Licensing for new trike riders?

Hi guys,

A friend of mine was asking me about the Stallion over the weekend. He said that it looked like the kind of thing that he'd enjoy, but he didn't want to have to go get a motorcycle license. That led to an interesting question:

How does one get a "motorcycle" license to ride a trike, when all you have is a trike?

Obviously, you can't take the normal motorcycle road test on a trike. The physics are entirely different. I just don't know what the legal answer to that question is. Anyone know?

Thanks,
Dave

[Ozarkryder]

Really depends on where you are. When we lived in Minnesota, the knowledge test was the same for 2 or 3 wheels, but if you took the skills test on a trike or a sidecar rig they noted on your license that you were limited to 3 wheels.
We moved to Arkansas, Gloria took the skills test on her trike and she got a regular motorcycle license.
There are some states that require a motorcycle license to pilot a trike, but they don't have a provision to take the skills test an anything but a 2 wheeler. Connecticut is like that. I remember John Luciano was working on a bill to allow folks to take the test on a trike and have a 3 wheel restriction on the motorcycle lecense.

Now for the short answer - check your local license testing office, whatever that is in your state.

[moonstar]

In North Dakota the written test is the same for a motorcycle or a trike. Once you pass that you are granted a permit to drive the trike. The permit is valid for 6 months. You then have one year (one permit renewal) to take the skills part of the test. This is done on the same course as the motorcycles test, however they alter the distance between the cones. If you test on the trike you are restricted to a trike. North Dakota only allows one permit renewal, and if you fail to test during this period of time you lose the right to test again. Apparently people were just getting permits every year and never taking the skills part of the testl.

My sister lives in WY and all she had to do was pass the written part of the test. She was granted a license with a restriction to a trike. Should she ever decide she wants to ride a motorcycle she needs to go pass the skill validation portion of the test on a motorcycle.

[WildBillH]

Well said.... In CA you can ride a trike with a valid drivers license; no motorcycle license required. Most insurance companies will discount your insurance if you have motorcycle license and safety course.

... you know how CA drivers are... Lane Splitter Special ... cones no problem, turns on a dime... braking is tricky...

[spiritdream]

Originally Posted by dchicks

How does one get a "motorcycle" license to ride a trike, when all you have is a trike?

Obviously, you can't take the normal motorcycle road test on a trike.

Here in MA a motorcycle is defined as 2 or 3 wheels, so you need a MC license to drive either one. I got my license through the MSF course, so no bike needed at all, and if I'm not mistaken I also get a discount on my insurance because of rider training.

[John Luciano]

36 states have Trike license and test of some sort or another . ( you can drive a trike without taking a motorcycle test ) the rest ,mostly up here in backwards N.E. you are considered a Motorcycle even if it has 4 wheels.

[BlueTrinity]

PA written test is same as MC. Driving portion can be taken on the trike. Successful completion gets a Motorcycle endorsement for license.

Thanks for all the feedback. Clearly, it'll be best to just check with the local DMV.

[John Luciano]

A friend of mine ( now a friend since they bought my bike ) bought my 1100 Goldwing with a Voyager kit on it and he took the test on it. He lived it Donalsonville, GA had to got to Albany to take the test. They just followed him in a car .

Albany sounds about right for his location. There are not a lot of motorcycle test facilities in Georgia, but there is usually one within a two hour ride. That's interesting to know, though. I'll pass it on to my buddy.
Thanks!