Motorcycle license question....

[MikeWasHere05]

Alright, heres my scenario.

My car is just costing me WAY too much money for a college student, so I'm selling it as-is (blown head) and picking up a Kawasaki Ninja. Probably a 250 for a few months as I've never ridden before and I'm a lightweight haha.

I'm a Connecticut resident, going to school in Florida. I need a motorcycle license. I know I can take MSF courses here in FL. However, what exactly do I need to do to get my license/endorsement? Going back up north isn't really an option, I can't fly back up just to go to the DMV...

Can I take the course, send CT my certificate and they mail me back a new license? Or can I take the course, bring the certificate to the Florida DMV and have them give me a Florida motorcycle-only license?

I'm kinda confused about the whole process, I have the money ready and really want to just go buy everything but I need to make sure I'll actually be able to legally drive it.

Thanks,
Mike

[andyrew]

In California: A written test will give you your permit, take the MSF class and it'll count as your behind the wheel test (appear at DMV with permit, and necessary papers from the MSF class, and they give you your license).
You'll get a new license with class C and M.



Good pick on your first bike. Hope you get a used one for about 1k, as you will drop it, most likely when its standing still, not running.

Great first bikes, people underestimate just how fast they actually are...

[RomanA6]

I'd keep the car and "work" on it, you never know when you might need it; if you have a place to keep it at though

btw, right now in NY its the same: take the test, get permit, take class - get license and dont have to take actual driving class

[tgiblin]

nj i had to take a test to get permit and then a actual close course test. i did it on a supermoto KTM but would not want to do it on a streetbike.

[Charles]

Are you a resident in FL or just a student?

If you're not a resident, I'd think you'd have to comply with CT requirements, and that might mean taking a MSF course in CT. If not, then yeah, take the course in FL, and fax/mail/whatever your completion cert to the CT DMV. Do they require a test in addition to that?? If so, how will you handle that?

If you're a resident, you can take the MSF course here and get your license automatically by passing the course. You just take your cert to the DMV and they handle your endorsement. No other testing needed.

I've been riding bikes since 2000 (currently riding) and I've never gotten my endorsement. Never had an issue either (knocks on wood). If you do get pulled over, it's a driving without a valid license, so it's not a huge deal. In other words, you might be able to skirt by as long as you don't act like an ass.

[koolade9]

Are you a resident in FL or just a student?

If you're not a resident, I'd think you'd have to comply with CT requirements, and that might mean taking a MSF course in CT. If not, then yeah, take the course in FL, and fax/mail/whatever your completion cert to the CT DMV. Do they require a test in addition to that?? If so, how will you handle that?

If you're a resident, you can take the MSF course here and get your license automatically by passing the course. You just take your cert to the DMV and they handle your endorsement. No other testing needed.

Either way, check with CT as to their requirements... Many states are different. In IL, I just had to take the written test, then take a riding test on the course at the DMV to get my 'M'. No safety course needed. Some states require it. Most people just take the course so you can use their bikes to pass the test, the course will then issue you a certificate saying you passed, but I'd be willing to bet they're only recognized at a state level.

I've been riding bikes since 2000 (currently riding) and I've never gotten my endorsement. Never had an issue either (knocks on wood). If you do get pulled over, it's a driving without a valid license, so it's not a huge deal. In other words, you might be able to skirt by as long as you don't act like an ass.

I know of alot of people in this scenario. Most have street bikes and just couldn't pass the riding test with it. To the OP, you can most likely get away with getting your permit (written test) in CT, then buying a bike in FL, registering it in CT (At least in IL, you did't need a license to register your bike. CT may be the same.), and be able to ride in FL on a 'semi-legit' basis. If you get pulled over, you can just say you haven't had a chance to get back to CT to take the test... but the better solution, is to just not act like a jackass, and you won't get pulled over.