Riding test in VA

[jakmobile]

Anyone have specifics on what they test you for in Virginia?  My 30 day time frame is up so I'm ready to get my license.

[heent]

Here's the VA DMV page that's applicable:

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/motorcycle.asp

However, the skills test page doesn't really tell you what maneuvers you'll have to perform.  From what I can remember, you'll have to do the following:

- sharp, slow-speed left turn, then same style right turn in kind a figure-8 pattern within the confines of a small rectangle, sorry, can't remember the dimensions.

- accelerate to speed (roughly 15-20mph) then stop within a certain distance of crossing a line

- and I think you might have to do an emergency swerve maneuver

The box is really the only part that can be somewhat troublesome.  The MSF course really pays off (as they teach you all the maneuvers, letting you practice them multiple times on their bikes, and if you pass the course the skills test is waived for your license).

[jakmobile]

Actually I heard that there were four sections to the test.

All of them seemed easy except the u-turn portion.  I can't seem to get my bike to do a u turn in less than 2.5 parking spaces.  Any suggestions?

[crash]

look directly behind you... literally... turn your head in the direction you wanna go... then turn it some more until you're looking behind you.  then just remember to stay steady on the throttle

[jakmobile]

Thanks Crash, I'll give that a whirl in the am.

[Aerospike]

Hey Jack, I live in Burke. If you wanna ride sometime, or even practice for the test (I'm still a new rider), let me know.

[Cal Price]

When doing full lock U-turn or tight fig8 or turns don't look at the kerb or the box marking, don't look down at the front wheel make sure you keep your head up and look at where you want to be, before you go practice very slow speed turns and try to ride at walking pace, use both hands, throttle and slip clutch and right foot to brake, first few times it seems difficult but it soon comes right. Look where you want to be is pretty good advice for any situation.

[jakmobile]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.  I didn't get a chance to try that today but I def will tomorrow.

Aero - I'm in Sterling and I'm down for some riding tomorrow.  What hours are you available?

[Aerospike]

Sorry man, can't do it tomorrow. I have to work on my car. Let me know if any other time is good for you.

[octane]

IF you haven't already done it, take the test at the smallest DMV. The small facilities don't have room for the full course so it eliminates the slalom and panic stop. They'll make you ride a circle around the parking lot and if you use your signals and don't fall off you get a license. Congratulations. Now please promptly learn how to turn and do panic stops!

[John Bates]

I'm not sure VA is the same as OH but many states are the same.
If you pass the OH three day safety class then this test is waved.

This is the layout:
http://home.earthlink.net/~jwb1938/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/image1.gif

and here are the dimensions:
http://home.earthlink.net/~jwb1938/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/image2.gif