Obtaining Motorcycle License

[TRDTercelen1]

My roomates gf decided she would get him a motorcycle license and a motorcycle because they are retarded and like spending money they don't have. We thought it was as simple as going to a One Stop or something and writing a test and that was it for his beginners license. Thats all that has to be done in Ontario. But we went today to pick up a motorcycle learners book and it says you have to have someone drive with you that has a full license or something. Anyways, I couldn't figure it out and we didn't really have much time to talk to the lady behind the desk so could someone please explain the steps that need to be taken to go from having a regular drivers license for cars from Ontario, to being able to ride a motorcycle legally by yourself(even if its just a learners permit). And I read a couple places that motorcycle insurance is pretty cheap here. Is that true? He will only be getting like a 1990-95 and something around the 600-800cc area. And he is 25.

Thanks

[BlueGoblin]

While not yet legally required, a motorcycle instruction course is the only way to go. Too Cool Motorcycle School, the Calgary Safety Council, and others provide good motorcycle training and will then see the student through the process of obtaining their class 6 license.

I would not suggest any other path that skips the step of getting training, regardless of the size of bike they intend to ride or how much experience they have on dirtbikes.

Training is essential for safe riding.

[endo]

I wouldn't recommend any other route than through a course as well, but here's what you can do. Again, DO THE COURSE!

Write the learner's test. It's just a regular 20odd question multiple choice test. You pass, you get a learner's permit for your bike. That means that you can ride on public streets on a registered/insured motorcycle but ONLY with a chaperone. Said chaperone must have their motorcycle license, and technically, they have to be behind you (although that isn't usually enforced, it's a good idea). After that, get some experience and go back to the registries office. Tell them you want your motorcycle license and already have your learners. You need to provide your own bike, and then they will give you a route (or in some cases an earpiece) and they will follow in a car. Ride around their route properly and safely and return to registries. Get a new picture and wait for new license in the mail. TADA!

That's how it can be done...but the best way :D is through a safety course (I highly recommend Too Cool...they're booked full for a long time, but there's a good reason for that). They will test you at the end for your license as well. Riding a motorcycle isn't just about regular speeds. Slow speed is harder and more technical, but get that down and your skill base is set. On top of that, a course will make you think about things you wouldn't notice otherwise, regarding traffic behaviour, road conditions, and many other things.

[TRDTercelen1]

yeah...i think the thing that boggles my mind most is applying the brakes...i downhill mountain bike alot so i know the 70 front 30 rear rule but a mountain bike is a lot easier to manuever...or chuck...when things go bad...and also...what about starting off on a hill...i know its fun enough in big bulky trucks so i can image its quite fun on a bike

[Barlow]

hill starts, its all in the rear brake, slip the clutch....

[TRDTercelen1]

really thats it...i was reading through the manual and it said you have to put your foot down on one side...put it in first...then put it back to the other side and put the back brake on...then slowly let go of the clutch while holding the front brake and slowly increasing throttle...confused the living shit out of me...

[Chris88CL]

Hill starts are easy. Just make sure you have one brake covered at all times. The rest is a piece of cake.

The brakes are easy too. Just remember that the 70/30 rule is for higher speeds. For slow speed parking lot type maneuvering you only really need to use the rear brake. The front is pretty grabby at slow speeds.


I'd highly suggest not doing the road test. Do the course instead. The road test is easier, but you wont know if you have the necessary skills for everyday riding. Challenge yourself and you will thank yourself in the long run.

[wagovan]

+1 for too cool motorcycle school, kind of a funny name, but its an awesome school! and the instructors are really skilled and informative! a little pricey, but you wont regret it!

[Fivewayradio]

Your class 5 is your motorcycle learners. It's all you need to ride as long as you're with someone who has their class 6. That person either needs to be on the bike with you, orin a car or on a bike on the road with you.

All the literature makes you think that you need to take the written test as a learners license, but it's not a learners. It's a permit to take the road/lot test. I assume they want to know you have enough knowledge to actually take the road test.

Personally I think it's a cash grab. $20 to take the written, $45 to take the road test, then another $20 to get your actual class 6 license.

I just got my license on friday, and that's exactly what I had to go through.

[Fivewayradio]

Oh, and take a course. I took a course last week and there were people who passed the test who I personally wouldn't want to be on the road with. Those people had enough trouble handling a 150cc dirt bike. I can only imagine what they're going to be like when they get on their 1000lbs Harleys, or their 100hp sport bikes.

