Motorcycle License

GETTING YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

DOES MY DRIVER LICENSE ALLOW ME TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE TOO?

Motorcycle riders must receive a special license from the Department of Public Safety. For the first two months, newly licensed riders cannot ride with a passenger, on roads with a speed limit more than 60 mph, or between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

DO I NEED TO TAKE A RIDER COURSE TO GET A MOTORCYCLE LICENSE?

You aren't required by law to complete a training course to get a motorcycle endorsement; you only need to pass the written and riding test. However, 92% of all motorcycle crashes involved riders who were self-taught or learned from family or friends. Learner permit holders younger than 19 need a motorcycle learner permit for at least two months prior to receiving a motorcycle endorsement.

HELMETS CRAMP MY STYLE - DO THEY REALLY HELP?

Helmets are required for all persons under the age of 18. On average, half of all motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets.

DRIVE AWARE. RIDE AWARE

In 2007, there were 31 motorcycle fatalities in Utah, a 29% increase from 2006. The majority of fatalities were among younger riders age 15-24.

Here are more important facts you need to keep in mind when riding a motorcycle.

• In Utah, the majority of motorcyclists killed in a crash were not wearing a helmet (78.3%).
• Of the fatal motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle, 73% of those involved the vehicle turning left in front of the motorcycle.
• Almost half of all fatal crashes in Utah involving a motorcycle and another vehicle occurred at an intersection.
• Per vehicle miles traveled, NHTSA estimates that motorcyclists were about 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash.
• Motorcyclists need to obtain proper training and experience, wear appropriate safety gear, follow the rules of the road, and DRIVE AWARE.

For more information about motorcycle safety, contact www.highwaysafety.utah.gov