New Rider in California (Questions)

[bassjones]

Originally Posted by blackripley

...Most pro racers do not ride street because they don't have the skill set to deal with deer, kids chasing balls, crap falling of of trucks, traffic coming at them.

What!?!?! they have the skill set, they just won't risk their careers riding street and dealing with those hazards. Most of them return to street riding after their racing careers.

[Wolfdog]

Originally Posted by Bird of Fire

The MSF is completely voluntary. You do not HAVE TO TAKE IT. You want your learners permit, go to the DMV and take the written test.

Now what's legal and what's intelligent may be different. The MSF replaces your practical DMV riding test in the state of CA to get your M license. So that consists of getting on your bike, starting it, and going around a low speed circle while your tires don't touch the painted lines of said circle. That's it. You basically have to make a u turn. It's harder than you think as the path is relatively narrow, but it's a joke at the same time as this doesn't even remotely encompass what you need to do to be a competent rider.

So on the other hand, if you take the MSF, it's 250-275 bucks (if my memory serves) and it teaches you much more information than some jackwad with a clipboard telling you to go 5mph around a circle in a parking lot does. If you pass the MSF class, you have to take the written test at the DMV to get your M license. Do you already have your M class learners permit and you just passed the MSF class? Congratulations, you now have your license! Easy peasy.

To answer question number 2, CHP states that lane splitting is legal if done safely and at low speeds. Basically meaning that it's up to them and their discretion. And yet I have a feeling that you really REALLY don't need to worry about this if you don't know how to get your license.

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid your first answer is false. I finally got in contact with the DMV today, verified that, as of January 11, 2011, ALL riders under the age of 21 MUST do the MSC before applying for a PERMIT or License.

I knew how to get my permit/license, but there was contradicting information on the DMV.

The second point is more helpful. I guess, if it's safe, it's legal. Judgement call, as so much of street riding is.

Thanks

Thanks for all the other help guys

[Wolfdog]

Originally Posted by bassjones

What!?!?! they have the skill set, they just won't risk their careers riding street and dealing with those hazards. Most of them return to street riding after their racing careers.

Also: this. I have followed AMA, WSB, and MotoGP racers for a very long time, having met some of the greatest in the field (I've attended numerous MotoGP events, met and had the opportunity to hang out with a bunch of professional crews)

Most of the guys don't ride too much street (esp. at the world-pro level) but many do when retired and/or off season.

[Bird of Fire]

Originally Posted by Wolfdog

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid your first answer is false. I finally got in contact with the DMV today, verified that, as of January 11, 2011, ALL riders under the age of 21 MUST do the MSC before applying for a PERMIT or License.

I knew how to get my permit/license, but there was contradicting information on the DMV.

The second point is more helpful. I guess, if it's safe, it's legal. Judgement call, as so much of street riding is.

Thanks

Thanks for all the other help guys

No shit? I didn't clue in on your age so that blew right over me. Plus j got my license before then anyways so thanks for correcting me. Now it's learned something today. :-)

[UltimateOG]

Oh and because everyone somehow missed this, in the state of California even if you have completed the MSF course(s) and gotten your Motorycle Permit in the state of California, you are not legally eligible for a Motorycle License until the age of 21. Yup, you can knock out all the courses and written test and ride to your hearts content, but you still have to wait til you are 21 before the DMV will even entertain the idea of issuing you a Motorcycle License.

Found this out in my BRC course and my wife found out at the DMV when she transferred from KY to CA Driver Licenses. She has been legally licensed for 3 years in the state of KY but CA won't let her have a CA one until she is 21. She was PISSED.

[Wolfdog]

Originally Posted by UltimateOG

Oh and because everyone somehow missed this, in the state of California even if you have completed the MSF course(s) and gotten your Motorycle Permit in the state of California, you are not legally eligible for a Motorycle License until the age of 21. Yup, you can knock out all the courses and written test and ride to your hearts content, but you still have to wait til you are 21 before the DMV will even entertain the idea of issuing you a Motorcycle License.

Found this out in my BRC course and my wife found out at the DMV when she transferred from KY to CA Driver Licenses. She has been legally licensed for 3 years in the state of KY but CA won't let her have a CA one until she is 21. She was PISSED.

Might wanna check out a different DMV - I've had multiple friends under the age of 18 get their licences now. If you make an appointment there should be no issues. I would attempt to call the DMV as well. Even as a minor you can get your license, they can't discriminate based on age. You just go in, take the written test (if you've done the msc like you should have) and you will automatically receive your motorcycle license.


