Vermont Casting 2008 Users Manual TAVN07a Part I DMV Portion
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2015-02-03
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2008
VERMONT
MOTORCYCLE
LICENSING GUIDE AND
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
AND
THE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION
TA-VN-07a (d) INTERNET 8/07 JTB
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A MESSAGE FROM
THE COMMISSIONER OF MOTOR VEHICLES
The motorcycle is a popular and powerful machine which demands skill
and attention. As motorcyclists we must exercise extra caution in
preparing to ride and while riding. The motorcyclist is exposed
throughout the entire ride and is subjected to the hazards of weather, road
conditions and the actions of other drivers.
This manual will help you become a more knowledgeable rider, make
you aware of your limits and those of your motorcycle and increase your
safety awareness.
To learn to be a safe, defensive driver I would encourage all riders,
especially beginners and those riders who haven’t ridden in some time, to
take the State-sponsored Vermont Rider Education Program (VREP).
VREP is a 20-hour comprehensive rider-training program designed to
teach the basic skills necessary for safe motorcycle operation. VREP also
has a program for advanced or experienced riders. This course will help
build upon your experience and hone skills that you may already have.
Both programs follow nationally recognized safety and training standards
and involve both classroom and on-cycle training. Upon successful
completion of the 20-hour course, the DMV skills test is waived and a
motorcycle endorsement is provided by the Department. For course
information please call 1-800-529-2535 (In Vermont only).
Bonnie Rutledge
Commissioner
The Department of Motor Vehicles does not discriminate against
individuals with disabilities in the provision of services, programs,
activities or employment.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
23 V.S.A. §202 and §203 1
Vermont State Holidays 3
Motorcycle Examination Locations 4
Do I Need An Appointment 5
Motorcycle Rider Training Program 6
Motorcycle Awareness Classroom Training 8
Liability Insurance Requirements 8
Part I
How to Obtain a Motorcycle Learner Permit 9
How to Obtain a Motorcycle Endorsement 10
How to Obtain a 3-Wheeled Motorcycle Endorsement 11
Motorcycles and Mopeds Defined 11
Vermont Regulations 12
Hand Signals 12
Motorcycle Care and Maintenance 13
Annual Inspection 14
Vermont Motorcycle Skills Tests 15
General Information – Skills Tests 17
Test Course Layout – Illustration 18
Illustration A – Run #1 19
Illustration B – Run #2 20
Illustration C – Run #3 21
Illustration D – Run #4 22
Alternate Motorcycle Operator Skills Test – Score Sheet 23
Eye and Face Protection (Clarification) 24
Helmet Required in Vermont 24
A Reminder – Deer and Moose on Vermont Highways 25
Part II
MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL – from the “Motorcycle
Safety Foundation”
Part I - 1
y 23 V.S.A. §202 - Impersonating another in an application, or
aiding an applicant by false representation.
A person who falsely impersonates another in an application for
operator license or learner permit, or in an application for a non-
driver identification card, or in an application for motor vehicle
registration, all terrain vehicle, snowmobile or motorboat
registration, or vessel validation, or who obtains a learner permit or
non-driver identification card by false representation, or who obtains
a motor vehicle registration or a registration for any other type of
vehicle or vessel by false representation, or who uses an assumed
name or name not his or her own in an application for operator's
license, or learner permit or in an application for non-driver
identification card, or in an application for motor vehicle registration,
or registration for any other type vehicle or vessel, or who knowingly
aids an applicant in obtaining such a license, permit, registration or
non-driver identification card by false representation as to the age or
identity of such applicant, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or
imprisoned not more than two years, or both and shall have his or her
privilege to operate suspended for 90 days.
y 23 VSA §203 ~ Counterfeiting or Misusing Number Plates,
Registration Certificates or Operating License.
