New PA permit process question

LPC2104 · March 13, 2006, 01:50:33 PM

I'm getting closer to getting my GS and I found out PA now requires someone to pass a written test to obtain a permit. Up until 2 1/2 months ago, you could just pay 10 bucks and you have a permit. I've never ridden before and I obviously don't want to fail my permit test as that will just delay my learning further. Does anyone here have any experience with these tests? Is the test based on common driving knowledge or actual motorcycle knowledge? Thanks in advance for any info.

Alyn

annguyen1981 · March 13, 2006, 05:06:38 PM

It's the same here in MA. I had to pass a writen test for my permit... If you drive a car (responsibly) and have common sense (amazingly, it's not that common anymore), you can pass the test.

ashman · March 14, 2006, 06:12:11 PM

Here is some advice, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. In most states a completion certificate will let you bypass any state tests. The two friends I have that ride havnt taken the MSF and both crashed. One being my roommate now has a life long trick knee that goes out randomly. Guess that happens when doctors have to completely remove it(knee cap) from your leg and reattach it.
-ash

natedawg120 · March 14, 2006, 06:21:13 PM

you have to have your permit to take the course....

BURNT

just joking. It is like that here in this state. All the questions are in some way motorcycle related but all are answers you will know how to answer if you know how to ride a bicycle, know the laws, and have ready the motorcycle brocure that you can get from the dmv or sometimes view as a pdf from the dmv site for your state. I read the book in a half hour and took the test and got my permit. then i took the MSF course

Phaedrus · March 14, 2006, 11:07:43 PM

I dont know how it works in PA, but in NY, you have to take a written motorcycle permit test. I forget how many questions, but not many. Most of them - all but like 5 or 6 - were basic driving questions, regardless of car, bike, whatever. Road signs, right of way, etc. The 5-6 other questions about bike stuff were mostly like "what do do in case of.." and hand signals. Wasn't hard. But like I said, thats NY. (after the permit, then you gotta take the road test..). If you take the MSF course, all that gets waived. But it is also more expensive, but you get insurance discounts and valuable knowledge too.

kimo3825 · March 15, 2006, 12:24:29 AM

it the same here in cali. there should be a booklet you have to studied. they also have ?'s about cagers stuff also. mainly speed limits and sign. all in all basic stuff.

ashman · March 15, 2006, 02:09:46 AM

Quote from: natedawg120 on March 14, 2006, 06:21:13 PM
you have to have your permit to take the course....

BURNT

just joking. It is like that here in this state. All the questions are in some way motorcycle related but all are answers you will know how to answer if you know how to ride a bicycle, know the laws, and have ready the motorcycle brocure that you can get from the dmv or sometimes view as a pdf from the dmv site for your state. I read the book in a half hour and took the test and got my permit. then i took the MSF course

Wait, your saying before you can take the MSF course you have to have a learners permit?!? That would be one of the stupidest things I've ever heard. The whole point of MSF is to take a completely new rider and teach them all the m/c basics from riding to safety. In Louisiana you only have to take the written test if you have a MSF card.

-ash

annguyen1981 · March 15, 2006, 06:52:24 AM

It's the same here in MA. You have the have a permit before you can jump on a bike.

LPC2104 · March 15, 2006, 12:59:04 PM

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I was hoping it was more common knowledge stuff as I think it would be hard to answer motorcycle questions if you've never rode one and you can't ride one until you pass the test that tests your knowledge on riding a motorcycle. Wow, that was confusing.

Ash -

You do need a permit before you can take the MSF course. I'm going to be signed up as soon as I find a date that will work for me and a friend. I've never ridden a motorcycle before and I think it would be a great idea if there was a course like the MSF for really really green riders. I don't like the fact that I have to kinda learn on my own before I can take the class. Plus, if they offered the class before new people rode, it would give people like me a better idea of what I'd like to ride. I've sat on sportbikes, cruisers, and decided on the GS500 because it felt pretty comfortable and seems like it was made for the beginner. I have no idea if I would make the same decision if I had actually ridden cruisers vs. sports. Oh well, I'm excited I finally got a bike!

ashman · March 15, 2006, 09:44:29 PM

Who is the jackass that made that law, you could always go to another state and take the course. I'd do that. The MSF is meant to teach you everything you need to know! Whats the point of getting a permit first, that is unsafe.

-ash

vtlion · March 17, 2006, 07:03:14 AM

Yeah, you do need the permit in PA to take the MSF. My guess would be that the state will tell you it is to get the rider to demonstrate basic knowledge of how a motorcycle works before jumping on one in the MSF course. The real reason is probably the extra 10 bucks you have to drop down at the DMV for the permit

In either case, ash, your attempting to apply logic to a government-run operation. Therin lies your problem.

vtlion · March 17, 2006, 07:06:36 AM

Oh and btw... in PA a "permit" allows you to ride within the state during daylighs hours without a passenger. No supervision required. There are MANY riders in PA who never bother to get a true license because they only ride recreationally. They just plop down their 10 bucks each year and keep on riding with NO formal training or testing

News:

New PA permit process question