STATE PROCEDURES FOR THE LICENSING OF MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS

The purpose of this project was determine what special procedures, if any, are being used by the states in the licensing of motorcycle operators. A questionnaire was sent to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, herewith considered a state, requesting detailed information concerning their licensing procedures for motorcycle operators. 38 states have special motorcycle licensing procedures and the results are based on these states. 27 states issue permits. Minimum age ranges from 14-17. 2 states require completion of a motorcycle education course. Legal definitions of a motorcycle differ. 1 state has medical criteria for license issue. A special written examination is used in 38 states. 32 states inspect rider protective gear. 33 administer an off-road skill test, 23 administer an in-traffic test. 21 states require reexamination on portions of the test battery. In 33 states examiners receive training to administer the test. Failure percentages vary from 1.5% to 55.8% with some states permitting retaking of the test. 25 states practice reciprocity in some of the tests. No states require a license on off-road trails. 7 require information other than the operator's manual. The results from this survey will aid in the establishment of special motorcycle licensing procedures.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Inquiries regarding specitic information on particular states should be addressed to the sponsor: Motorcycle Linthicum, Maryland 21090.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

  Highway Safety Research Center
  Chapel Hill, NC  United States  27599
• Authors:
  • Nathan, L B
  • Waller, P F
• Publication Date: 1974-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 85 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Driver licenses; Driver licensing; Motor vehicle licensing; Motorcyclists; Protection; Questionnaires; Safety equipment; Standards
• Uncontrolled Terms: Protective equipment
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00099325
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Safety Council Safety Research Info Serv
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 18 1975 12:00AM