(a) A person shall not:
(1) Counterfeit or cause to be counterfeited or have in his or her
possession any counterfeit number plate, validating sticker,
marker, inspection sticker, registration certificate, learner's
permit, nondriver identification card, insurance
identification card, or operator license, or alter or have in
his or her possession any altered number plate or marker; or
(2) Display or cause or permit to be displayed, or have in his or
her possession, any fictitious or fraudulently altered
operator license, learner's permit, nondriver identification
card or registration certificate, or display for any fraudulent
purpose, an expired or counterfeit insurance identification
card or similar document; or
(3) Lend his or her operator license to any other person or
knowingly permit the use thereof by another; or
Part I - 2
(4) Display or represent as his or her own any operator license,
permit or nondriver identification card not issued to him or
her; or
(5) Permit any unlawful use of an operator license, permit or
nondriver identification card issued to him or her by the
commissioner; or
(6) Obtain or attempt to obtain a registration plate, validation
sticker, registration certificate, operator's license, learner's
permit, nondriver identification card, or duplicate copy of
any of such documents by the use of fraudulently obtained,
fictitious, or altered identity documents or by the use of
identity documents not his or her own; or
(7) Lend his or her identity documents to aid an applicant in his
or her attempt to fraudulently obtain or actually obtain a
registration plate, validation sticker, registration certificate,
operator's license, learner's permit, nondriver identification
card or duplicate copy of such documents.
(b) Upon conviction for a violation of subsection (a) of this section,
the person's privilege to operate motor vehicles shall be
suspended for 60 days.
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Part I - 3
VERMONT STATE HOLIDAYS
New Year's Day January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 3rd Monday in January
Washington's Birthday 3rd Monday in February
Town Meeting Day 1st Tuesday in March
Memorial Day Last Monday in May
Independence Day July 4
Bennington Battle Day August 16
Labor Day 1st Monday in September
Veterans' Day November 11
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November
Day After Thanksgiving State offices are usually closed the
day after Thanksgiving.
Christmas Day December 25
Any legal holiday which falls on a Saturday shall be observed on the
preceding Friday. Any legal holiday which falls on a Sunday shall be
observed on the following Monday.
At times only one individual may staff our offices. The examiner may
not always be present due to road testing. Please be patient. The
examiner will assist you as soon as possible.
On occasion it may be necessary to cancel or postpone driver testing due
to poor road conditions. Call Central Scheduling at 802-828-2085 for
information and to reschedule, if necessary.
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Part I - 4
MOTORCYCLE EXAMINATION LOCATIONS
You should take the test at the testing office nearest your home.
The telephone number for scheduling appointments at all locations is:
802-828-2085 (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
For general information please call: 802-828-2000
Telecommunications Relay Service TTY/TDD: 800-253-0191
Bennington
215 North Street
Monday – Friday
7:45 a.m. – 4:00
p.m.
Burlington
State Office Complex
1193 North Avenue
Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday & Friday
7:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 7:45 p.m.
– 6:00 p.m.
Montpelier
120 State Street
Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday & Friday
7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 7:45 p.m.
– 6:00 p.m.
Newport
100 Main Street
Monday – Friday
7:45 a.m. – 4:00
p.m.
Rutland
State Office Complex
101 State Place
Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday & Friday
7:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 7:45 p.m.
– 6:00 p.m.
Springfield
100 Mineral Street,
Suite 103
Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday & Friday
7:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 7:45 p.m.
– 6:00 p.m.
MOBILE UNITS
DMV operates two mobile units that make scheduled visits in the
following communities:
Dummerston St. Albans White River Junction
Middlebury St. Johnsbury
(Cash is not accepted at the mobile office locations.)
For further information relative to dates, times and a list of services the
mobile units provide, please call 802-828-2000 or check the Vermont
DMV website at: www.dmv.state.vt.us
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Part I - 5
SKILLS TESTS
Skills Tests are given at the following locations:
Bennington - State Office Complex, 215 North Street
Colchester - AOT Garage, Barnes Ave., Fort Ethan Allen
Montpelier - AOT Site, Industrial Lane, Berlin, VT
Rutland - State Office Complex, 101 State Place
St. Johnsbury - State Office Building, Route 5
Springfield - State Office Building, 266 River Street
Motorcycle examination dates and times are determined by demand.
Location of the skills test may be subject to change. Testing is usually
conducted April through October, weather permitting. Skills tests are not
available from the first of November through the end of March.
DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
The Department of Motor Vehicles recommends that each person
applying for a Motorcycle Learner Permit or motorcycle endorsement
make an appointment. Making an appointment ensures that you will
receive service in the least amount of time possible.