From the DMV Drivers book:

Minors’ M1/M2 License Requirements

To obtain a Class M1/M2 license, you must:

Complete the requirements listed above.
Be at least 16 years old.
Hold a Class M1/M2 permit for 6 months prior to the issuance of a motorcycle license.
NOTE: The skills test may be waived for a person presenting a valid DL 389; however, you may be required to perform an observation test for a motorcycle only license.

Adults’ 18 through 20 Years of Age M1/M2 Permit Requirements

To obtain a Class M1/M2 instruction permit, you must:

Complete the application requirements.
Provide a Completion of Motorcycle Training Certificate (DL 389) from an approved CHP motorcycle rider training course. Applicants under 21 years of age are required by law to provide a DL 389 before issuance of an instruction permit. Motorcycle training courses are located throughout California. For more information and to locate the nearest training site, call 1-877RIDE-411 or visit California Motorcyclist Safety Program.
NOTE: The Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) is valid for 12 months from the issue date.

Adults’ 18 through 20 Years of Age M1/M2 License Requirements

To obtain a Class M1/M2 license, you must:

Complete the requirements listed above.
Hold the Class M1/M2 permit for 6 months prior to issuance of a motorcycle license.
NOTE: The skills test may be waived for a person presenting a valid DL 389; however, you may be required to perform an observation test for a motorcycle only license.

[Wolfdog]

Originally Posted by Bird of Fire

No shit? I didn't clue in on your age so that blew right over me. Plus j got my license before then anyways so thanks for correcting me. Now it's learned something today. :-)

Thanks for your other help, it was greatly appreciated

The law was just put in effect as of January 11th, 2011. Some kid killed himself immediately upon receiving his permit ( didn't know how to ride ) so they changed the laws -_-

[kevin_stevens]

Originally Posted by UltimateOG

Oh and because everyone somehow missed this, in the state of California even if you have completed the MSF course(s) and gotten your Motorycle Permit in the state of California, you are not legally eligible for a Motorycle License until the age of 21. Yup, you can knock out all the courses and written test and ride to your hearts content, but you still have to wait til you are 21 before the DMV will even entertain the idea of issuing you a Motorcycle License.

Found this out in my BRC course and my wife found out at the DMV when she transferred from KY to CA Driver Licenses. She has been legally licensed for 3 years in the state of KY but CA won't let her have a CA one until she is 21. She was PISSED.

Not what the vehicle code says:

Driver License and Identification (ID) Card Information

If you are under 21, you must hold the Class M1 or M2 permit for 6 months prior to the issuance of a motorcycle license. The skills test may be waived for a person presenting a valid DL 389.

KeS

[AlteredBeast]

Originally Posted by UltimateOG

Oh and because everyone somehow missed this, in the state of California even if you have completed the MSF course(s) and gotten your Motorycle Permit in the state of California, you are not legally eligible for a Motorycle License until the age of 21. Yup, you can knock out all the courses and written test and ride to your hearts content, but you still have to wait til you are 21 before the DMV will even entertain the idea of issuing you a Motorcycle License.

Found this out in my BRC course and my wife found out at the DMV when she transferred from KY to CA Driver Licenses. She has been legally licensed for 3 years in the state of KY but CA won't let her have a CA one until she is 21. She was PISSED.

You can get your motorcycle license under 21, you're just REQUIRED to take the MSF course first. It's been that way for a while, they enforced it with me when I was 19, took the MSF no big deal. Your wife probably can't transfer her license, probably has to take the course in Ca.

OP, splitting lanes in a turn lane or during a round a bout is a bad idea, its probably legal though. Drivers don't maintain their lines well while turning. Where are there round a bouts in CA anyway?

[rgbeard]

Originally Posted by AlteredBeast

OP, splitting lanes in a turn lane or during a round a bout is a bad idea, its probably legal though. Drivers don't maintain their lines well while turning. Where are there round a bouts in CA anyway?

Thanks for getting that point across. I don't know of many roundabouts in California, but the OP doesn't really say where he's from. California is a big state.

Here in Tijuana, roundabouts are pretty common, but my lanesharing is very selective with them, as drivers don't maintain lines, and change lines without thought or concern. I don't laneshare in the roundabouts as much as filter forward if a red light stops traffic on a roundabout.