To make sure you have the right coverage at the right price, come see what Rider can do for you. Operating Motorcycles on the Shoulder of the Highway in Virginia the driver road skills test. Note: Not all DMV customer service centers offer the motorcycle road skills test, so check the list of test locations before you decide to take the test. In some states, you may need to take a separate motorcycle license exam. If you completed the Virginia Rider Training Program, you will be issued a course completion certificate which will exempt you from completing both the motorcycle knowledge exam and the road skills exam. How much does it cost to add a car to my current insurance policy? Helmets are about 29 percent effective in And if you bundle your car and home insurance, you can save even more! exempted from taking both the motorcycle knowledge exam and the road skills test. Applicants inside of Virginia may visit a DMV customer service center to present these documents, those assigned outside of Virginia may apply by mail. I am sending this email in order to correct this misunderstanding. The clothing should be of durable material Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles There is no minimum age limit for passengers in Virginia, but all passengers must wear helmets and eye protection and use footrests/pegs. Once you have your license, youll be able to hit the open road on your motorcycle. If you operate a motorcycle in Virginia, you must hold a valid Class "M", "M2", or "M3" designation or a motorcycle driver's license. While it is not a valid excuse to be unaware of the law, you should obtain your License and learn the rules as soon as possible. With a few very rare exceptions, motorcycles must be equipped with a headlight, horn, and rearview mirror. Secondly, riders are not allowed to ride between lanes of traffic or on the shoulder of the road. Motorcycles are exempt from the states seat belt laws because they do not include any requirement that children under the age of eight use safety restraint harnesses while riding in a motor vehicle. When you renew your driver's license, remember to renew your Class "M", "M2", or "M3" designation as well. If you are 16 years old or older, you may operate a motorcycle without a learners permit if you have completed a DMV-approved motorcycle rider safety course or if you have a valid out-of-state motorcycle license. Are there other laws I should know about? Some motorcyclists wear lightweight reflective Motorcycles are permitted to ride 2 abreast. because the driver of the other vehicle failed to see the motorcyclist in time to avoid the crash. The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. Customers will In Virginia, there is no minimum age requirement to ride a motorcycle as a passenger; other states have no such requirement. If you decide to obtain a regular drivers license later, you will be required only to pass the driving road skills test. In addition to being the law, wearing a motorcycle helmet is just common sense. A Class C license allows you to operate a motorcycle with a sidecar attached, a three-wheeled motorcycle, or a motorized scooter. Yes in order to legally operate a motorcycle in Virginia, you need either: A Class M motorcycle designation on your license, You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to obtain a, the first step before getting a license. Because New Jersey is a comparative fault state, an unlicensed/uninsured bikers chances of collecting full compensation are quite low. Motorcycle operators should choose good quality goggles, glasses with plastic or safety lenses, or a helmet equipped with a face shield. Unless they are designed for trail riding or are used in the dark, headlights, horns, and rearview mirrors are required on motorcycles. Durable, non-slip gloves are recommended to permit a firm grip on the controls. Refer to the DMV Fee Chart to see the yearly charge. You must pass a written motorcycle knowledge test as well as a hands-on road skills test in order to apply. Make sure to bring the certificate of completion with you when you visit DMV to apply for your motorcycle classification. Any Virginia driver authorized to operate a motorcycle must have an "M", "M2", or "M3" listed under "Class" on the front of their driver's license. Refer to the DMV Fee Chart to find out the yearly charge. Upon approval, DMV will add the appropriate Class M designation to the Virginia driver's license and will mail a new driver's license displaying the motorcycle classification to the applicant. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times as likely as passenger-vehicle occupants to die in a crash. Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam. Real 2023 DMV Questions - DMV Written Tests 6 In Michigan, the law requires that all riders younger than 21 wear helmets, without exception. athletic shoes that cover the ankles are a good second choice. Upon approval, DMV will add the appropriate Class M designation to the Virginia driver's license and will mail a new driver's license displaying the motorcycle classification to the applicant. Motorcyclists must use the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, which runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains, at least once during the summer. If you have the necessary restrictions listed on your drivers license, you may be able to get a license that only allows you to drive motorcycles. Scooters & Mopeds in Virginia | DMV.ORG The penalty is considered a traffic infraction; for the first offense there is a fine of $125. If you are under 19, you will need to hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 9 months. Olivia has written nearly 500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from car technology to state license plate requirements.