"Trike Pilot" license in VA or WV?

[Hawkeye]

Looks like we'll be relocating from California to Virginia. New job will be right near the VA and WV border so either state would be a viable place to live.

Here in California, no license other than a regular drivers license is required to operate a trike. I've tried doing a little online research on the laws in VA and WV but haven't managed to come up with anything concrete as to what is required there.

So, for those of you who may be in those places, what's the scoop? Anything special required?

Thanks in advance!

[Ironhorsepilot]

Hi, Hawkeye! I live in Virginia and you need a MC endorsement. As far as I know, there is no Trike endorsement, but the Motorcycle Safety Foundation should know that answer. I had to get a regular MC license in 2008. The MSF course is the easiest way to do that. As far as I know CA is the only state that allows Trikes to operate under regular driver's license.

[KDHUFF]

sounds like you are moving close to me.......

[Hawkeye]

KD -

A little farther north - Winchester.

Not a done deal yet but looking pretty good.

[Hawkeye]

Digging around the Internet came up with an answer to the Virginia part of my question. Virginia has what they call the S/TEP (Sidecars and Trikes Education Program). It is similar to MSF but specifically for trikes and sidecars. Like the MSF course for two-wheelers, S/TEP course completion qualifies your for an MC endorsement on a Virginia drivers license.

Still looking for info on West Virginia.

[rmrc51]

Digging around the Internet came up with an answer to the Virginia part of my question. Virginia has what they call the S/TEP (Sidecars and Trikes Education Program). It is similar to MSF but specifically for trikes and sidecars. Like the MSF course for two-wheelers, S/TEP course completion qualifies your for an MC endorsement on a Virginia drivers license.

Still looking for info on West Virginia.

I'm in the Charlottesville area of VA. Basically right in the center of the state.

The S/TEP course you're referring to is very hard to find. I've been looking for awhile and never have seen one in my general area and they're not given as frequently as the regular MSF courses. Haven't checked lately though.

I think you might find the cost of living a bit better in West VA. In either case, welcome to this site and the Virginias!!

[mw1151]

WV requires a MC endorsement for trikes. Welcome new neighbor!

[RickDeVon]

Say you are moving from California to Virginia.....you will think you have died and gone to heaven...welcome to the southeast...

[Greydog]

Digging around the Internet came up with an answer to the Virginia part of my question. Virginia has what they call the S/TEP (Sidecars and Trikes Education Program). It is similar to MSF but specifically for trikes and sidecars. Like the MSF course for two-wheelers, S/TEP course completion qualifies your for an MC endorsement on a Virginia drivers license.

Still looking for info on West Virginia.

All you need in West Virginia is a motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license. This can be obtained in one of three ways. If you have a motorcycle endorsement on your existing license it will transfer to your West Virginia license with no hassle when you go down to the DMV. Just remind them to make sure they know you have the endorsement. If you have no endorsement you can get the learners permit booklet at the DMV. Study the booklet and take the written test. They will issue you a motorcycle learners permit which will allow you to ride for, I think, 60 days. Then you will have to take the riders test on their course. All DMV's don't have a course so you may have to locate one that does. You may also sign up for a MSF Beginner's class after you have your learners permit. When you have sucessfully completed the class you just take your certificate to the DMV and they will add the Motorcycle endorsement to your license for a small fee. That's what I did when I moved back here from Illinois. The MSF class was done over a three day period and cost $50.00 at the time. If you do not now have an endorsement on your license it's the best way to go because the DMV rider's test must be taken on two wheels and I can assure you it's very difficult to pass on a big bike!! You will take the same rider's test at the MSF class but they provide the motorcycles for the attendees and they are small 125cc bikes that are a breeze to handle. The class is well worth taking even if you already have a license. When I did it we had two women in the class that had NEVER ridden a motorcycle and both passed the course and got their license. Hope this helps you.

[wa8cxi]

what about senior citizens and the disabled wanting to enjoy a motorcycle
ride but only can operate a trike
I am 68 years old have balance problem... arthur in the knees.. hips ...shoulders
some days I could not hold up a 125 cc 2 wheeler. I can do very well
on my 88 gl1500 but some days are worse than others I still want to ride
but I may have to limit my time on the trike....BUT at least I have the oportunity
to enjoy riding....

[Lakeman]

You just need a regular DL in SC. They look at a trike like a three wheel car.

[boone-wv]

in wv you will need a mc endorsement and an inspection sticker. you also have to wear a hemet. the state wants you to stay healthy so they can sqeeze every dollar they can from you.