If you choose not to make an appointment, when you appear at the
examination office you will be processed as a "walk-in". This means that
all persons with appointments will be serviced first. If, after all
appointments are done, there is sufficient time to administer the test you
want, you will be tested. Motorcycle SKILLS TESTS are administered
ONLY on certain days at the examination offices listed on the previous
page. You will be able to apply for a skills test as a "walk-in" ONLY on
the days the skills test is offered.
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Part I - 6
MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAINING PROGRAM
The Vermont Rider Education Program was established in direct
response to a bill passed by the General Assembly in 1990, calling for a
motorcycle rider-training program.
The Vermont Rider Education Program (VREP) is a comprehensive
rider-training program. The program is designed to provide the training
necessary to enhance operator safety and reduce injuries that occur in
motorcycle crashes.
VREP encourages people who are interested in riding motorcycles to
take this training. The training provided through VREP is highly
effective for novice as well as the most experienced riders.
The program is voluntary until such time as the Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles determines the program shall be mandatory. After that date, all
applicants for a Motorcycle Learner Permit or Operator License
endorsement for operating a motorcycle shall successfully complete the
training course.
The training program follows nationally recognized safety and training
standards and involves both classroom and on-cycle training. The
maximum tuition per student is set annually by the Department of Motor
Vehicles.
For information on the Vermont Rider Education Program or to locate
the nearest training site, you may call 1-800-529-2535 or check the
Vermont DMV website at: www.dmv.state.vt.us. Four courses are
offered:
1. BASIC RIDER COURSE (BRC): This 18-hour course is for novice
riders and those with limited riding experience, as well as riders who
haven’t ridden for some time. The course, which includes a
combination of riding exercises and classroom discussions, teaches
the basic skills needed to operate a motorcycle in traffic.
The course begins by familiarizing students with the location and
operation of controls. Students learn riding skills by practicing on
small motorcycles. Students must demonstrate they have the
strength, balance and coordination to perform straight-line riding,
shifting, turning and stopping exercises.
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Part I - 7
The course then introduces students to the strategies needed for
riding on the street and sharing the road with other vehicles. Skills
taught include emergency braking, swerving and proper cornering
techniques.
Motorcycles, textbooks and helmets, if needed, are provided for this
course. All exercises are conducted on a protected range.
Students successfully completing the Basic Rider Course will be
exempt from taking the Vermont motorcycle knowledge and skill
examinations to obtain their motorcycle endorsement.
2. INTERMEDIATE RIDER COURSE (IRC): This one-day course is
designed for students who have completed the Basic Rider Course
and wish more range practice time on the motorcycle. Emphasis is
placed on the skill requirements of the student. Motorcycles and
helmets, if needed, are provided for this course.
3. EXPERIENCED RIDER LICENSE WAIVER COURSE (ERC-LICENSE
WAIVER): This one-day course is designed for riders who do not
possess a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. The
course includes riding exercises and discussions on motorcycle
safety. Exercises practiced help riders hone their motorcycle skills
including emergency braking, swerving, proper cornering techniques
and slow speed maneuvers.
Students may bring their own street legal motorcycle. Students not
wishing to use their own motorcycle may use a program motorcycle
for an additional fee.
Students successfully completing the ERC License Waiver will be
exempt from taking the Vermont motorcycle skill examination to
obtain their motorcycle endorsement.
4. EXPERIENCED RIDER SKILLS PLUS COURSE (ERC-PLUS): This
one-day course is designed for riders who are already licensed and
frequently ride. This course includes riding exercises and
discussions on motorcycle safety. Exercises practiced help riders
hone their motorcycle skills including braking, swerving, proper
cornering techniques and slow speed maneuvers.
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Part I - 8
MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS CLASSROOM TRAINING
A bill passed by the General Assembly gave the Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles the discretion to require any applicant to successfully complete
and approved classroom training curriculum before a Motorcycle Learner
Permit or motorcycle endorsement may be issued.
The Motorcycle Awareness Program is a 3½ to 4 hour classroom course
that has been developed in partnership with the “Motorcycle Safety
Foundation”. A pilot course is currently being implemented. The pilot
course will initially run on a voluntary basis, but once is has been tested
and proven to be effective, it is planned to make the course mandatory
for anyone wishing to obtain a Motorcycle Learner Permit or motorcycle
endorsement.
LIABILITY INSURANCE IS REQUIRED
It is unlawful for any owner or operator to operate or permit the
operation of a motor vehicle on the highways of Vermont without a
policy of liability insurance that is in effect.
