RideMaster

To become a licensed motorcycle rider in the state of Idaho, you must pass both a written and a practical riding exam. You may (and are highly encouraged to) take the Idaho STAR course instead of a practical exam at the DMV.

In order to ride the street at all, you will need at least a motorcycle learner's permit which can be aquired by taking a written exam at the DMV. The learner's permit is restricted to daytime only riding and you must not carry a passenger or ride on the interstate (I believe this does include the connector).

For more information, including the Motorcycle riders manual, please visit
http://www.itd.idaho.gov/dmv/DriverServices/ds.htm

Tanman

The exam isn't very hard and very inexpensive. I'm a proud licensed cycle rider.

BlindLOKI

OK... now I have a question for you guys lol

Ive had my m1 endorsement since 3-11-05. I just moved here last june from South Dakota and I figured after my 21st birthday I would go down and get my new license. My question is, what all will I have to do? Also, what kind of paperwork should I bring in as far as proving ive been here since june, making me a citizen?

thanks guys,

Chris

Tanman

Go to the DMV and take a new written test to get a new permit. I was in the same boat as you when I moved here from Cali and I brought a ton of paperwork to prove I live here now. They didn't need any of it (honest Idaho) but I would reccomend bringing some kind of utility bill just in case. Once you pass the written test the premit is good for 6 months I believe and they give you a list of places and people to call for the test. The riding/skills test is only like $8 or you can sign up for a Stars course and a successful completion of that course bypasses you from having to take the skills test to get your licence.

Hozhead

The STARS course is a good thing to take unless you need your license in a hurry and are already skilled enough that the basic course isn't worth while.

I needed my license two summers ago (for a road trip) so I went and took the skills test but still took the STARS course a month later and it was worth my time and money.

CBRF2Old

I don't know if the motorcycle license requires much proof of residence, but if it is like the vehicle licensing.... I swear you could show up with a bar napkin saying "Ah suld me truk to Karl fur 300 bucks and a deer rifle. Sighnd XXX" and they wouldn't bat an eye!

I guess I shouldn't complain though, I have dealt with Washington and Oregon (I swear Washington would make you do a DNA test if they could get away with it....and then charge you for it.) and Idaho is sooo much easier to deal with.

BlindLOKI

sounds good... I was hoping I wouldnt have to deal with the basic skills test, as ive been riding for 2 seasons now, but oh well... it is what it is.... when I have the permit for 6 months to get the skills test, doesnt it specify no passengers and no interstate? cause im way beyond that skill mark :S...... at least... I thought I was O_o

Hozhead

A permit is restricted to:
no passengers
no night time riding
no riding on the freeway

BlindLOKI

and I have to get a permit before I get the real thing, even though ive had the real thing for 2ish years? thats fked up

Hozhead

You don't have to get a permit first, you can get a license straight away - you just need to schedule a skills test or wait for the STARS class. A lot of people get their permit while they wait for an opening to take the skills test. That way you can at least ride around.

R666

and the permit restricts you to no free way, i had a cop clear this up for me nothing 55mph or faster. thats what i was told just passing the message on to all you riders waitin for the stars class to start up soon.

BlindLOKI

Do they do a skills test here in mountain home then? otherwise I have to take the i-state to at least boise right?? thats fked up still hahahahahah this is all crazy. didnt have to do this back home... just ride around with someone right behind you and your good to go. permit was still no passengers and you had to have someone with a license riding with you, but thats not a big deal.... no night/i-state/passenger kinda bites

fireball18

As if anyone cares, but I got my permit then took the stars and what I found was that 80 percent of the stars was common sence but the 20 percent that I did learn was WELL WORTH THE TIME AND MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take the time and do the coarse, it is worth it I think.

cheesey rider

I had a really hard time with the skills test. My bike seems like it's way too big and low do do the weaving part.
California was SOO much easier. Maybe I'm just really rusty. I have a Vulcan 900 and I haven't ridden for a few years.
I feel like a big klutz. Guess I better practice A LOT.

e11charlie

Well coming from a cruiser I would ditch the cruiser and get a sport. Way better handling. I cant imagine trying to do the skills test on a cruiser that would suck.

Linker33

There were a few folks who showed up to take the test on a scooter. Only time I wished I was riding a scooter instead of my bike. Those things turn on a dime.

Funny story... the week before I went to take the skills test, I decided to set up a cone weave in a parking lot to practice. I misinterpreted 2' offset as each side being 2' offset from the center.
I spent a frusturating 2 hours wondering how the hell the average person was able to navigate it. Once I narrowed down to where it was supposed to be, it was alot easier.

whitedevil

No, but really it's an honest mistake...........

Linker33

At least the result of spending time practicing on a 4' offset, made a 2' offset seem like nothing.

whitedevil

You have a damn good point! I was truely laughing with and Not at you!