DMV website, and I strongly encourage you to do it, because almost all the questions are found in the realexam. Since the questions on the website slightly change each time, I suggest you take it many times. Beware that some of the questions are tricky and the answer is not always the most intuitive.
After passing the knowledge exam you get a driving permit, which allows to legally drive a motorcycle under the supervision of a person with a motorcycle license (there are other restrictions, check them on the official DMV website). There is a fee of $3.
1b) You can either take the practical exam at DMV with your own bike (how can you own a bike if you do not have a license I still do not understand, since you technically cannot buy insurance!), or the one of a friend. A much easier way is to take the BRC, the Basic Rider Course. This is offered in several locations across VA, it costs $115 and, especially if you have little or no experience using a motorcycle, it teaches the basic skills that are required to operate a motorcycle safely. I strongly suggest you take it, no matter what your experience is!!
At the end of the course, which lasts 3 days (one theory and 2 practical), you take an exam composed by several manouvers that you have already practiced at least twice. If you pass the exam, you get a waiver for the practical DMV exam, and you can automatically obtain your motorcycle license! You also get a certificate to present to your insurance company for a discount, and a booklet of coupons for free stuff (spark plugs, nets) and 10%-15% discount on helmets and other motorcycle stuff.
1c) You go back to DMV with your permit and the waiver, and in few minutes you will get your M on your driving license, or a motorcycle driving license. There is a fee of $5. Congraturations!
2) Now that you can legally drive a motorcycle, you most likely want to buy one!
2a) I do not think there is a 'perfect' first bike for anyone. I tried many different motorcycles before deciding what I liked most. I think that as a first bike, you should choose an engine around 600cc. You will probably get bored of anything smaller rather quickly, while anything bigger might be overwhealming and even dangerous. Probably you should begin with a used motorcycle. I bought a 1 year-old motorcycle, in excellent condition, for almost $3000 less than the MSRP price. Before buying any used motorcycle you should read the used motorcycle evaluation guide.
After deciding what models you are interested in, try look in the local listings for the bikes you are looking for. Some sellers will allow you to test-ride, and it's up to you to take the offer. Remember that you are taking quite a responsability since you have no insurance, and in case something goes wrong, you will be fully responsible. I tried as many bikes as I could, especially of the same model I wanted to buy to see if I could detect any differences. I could not.
2b) After you buy your new motorcycle, you can drive it legally in VA by buying on the DMV website a trip permit. Such permit will allow you to drive the motorcycle from the buyer residence to DMV. It is valid for 3 days and costs $5. Remembre to do it before you buy the motorcycle, because you need the signature of the seller. All you need is the VIN number of the motorcycle.
2c) To register your new motorcycle you need the original title, signed over to you, indicating the selling price. Alternatively you can download from the DMV website a bill of sale form.
2d) Take your motorcycle to any VA inspection station. If you took the BRC you will recive a coupon for a free inspection, or you will have to pay $15.
2e) Do not forget to pay taxes on the new motorcycle!!