A minimum coverage of $25,000 for death or injury to one person;
$50,000 for death or injury of two or more persons; and $10,000 for
property damage is required.
Proof of liability insurance coverage must be carried in the vehicle. If
you are stopped by a law enforcement officer you will be requested to
show proof of insurance to the officer. If you cannot, you may be subject
to a fine and points on your driving record. If, at the time you are
stopped, you have insurance but cannot show proof, you have 15 days to
produce the proof to the officer.
An automobile insurance identification card is required by Vermont law.
The card must contain the name of your insurance carrier, the effective
and expiration dates of coverage, the name of the insured and a
description of the vehicle (including the identification number). It also
must include limits of liability or a statement that the policy provides the
minimum insurance required by Vermont law.
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Part I - 9
PART I
A. HOW TO OBTAIN A MOTORCYCLE LEARNER PERMIT:
A Vermont licensed resident who does not possess a motorcycle
endorsement may obtain a Motorcycle Learner Permit to learn how
to operate a motorcycle.
To obtain a Motorcycle Learner Permit you must do the following:
1. Make an appointment for an examination at a motor vehicle
office near you. At the examination, 20 of the 25 questions must
be answered correctly. If the knowledge test is failed, there is a
waiting period of at least one day before the exam may be taken
again.
2. If you are 16 or 17 years old you MUST have a parent or legal
guardian sign the Motorcycle Learner Permit application as well
as have a valid Junior Operator License.
3. The fee for each knowledge examination is $7.00. There is no
fee for a Motorcycle Learner Permit.
4. After the permit is issued you may call 1-802-828-2085 to
schedule an appointment for your skills test. The permit is valid
for 120 days from the date of issue. If the appointment is not
made or you do not feel confident to take the skills test at the end
of the 120 days, you may renew your permit. There is no fee for
the renewal. You may renew by mail. Renewal forms are
available at all Department of Motor Vehicle offices and on the
Vermont DMV website.
5. A Motorcycle Learner Permit may be renewed only twice. If,
during the original permit period and two renewals, the
Motorcycle Learner Permit holder has not taken the skills test
nor the Motorcycle Rider Training Course, (s)he may not obtain
another Motorcycle Learner Permit for a period of 12 months
from the expiration date of the last permit.
The Motorcycle Learner Permit will allow you to ride a motorcycle
on any public highway to become familiar with actual in-traffic
operation. There are certain restrictions:
Part I - 10
1.) A motorcycle may be operated during daylight hours only;
2.) The Motorcycle Learner Permit holder is NOT ALLOWED to
carry any passengers;
3.) The Motorcycle Learner Permit is valid in VERMONT only.
Ignoring the restrictions will VOID the Motorcycle Learner
Permit.
If you hold a valid Motorcycle Learner Permit you may ride the
motorcycle to the skill test area on the day of your appointment. If
you fail the skills test and your permit has not expired you will,
under most circumstances, be allowed to ride away. If the permit is
due to expire, you may renew it for 120 days. There is no fee for the
renewal. If it has already been renewed twice, you must take the
knowledge test again to be issued a new permit provided at least 12
months has passed from the expiration of the last permit.
If you fail the skills test a one-week practice period is required
before another skills test may be taken.
Remember, whenever you operate your motorcycle you must have
your valid Vermont Driver License, Motorcycle Learner Permit,
registration and insurance card in your possession.
B. HOW TO OBTAIN A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT ON
A VERMONT DRIVER LICENSE:
Every Vermont resident who operates a motorcycle on the highway
in Vermont must hold a valid Vermont Operator, Commercial Driver
License or Junior Operator License with the proper motorcycle
endorsement. The Commissioner may, upon request, issue a
restricted endorsement for the operation of a 3-wheel motorcycle
NOTE: DMV motorcycle endorsement knowledge and skills
tests will be waived to anyone who has successfully completed the
VREP Basic Motorcycle Course.
Any Vermont licensed individual with a Motorcycle Learner Permit
is required to successfully complete a skills test before the
endorsement will be issued. There is a fee of $2.00 per year for the
motorcycle endorsement. An explanation of the skills test, complete
with diagrams, is contained in Part I of this manual.
