GETTING YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

DOES MY DRIVER LICENSE ALLOW ME TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE TOO?
Motorcycle riders must receive a special license from the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), the Arizona Department of Transportation.

DO I NEED TO TAKE A RIDER COURSE TO GET A MOTORCYCLE LICENSE?
You aren't required by law to complete a training course to get a motorcycle endorsement; you only need to pass the written and skills test. However, as an alternative to the motorcycle skills test, you may take a Motorcycle Rider Course offered by MVD authorized schools at several locations throughout Arizona. The Certification of Completion you will receive when you successfully complete the course eliminates the requirement to take the knowledge and skill tests at MVD. Learner permit holders younger than 18 years need a motorcycle learner permit for at least five months prior to receiving a motorcycle license or endorsement.

HELMETS CRAMP MY STYLE - DO THEY REALLY HELP?
Helmets are required for all persons under the age of 18. On average, half of all motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets.

DRIVE AWARE. RIDE AWARE
In 2007, there were a total of 146 motorcycle fatalities in Arizona, a 6.4% decrease from 2006 number.

Here are more important facts you need to keep in mind when riding a motorcycle.

• In Arizona, the majority of motorcyclists killed in a crash were not wearing a helmet (50%).
• Of the fatal motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle, 36% of those involved the vehicle turning left in front of the motorcycle.
• Almost half of all fatal crashes in Arizona involving a motorcycle and another vehicle occurred at an intersection.
• Per vehicle miles traveled, NHTSA estimates that motorcyclists were about 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash.
• Motorcyclists need to obtain proper training and experience, wear appropriate safety gear, follow the rules of the road, and DRIVE AWARE.

For more information about motorcycle safety, refer to Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual at http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/driver/mcmanual/mmanual.asp

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