Getting a motorcycle can be a great thing to do, especially if you are looking for a fun and rewarding activity to enjoy throughout the day. However, wherever you decide to drive the motorbike, it is always essential to understand the rules and regulations that ensure your safety.

That being said, one of the most important things to do if you are interested in driving a bike is to obtain a bike license. If you live in Michigan, here’s what you need to know and do to get one:

1. Undergo a Safety Course

Suppose you are qualified to obtain a motorcycle license, the requirements include being at least 16 years old, having a level 2 graduated license, and passing a vision and hearing screening through the DMV. In that case, you can undergo the motorcycle safety course. This course combines both in-classroom learning along outdoors training to cover basic and advanced motorbike-operating skills. The main goal of the safety course is to ensure motorcycle drivers have all the skills needed to operate a motorbike on the road properly.

Note that this course is generally only offered from April to September because of weather restrictions. As such, we highly recommend you reserve a spot as quickly as possible for the nearest training session.

2. Register the Motorcycle

You may be wondering why you need a motorcycle license if you already have a regular license. This is because you can only actually obtain a motorcycle license if you have a bike. Plus, there are specific requirements that the bike must pass to ensure it is road legal.

When you are buying a bike, take a copy of the Michigan Motorcycle License handbook. It can help guide your purchase decision, ensuring you pick one that meets the road-legal requirements. When you do undergo a test for the bike, note that you will need proof of insurance for the bike, so be sure to obtain that as well.

3. Complete the Written and Road Test

Just like you were required to take a written and road test when you received your regular license, the same is required of you when obtaining your motorcycle license.

Focusing on the written test, you will need to study topics such as headgear laws, motorcycle requirements to be driven, law and safety revolving around passengers, handling the bike during an emergency, driving under the influence, and more. If you can, put in a few practice tests before the actual written tests. If you need help, you can rely on the Michigan Motorcycle Handbook to serve as a guide to help you know what you need to study.

With the road test, you will already have to obtain a temporary permit and attend a safety course. You will also have already completed the written test and have registered the bike with the DMV. Once those requirements are met, you can undergo the road test. The test begins with a quick inspection of the bike to ensure it meets the requirements to be road legal. After that, you will perform a series of maneuvers, such as sharp turns, weaving through cones, and more.

Conclusion

With all of that done, you will be able to obtain your motorcycle license and drive on the roads, enjoying the experience to the fullest. That said, if you need help in any way throughout your training, don’t be afraid to spend the time reading and even reach out to others to learn what you need to know. The more you know how to operate a bike, the easier it will be for you to obtain a motorcycle license, and the sooner you’ll find yourself on the road enjoying this wonderful hobby.

Beginner Riders is your go-to source of motorcycle content and more, filled with valuable information to help readers learn more about motorbikes. If you want to learn more about obtaining a motorcycle license in Michigan, read our other articles!