Part I - 11
You will not be permitted to take the skills test unless the cycle you
furnish for this purpose is properly equipped, registered, inspected (if
required), insured, and in good mechanical condition. If an applicant
fails the skills test a one-week practice period is required before
another skills test may be taken.
Any motorcycle used for the skills test portion of the exam must be
legally transported to the exam site. For example, you can have
another licensed motorcycle operator ride the bike to the exam
location for you. In this instance that operator would be required to
show a valid license to the examiner. If you have a Motorcycle
Learner Permit you may ride the bike to the exam location. You may
also transport the bike in another registered and insured vehicle such
as a trailer, truck or van.
All applicants applying for a motorcycle endorsement must hold a
valid Vermont license. A fee of $7.00 will be made to the applicant
for the knowledge test. There is no fee for the skills test.
C. HOW TO OBTAIN A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT TO
OPERATE A THREE-WHEELED MOTORCYCLE:
To obtain an endorsement for a 3-wheeled motorcycle you must
possess a valid Vermont Operator, Commercial Driver License or
Junior Operator License. You will be required to pass the
motorcycle knowledge examination. Upon successful completion,
your license will be endorsed to allow you to operate a 3-wheeled
motorcycle. This endorsement is restricted to 3-wheeled motorcycles
only and does not permit you to operate a two-wheeled motorcycle.
Remember, no tests will be given unless you hold a valid Vermont
Operator License, Junior Operator License or Commercial Driver
License.
D. MOTORCYCLES AND MOPEDS:
Definition of Motorcycle: "Motorcycle" shall mean any motor-
driven vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and
designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the
ground, but excluding mopeds, golf carts, track-driven vehicles,
Part I - 12
tractors and vehicles on which the operator and passengers ride
within an enclosed cab.
Definition of Moped: "Moped" means a motor-driven cycle
equipped with two or three wheels, foot pedals to permit propulsion,
a power source providing up to a maximum of two brake horsepower
and having a maximum piston or rotor displacement of 50 cubic
centimeters if a combustion engine is used, which will propel the
vehicle, unassisted, at a speed not to exceed 30 M.P.H. on a level
road surface and is equipped with a power drive system that
functions directly or automatically only, not requiring clutching or
shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged.
The operator of a moped is required to have a valid Vermont license
and is subject to all laws regulating motor vehicles and motorcycles
except that the operator is not required to have a motorcycle
endorsement or to wear a helmet or face protection.
E. VERMONT REGULATIONS:
Owners and operators of motorcycles or mopeds are subject to all
laws regulating motor vehicles. The operator of a motorcycle must
have a valid Vermont operator license with a motorcycle
endorsement.
If you operate a motorcycle or a moped on the highway, you are
granted all privileges and are subject to all of the rules applicable to
the driver of any other type of motor vehicle. You must obey all
traffic regulations, stop signs and signal lights. You have full use of
the traffic lane, but two motorcycles or mopeds shall not be operated
beside each other in the same lane of traffic.
F. HAND SIGNALS:
The law requires that all operators signal their intentions, either with
a hand signal or with a mechanical or lighting device approved by
the Commissioner, before slowing down, stopping or making a turn,
pulling out of a parking place or changing traffic lanes. When hand
signals are used, the following are prescribed by law:
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Part I - 13
To Make A Left Turn:
Extend left hand and arm
straight out horizontally,
keeping hand and arm
stationary.
To Make A Right Turn:
Extend left hand and arm
upward, keeping hand and
arm stationary.
TO STOP OR REDUCE
SPEED:
Extend left hand and arm
downward, keeping hand and
arm stationary.
G. MOTORCYCLE CARE AND MAINTENANCE:
General Care and Maintenance:
Pre-ride inspections help insure a trouble free ride and provide
confidence that your motorcycle will respond properly. The primary
source of information about how a motorcycle should be inspected
and maintained is its owner’s manual. Be sure to absorb all of its
important information. A motorcycle will continue to ride like new
if it is properly maintained and routine inspections become part of its
maintenance cycle.
A pre-ride inspection of the motorcycle should be as routine and
automatic as checking the weather forecast before heading out for
the day. It’s quick and easy to check the critical components, and a
convenient reminder is T-CLOCS. It is recommended that you
follow the T-CLOCS inspection before every ride.
