Need a Motorcycle License? Happen to live in Virginia?

Last year, I had the opportunity to get my motorcycle license. This has been something I wanted to do for years as I have been around motorcycles most of my life. I live in Virginia, and I know that my states rules and regulations will differ from other states. I wanted to provide insight on my experience completing the required steps for my license. In Virginia, there are a few factors that will affect the ways you will get your license. The main deciding factor is age. For someone over 19, the process is a bit easier. If you are at least 19 years old and already have a driver's license in Virginia, you can bypass the permit and any DMV testing. This means, finding and completing a program that is listed on the DMV website is all you will need to be licensed. For those under 19, you will need to pass a knowledge test which allows for you to get a permit. And then a skills test orchestrated by the DMV will need to be completed.

There are plenty of official programs available, once completed, will officially license the new rider through the DMV. They vary by price and even quality of education it seems, but in the end you will get your license once completed. Even the local Harley Davidson dealer has a course available for all of those up and coming Harley fanboys. The course I took was through Apex Cycle Education. They were highly rated and I figured I would want to be as comfortable on the bike as possible when I finished the course.

The course lasts a whole weekend consisting of in class education, riding, and a final test. The total cost is $350, which is pretty expensive for a motorcycle course. But, I truly felt like I would learn a lot which would contribute to my riding skill and safety. Afterall, I felt comfortable enough to start my first ride on public roads without any more practice on my own, so I did just that. Friday night was the first meeting and completely in class which lasted a few hours. The instructors went over all of the motorcycle riding and safety basics. The class was interactive and a good learning experience. The next 2 days were riding only with about 4-6 hours per day on the bikes. All you needed were gloves and glasses. They graciously provided helmets! With the written test completed, they literally hand you your license and a card saying that you completed the course. The paper license is good for 30 days and they say to make sure to go to the DMV before the 30 days is up. I arrived at the dmv on the 29th day and waited a while. Once I got to the desk, the process was simple. They took my picture to replace my horrid original and after paying 32 dollars, that was it. I was finally legally allowed to ride a motorcycle! Waited about a week to get my updated licence with the coveted “M2” rightfully printed on the plastic. Overall, I had a great experience with getting my motorcycle license!