Help with Ohio Motorcycle Skills Test - Anyone in Dublin/Cbus?

[utgunslinger13]

Hello,

After a bit of practice on the bike after rebuilding it from a seized motor, I'm finally comfortable enough to start focusing on the actual skills test put on at the BMV to receive my license and get rid of this permit!  Being this late in the season, all the Basic Riders Courses are full locally and I don't want to wait another year for my license (for those that don't know the BRC course can replace the skills test in Ohio).  I do plan on taking the course eventually but at this point the license is what I'm focusing on so I don't have to renew it every 12 months.

Unfortunately, the Ohio Skills test is not something they offer specifics on and I have only been able to find scant information about online.  The test locations are illegal to practice on (I'm assuming so I don't wreck and sue since no one is supervising me) and they don't offer diagrams to show the distances of the weaving cones, u turn boxes, etc.

I have been able to find a website listing the "ALTERNATE MOST" (alternate motorcycle skills test) which seems to be what the Ohio test is based off of:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-training/motorcycle-test/



My question would be:

a.) can anyone in ohio vouch for the validity of this being the actual skills test required by the state of OH?
b.) anyone in Dublin/Cbus want to get together and put the course together in a parking lot to practice with me this weekend?
c.) does anyone in Dublin/Cbus know of a practice course already set up I could practice on?

Thanks,

Nick

[adidasguy]

Here in Seattle, the classes are held in parking lots at the community college or a small airport. Usually they are coned off from cars  Fri and Sat nights because they have classes Fri-Sun. So you can go and practice on the courses when the parking lots are empty. The marker cones are put away, but the paint lines are there. South Seattle Com. Col. has 2 courses. If they are using only one, they'll usually let you use the other one. They also let you use it before and after classes and sometimes, if you ask, during their lunch break.

We have subsidized classes for half price and they are usually full. If you pay the full $250 or $225, you can just about pick any course time you want. We can also call for cancellations. Or show up and if there is a cancellation, pay and get in the class. You probably have those options available.

If you don't know what your test involves, why not go and watch the classes? See what they do and you'll know what the test is all about. Then practice those skills on your own or with a friend acting as a coach/supervisor.

Even if you get your full license without taking the class, you should still take the class and pass it. It will get you a discount from most insurance companies. And you do improve your skills having trained coaches run you through the course.

... I looked up your link. Your test is easier than the one the MSF gives here in Washington. We even have to do a double u-turn inside a small rectangle. Looks like they show you everything you need but I agree with the comments posted: you must practice on the actual course or make one up in a parking lot with some chalk.

The MSF that we use here: http://www.msf-usa.org/

[007brendan]

A lot of the skills tests are actually pretty hard to pass on a heavy bike.  When I lived in Delaware, a lot of riders would borrow or rent scooters for the test for the figure eights and tight slaloms.

[plewis51]

I had my riders course at my local college and over one weekend. We used Honda Nighthawk 250's and they were really light and fun. Im not sure how well i would have done if i used my GS. Good luck with everything!

[tykho]

I used my GS and passed it fine, after owning it and riding a bit for a week. I was the only one taking the test as it was February and like 35 degrees out, but the guy administering the test let me practice run it for 20 minutes before he came out and did the scoring. I passed with no negative points, I think it's pretty easy if you know how to ride.

[bassmechanicsz]

I would start by just going out and practicing what is on that link you posted.  If you really want to know what is on the test you could probably either go to the DMV and just watch and wait for someone on a motorcycle to take the test or if you are confident in riding your gs i would say just go and take the test and then if you do fail you still have your permit and know exactly what to practice for the next month until you can take it again.  I know here in NJ it doesn't cost anything to take the test so their would be nothing to lose.

[tykho]

In Colorado it's $20 for each test, written and practical, I think that if you ask your instructor beforehand they will probably let you practice run a couple of times. Just make sure you turn your head all the way for the sharp u-turn, that almost f%&ked me up, lol.

[black and silver twin]

I used my gs and failed it the first time 
So I went online and found the columbus ohio skills test course layout and made an exact copy at a school nearby. I practiced for two weeks then passed it with a 100%. 

That was two years ago, maybe three, I think I could pass it with one hand easily now.

One tip: I found I did much better when I went quickly, not fast, but close. If you go slow the flickable nature of the gs works against you making you unstable.

So set up a course and practice, try different speeds, and pay attention to your front tire grip. Any falls or tips are immediate fail.
Good Luck!

[utgunslinger13]

I planned on setting up that course on the link I posted at the parking lot at my work and practicing this weekend.  I did find 4 videos on youtube that were for the BMV in Washington state and they seem to use the same test as posted on the link and actually have videos of a rider showing you how they are performed and a few tips.

Seems a little harder watching someone doing the test than when I read about the test!

[dtw]

FWIW - I took the course at a trade school outside Cleveland 2 years ago.  Their policy (not sure about others) is that if you show up the first night of any class with your $25 and there is a no show you are in.  There were many open spots.  It is a pretty low stress way to get the endorsement.

[mister]

A lot of the skills tests are actually pretty hard to pass on a heavy bike. 

The way the system in my state works is...

If you are new to motorcycles - new as in, just getting your license - you are REstricted to the power of bike you can have. Less than 150kw/tonne and less than 660cc. The riding schools offer what is called Q-Ride. And Teach you to ride... slalom, slow ride, e-stop, emergency evasive, figure 8, automatic use of indicators, left/right turns. IF you are competent in the training area they then take you to the street where you also do a U Turn, P Turn and Hill Start. The bike used is usually a CB250.

12 months later, after you have had your RE license for that 12 months, you can do the test again. But this time, the bike is more than 150kw/tonne and/or larger than a 660cc bike. So you are doing it on a heavier more powerful bike. Depending on the bike you Intend to get as an Upgrade - if you upgrade - you can do this on a sport bike (Honda Hornet 600s) or a cruiser (Honda Shadow750 - need to scrape the pegs to get the figure 8 right with the time limit on it).

Michael

[Asym]

Just show up at a class. The classes fill up months before and people can't make it. I've had a hand full of friends do this and got in.

[utgunslinger13]

Unfortunately, taking the class is not an option at this point due to the days the classes are available and conflicting with my work schedule.  My only option at this point is to take the skills test.