Jill Kolodner | July 24, 2024 | Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles offer a fun and exciting way to experience the freedom of the open road. Whether you already hold a regular driver’s license (Class C) or you’re starting with a Maryland motorcycle license (Class M), it’s important to understand state licensing requirements as well as any restrictions that apply.
How you go about obtaining your license will depend on whether it’s your first license or you already hold a Class C license in Maryland. Here’s what you need to know before you hop on a motorcycle and hit the road.
Riders Under 18 and New Drivers
All riders under the age of 18 — as well as new riders — are required to take a driver education course and an entry-level Basic Rider Course (BRC). If you’re under 18, you must also take a driver’s education course to obtain a permit or driver’s license.
These requirements are designed for those with minimal or no riding experience to ensure that they develop basic knowledge and driving/riding skills to operate safely on roadways, hopefully helping to prevent motorcycle accidents.
BRC courses from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) include six hours of classroom instruction, now available as a convenient eCourse.
Once these hours are completed, riders can move on to the Basic Rider Course, including about 10 hours of practical instruction administered by Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified instructor/rider coaches.
Participants must meet minimum performance standards to complete the course and then pass a knowledge and skill test at the end of the course. When you pass the course, you’ll receive a completion certificate. If you already hold a Class C license, you can turn this in to get a motorcycle endorsement added to your existing license.
Unlicensed Riders Over 18
If you don’t yet have a driver’s license, taking a BRC can help expedite the process of obtaining your motorcycle license in MD. When you pass this course and receive a certificate of completion, you won’t have to take the knowledge test. However, you will still have to pass the Class C knowledge test.
If you are over 18 and have experience riding, you may decide to skip a motorcycle safety course (though this isn’t encouraged). You must go through the Maryland motorcycle permit test process, including taking the knowledge test to obtain your permit, followed by the on-cycle skills test to obtain your Class M license.
Drivers under 18 may also go through the permit process, but they will have to take the BRC before they can obtain a license, and there are restrictions on how and where they can ride with a motorcycle permit.
Restrictions on Motorcycle Permit Holders
Because new and inexperienced riders are more likely to be involved in accidents and suffer injuries as a result, there are restrictions on permits, just like there are restrictions on driving permits.
With a motorcycle learner’s permit, you may not ride on the highway, and you cannot transport passengers. You must also limit riding to daylight hours, and you must wear a DOT-approved helmet along with approved eyewear.
Ride Your Motorcycle Responsibly
Riding is a privilege you can enjoy for a lifetime if you behave responsibly. This starts with taking a suitable safety course, obtaining proper licensure, and following the rules of the road. These requirements are for your benefit, as they can help you avoid collisions with automobiles that are likely to cause more harm to you than to drivers and their passengers.
CONTACT THE BALTIMORE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAW FIRM OF WGK PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS TODAY FOR HELP
For more information contact the Baltimore motorcycle accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
https://wgk-law.com/
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080
