The idea of multi level motorcycle licenses is standard fare in many countries around the world, though not in the U.S., but now, according to this news item, the state of Utah is about to implement several divisions within the license categories requiring separate tests. It’s a little confusing from the description but it seems you have dividing lines at 90cc, 249cc and 649cc plus a separate license for street legal ATVs.
Riders previously had to qualify on a bike that was either less than 90cc or more than 90cc. Now, those upper divisions include 249cc, 649cc and street-legal ATVs. If a driver owns a smaller bike and uses a friend’s, that driver first must pass a test to legally ride the larger motorcycle.
There’s no mention in the article of any time requirements on lower cc motorcycles before jumping to the larger engines and I also found it interesting that there is a category for street legal ATVs, perhaps a recognition of the growing interest in this type of motor vehicle. There’s also no mention of 3 wheelers of any sort, sidecars included.
What the test will include at each level isn’t explained which is important because a new Harley Davidson Touring bike will be in the same cc category as a Suzuki GSX-R 1000. If there is no time requirement involved, does that mean you can show up on your new Gixxer for your first license and be approved on the spot, in effect, covering all of the lower classes or do you move up in stages? As soon as someone begins breaking down licensing into multiple levels, how do you divide the classes? You might use weight, horsepower, power to weight ratio, number of wheels or something else. I also wonder who came up with the divisions. I imagine this will be sorted out in coming days.
Perhaps one of our readers from Utah could fill us in if they have more details.
Link: Salt Lake Tribune
Zrexer says
Hmmnnn…. What ever the reason it certainly sounds like a way to get extra tax dollars.
ScatRat says
Does Utah still have to honor endorsements from other states then? How does that work?
Tom says
Prospective Utah motorcyclists, here’s a little secret: the 651cc Kawasaki KLR650 and 652cc Suzuki S40 are docile bikes that are good learners. Pass the test on these bikes and you are licensed to ride anything.
Jon says
Not sure what to think. I went from 125 to 350 to 750 while still in my teens. Mainly I want to know if this is a chance to screw people for more money? Does each level cost more and do the charges compound? In the meantime, I’m not that fond of Utah, and don’t anticipate moving there…
Nigel Tasker says
I live in the UK and we have similar laws here. They are obviously there to try to promote safety but in saying that, they are a nightmare to get to grips with or understand.
I run a biking forum and there are constant posts about the rules and regulations – so much that we have had to provide a special section for new rider info!
Great site too – I read it a lot
Jim says
ScatRat: Yes, Utah needs to honor MC endorsements of other states. Lots of case law and it is covered in the Constitution, the 14th amendment as I recall.
Daniel says
Having just received my endorsements in Utah right before this took effect I can clear up a few things.
1) The tiers are just by engine size. There is no time limit or horsepower restriction or anything.
2) The tests are the same for each tier. They just want people to be able to do the maneuvers on their motorcycles. This means if you want to ride an 1800cc goldwing you better be able to do a U-turn.
3) All endorsement holders prior to the law going into effect are grandfathered into the highest tier
Doug says
About the ATV license: Utah has an extensive ATV trail system through spectacular scenery (see atvutah.com). This has proven a big fincial boon to small, rural cities who cater to ATV tourists. Many of the trail access points are a short street ride from lodging and campgrounds and much “unofficial” ATV street riding has gone on as people access these trails or connect two sections via paved roads. I believe Utah is trying to make legal and somewhat control for safety reasons what it going on already.
Azzy says
I want to see one of those loaded goldwings try the figure 8 in a box part of a test. I bet it can be done…. but it aint gonna be easy.
Only nice thin is it will keep some people form hitting up their first bike as a ‘busa. I think you have a right to go out and kill yourself on any machine you want to, as long as you dont hurt anyone else.
Now what about requirements for passenger gear (helmets) and tests for that?
kneeslider says
Thanks, Daniel, for the clarifications.
JC says
“Prospective Utah motorcyclists, here’s a little secret: the 651cc Kawasaki KLR650 and 652cc Suzuki S40 are docile bikes that are good learners. Pass the test on these bikes and you are licensed to ride anything.”
Excellent advice Tom, and both are pretty good beginners bikes to boot!
The KLR is a bit tall for some riders, but lowering links are available for it.
The S40 is way to small for my 6′ to feel comfortable on, so both really tall and really short could be happy with either of these options.
Why take a test twice when you can take it once?
KLR’s are readily available on the used market since they have been made for years (not to mention the Honda 650’s but I am partial to green)
james says
@Azzy: The figure 8 is easy if you know what you’re doing. Doesn’t matter if it’s 250 Ninja or full dress touring bike. Now a raked out chopper, that’s another story.
Try looking up Yellowwolf on YouTube if you want to break the stereotype of full dress tourers not being capable. Generally, it’s the rider that limits the bike, not the other way around.
Azzy says
james, not saying the bike isnt capable, this is more about the riders than anything else.
Chris Kraft says
Twenty four years ago when I received my cycle certification here in Wisconsin they had a similar rule. The split was at 500cc.
Shortly after that they dropped the requirement and I never had to bother with a retest when I moved up from my Honda 250 Custom to a Honda 750 Custom.
I don’t know why they dropped the policy then so it seems really odd that Utah is moving a direction we moved away from years ago.
Although, here in Wisconsin, I am never surprised when I see pro motorcycle laws. Harley-Davidson has a fair amount of pull in the state. I figure that is the only reason why we don’t yet have a helmet law.
–Chris
dave says
Multi-Level Licences are a great way of protecting new riders from their own stupidity, regardless of age.
Too many of us think that just because we can afford a big bike, it is our right to own it. Everytime a beginner gets scrapped up from road, the more our insurance goes up.
Only once you understand the dynamics and consequences of riding smaller bikes, will you respect the dangers of bigger bikes.
There are two kinds of riders, those that have fallen and those that have yet to fall.
As for helmet laws. If you are injured riding without a helmet, your insurance becomes null and void. Same with seatbelts. Failing to take responsibility for your own safety should not effect the insurance premiums of those who do.
ridetodie.com
Tinker says
And what do seat belts have to do with US?
I knew when I changed insurance companies, that I had made a mistake, when I got my policy and it had a big wrapper around the outside that said, “Your coverage is void if you do not wear your seat belt!”
I sent it back, with CANCELED written right across the seat belt notice. A couple days later, I got a call frpom the insurance agent, asking me what was wrong. I informed him that I was unable to comply with the policy’s demands. He replied “it’s meaningless and it doesn’t apply to you”. I was skeptical about insurance that said it would not cover me if I did not wear a seat belt, and politely told him (and them) to stuff it, and told him that it also said that nothing anyone else says would modify the coverage.
I went back to my old insurance, at least they remember that I ride a motorcycle. It costs a bit more but its worth it.
dave says
Helmets, Seatbelts and Airbags have proven themselves to reduce and prevent injuries and fatalities.
Glorify Stupidity-I Am Invincible!!
ride2die.com
Waldo says
Hey Look,
As you well know politicians and rule makers are among the learning impared. How do you think they got themselves into office in the first place.
So what happens when they are confronted with something new??? They pass idiodic laws about anything they know little about. Mostly to get in your pockets but mostly because they are basicly morons. ” The sky is falling, The sky is falling”.
Why do you think this country is in such a bad state of affairs??