[gorilla*goggles]

took my course through too cool and I was 100% satisfied
they spend time with you one on one with everything and you
really get to learn how to control and handle a bike
plus the road tester comes to the group and you can get your
licence on the spot. Trust me taking a course like too cool's
helps in the long run

[The Cosworth]

Originally posted by Fivewayradio
Your class 5 is your motorcycle learners. ...........


when did that change? I had to take the motorcycle learners test and I had been driving for 3 years at that point (and before GDL)


+1 for too cool, took it in 2003

[2BLUE]

Originally posted by Fivewayradio
Your class 5 is your motorcycle learners. It's all you need to ride as long as you're with someone who has their class 6. That person either needs to be on the bike with you, orin a car or on a bike on the road with you.

All the literature makes you think that you need to take the written test as a learners license, but it's not a learners. It's a permit to take the road/lot test. I assume they want to know you have enough knowledge to actually take the road test.

Personally I think it's a cash grab. $20 to take the written, $45 to take the road test, then another $20 to get your actual class 6 license.

I just got my license on friday, and that's exactly what I had to go through.

class 5 is a bike licence? uhh i dont so :confused:

[2BLUE]

Im betting that having a driving instructor behind you while taking the test must be nerve racking....

[sneek]

you are a motorcycle learner once you are over 16 and have a class 7


http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=section:drivers:newlicence

[Fivewayradio]

Originally posted by 2BLUE


class 5 is a bike licence? uhh i dont so :confused:

A class 5 has been a learners for all other classes for as long as I can remember. Look it up, rather than making smarmy comments that'll end up making you look like an asshole.

[dericer]

Originally posted by Fivewayradio
Your class 5 is your motorcycle learners...

Good call, never knew that.




Class 5 Licence permits an operator to drive:

a two axle single motor vehicle, excluding a motorcycle.
a two axle motor vehicle towing a trailer with one or more axles, if the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes.
a recreational vehicle or any combination of a recreational vehicle and a trailer, if the trailer has not more than two axles and is not equipped with airbrakes.
a moped.
Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 type vehicles, for learning only.
No holder of a Class 5 operator's licence shall operate a motor vehicle:

that has a seating capacity of more than 15, while that vehicle is transporting any person in addition to the operator.
to transport for hire.
The minimum learning age is 14.
The minimum licencing age is 16.

Requirements: road test.

Vehicle for road test: any two axle motor vehicle excluding a motorcycle.

[lexIS300]

there is a written test for your motorcycle license which you need before taking the road test

[FreakinPrince]

so we only need to write the written test before going for our course or what?

[mekeni]

Originally posted by FreakinPrince
so we only need to write the written test before going for our course or what?


yup, you can do that (but don't skip on the course, i think it is a must)

[lexIS300]

you can take the course without the written part. you just need it for the road test and to go on the ride if you take the course

[Spoons]

Plain and simple. Your retarded if you don't the course. Half the time I see people on their bikes riding on the wrong part of the lane (not positioned right) and ride like tools. They teach you all this in the course. Also it gives you more confidence on a motorcycle with all the riding time you get on a closed course. The course also includes your test and everything (which is a lot test, not a road test. Lot test is 10 times easier than the road test)

JUST TAKE THE COURSE :D

[TRDTercelen1]

i will definately be taking the course...sounds like an awesome learning experience...thanks for all the info guys...but just to be sure...i can go for a ride with my ex's dad if i have a class 5 right...he has 2 bikes and wants me to go with him...would my car insurance cover that?

[BlueGoblin]

^ You need to have insurance on the motorcycle you are riding.

[FreakinPrince]

Originally posted by TRDTercelen1
i will definately be taking the course...sounds like an awesome learning experience...thanks for all the info guys...but just to be sure...i can go for a ride with my ex's dad if i have a class 5 right...he has 2 bikes and wants me to go with him...would my car insurance cover that?



Originally posted by BlueGoblin
^ You need to have insurance on the motorcycle you are riding.



or your ex's dad might already have insurance...can he not use it or do you have to get personal insurance for the bike himself?

[Fivewayradio]

That's an interesting question that's probably best answered by the insurance company. But generally a vehicle is insured, not necessarily the driver. But if I was an insurance company I wouldn't really be all that interested in paying claims to some guy who loaned his litre bike to his unlicensed, first time rider buddy who promptly wraps himself around a semi.

[jonnycat]

I think it is the person who is covered. I'm covered through my insurance when I drive someone elses car / bike. The maximum limit is decreased to $40,000 though.

I'm sure that my class 5 was all i needed to be able to ride my bike with a class 6er.

[929]

I never use the rear brake unless it's panic braking... or if I'm doing a show and locking the back.

[GOnSHO]

very informative thread!! thanks to everyone who posted.. :D now to call a place to book for a course..

[FreakinPrince]

very informative thread!! thanks to everyone who posted.. now to call a place to book for a course..

good luck

toocoolmotorcycle are completely booked ...best to wait til next year..i believe you can start booking in janurary for march times