jojo, what you posted is an "unofficial" summarization of DMV regs (not just motorcycle regs) for all fifty states. I didn't go through all fifty, but what I found pretty much matched with what I expected, which is that in general, a beginner can obtain a permit of some kind (called a "learner's permit" in some states, a "motorcycle instruction permit" in others) that allows him/her, with restrictions, to operate a motorcycle on public roadways. The purpose is the same as an auto learner's permit: clearly recognizing that you're not going to develop operator skills without, y'know, operating the vehicle, the state allows you to do so, but with varying restrictions and also, in general, after having passed a written test. I haven't yet found a state that requires actual riding instruction and experience before acquiring this permit, and so -- despite having passed a written test -- a person at that level would meet my definition of "beginner". I also didn't find any common restriction against operating on the "highway" by any definition -- in California, you can't operate on the freeway, which is not the only kind of "highway",, but I haven't found that restriction elsewhere (for example, in Massachusetts, where I live, the restrictions are that you may only ride during daylight hours, and that you must wear an approved helmet and safety glasses or goggles). Returning to my original point: as I look through these requirements, I see plenty of avenues for people that I'd call "beginners" (meaning those who have not necessarily ridden ten feet on a motorcycle) to be on the public roads. I also know many, many motorcyclists, and also quite a few people who tried it, made rookie mistakes, and decided it was not for them. You may claim that Arrington's "lack of proper skills" was self-evident in view of the crash, and I would not necessarily disagree with you. My point is simply that this is a normal state of affairs with novice riders, not some kind of anomaly.
I haven't yet found a state that requires actual riding instruction and experience before acquiring this permit Since that was never asked for thats why it is not there. I made a comment on the restrictions for a learners permit. That site is only called unofficial because all the states have not gone together officially and linked their sites toghther. If you took the time to look through it you can look at the different states official motorcycle instruction manuals for their tests. I happen to have been riding on the street legally for 15 years, and off road stuff for another 6 prior to that. I know what those tests mean. You still have dodged one part of my post from the 20th. You don't have a motorcycle endorsement do you? By the way, if you want to see a state that requires instruction, look at the S.C. manual it will give you the requirements they have to have I beleive it is 40 hrs of supervised days hours, and 10 of night hours. then look at the MD requirements in the manuals, it may answer why our subject of this thread didn't have a permit. They are even more stringent then some I have seen. If I remember correctly you have to trailer the bike to the test location or have someone with an endorsement ride it there for you.
Since that was never asked for thats why it is not there. What's your definition of "beginner", then? You still have dodged one part of my post from the 20th. You don't have a motorcycle endorsement do you? "Dodged"? I never noticed it, it was that meaningless a question. Never mind. I give up. You win.
"Dodged"? I never noticed it, it was that meaningless a question. This is one thing you have no idea about, because you don't do it and never have done it.Thats the meaning for the question. You want to spout all of your lack of knowledge of what a permit for a MC is and means, and what the test proves. Go take one, see if you can pass it with beginner skills. You can rent motorcycles, be my guest. Atheist from another state other than mine, OH. has the same restrictions for a learners permit. From the sound of it a good definition for beginner would be LaVar Arrington!