Part I - 14
T – Tires and Wheels
y Air pressure
y Tread
y Cracks, dents, loose spokes
y Bearings
y Brakes
C – Controls
y Levers
y Switches
y Cables
y Hoses
y Throttle
L – Lights and Electrics
y Working condition
O – Oil and Other Fluids
y Levels
y Leaks
C – Chassis
y Suspension
y Drive components (chain, belt, or drive shaft)
S - Side stand
y A pre-ride inspection should not take more than a few
minutes. If done before every ride, it can help you identify
changes before they become a problem.
Annual Inspection:
Your motorcycle or moped must be inspected once each year by an
authorized motorcycle or moped inspection station. All uninspected
motor vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds, must be
inspected within 15 days from the date of registration. The
inspection decal shall be attached to the left outer side of the
windscreen as low as possible or shall be attached to the left front
fork.
Your motorcycle or moped will be required to have an adequate
headlight, rear view mirror, horn, adequate hand and foot brakes,
Part I - 15
adequate exhaust system, rear number plate bracket, number plate
light, adequate tires and fenders and hand holds are necessary if a
passenger is to be carried. High-rise handlebars with the hand grips
over 15 inches above the saddle are not permitted.
A sidecar attached to any motorcycle shall be equipped with an
approved light showing either a white or amber beam to the front and
securely mounted on the right side of the sidecar.
You will be required to show your registration and proof of
insurance at the time of inspection.
H. VERMONT MOTORCYCLE SKILLS TEST:
Upon satisfactory completion of the knowledge exam each applicant
for a motorcycle endorsement will then be required to take and pass
an off-road skills test before the endorsement will be issued.
The applicant taking the skills test must be wearing an approved
helmet and have eye protection, an Insurance Identification Card,
and a motorcycle which is registered and (if required) inspected. It is
recommended that the applicant use the following: leather gloves,
long-sleeved shirt or jacket, over-the-ankle boots or shoes (sneakers
are not acceptable) and pants of denim or other heavy material.
The Vermont motorcycle skills test is designed to test a person's
ability to balance, shift, maneuver, and stop his cycle under normal
conditions. This test also checks one's ability for making a quick
stop and a quick turn.
NOTE: A skills test will not be required for operation of a 3-
wheeled motorcycle, however, the applicant's license will be
restricted to the operation of a 3-wheeled motorcycle only.
y RUN #1 ~ Illustration A ~ Sharp Turn/Normal Stop:
Travel in a straight line and make a sharp left turn between cones
at the far end of the course. Travel back to the designated stop
area.
You will lose points if you:
Stall during exercise.
Part I - 16
Put foot down or hit cone.
Fail to complete left turn or travel outside of boundary.
Skid to a stop.
Fail to stop within the borders of the box.
y RUN #2 ~ Illustration B ~ Cone Weave/U-Turn:
You will be required to travel to the left between a set of cones
then weave back to the right around the next cone. The weave
continues alternately around three more cones. Upon completing
the weave you turn right and come back down the outside of the
course to the enclosed area of the starting point making a right
U-turn within course area.
You will lose points if you:
Put feet down.
Hit cone or line.
Skip a cone.
Your tires hit or cross the U-turn borders.
y RUN #3 ~ Illustration C ~ Quick Stop:
This exercise tests your ability to make a quick stop while
coordinating both the front and rear wheel brakes with specific
requirements put on the speed you should attain and proper
stopping distance for that speed. This test will be timed.
To perform this exercise you will ride to the opposite end of the
course and starting at that point ride in a direct line between the
cones at about 15 M.P.H. When your front tire reaches the cones,
stop as quickly and as safely as you can using both brakes.
You lose points if you:
Fail to stop within an established guideline.
y RUN #4 ~ Illustration D ~ Obstacle Swerve:
This exercise tests one's ability to avoid "in-road" obstacles.
Riding in a straight line and at the same speed as Test #3, you
will be instructed to swerve right or left at the last set of cones so
that you will avoid hitting the 7' barrier line with either tire. This
barrier line is located 13' from the last set of cones.
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Part I - 17
You will lose points if you:
Hit the barrier line or boundary lines with either tire.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION - SKILLS TESTS:
The examiner may stop the test at any point during any of the skills
test if you:
y Fall or drop your motorcycle.
y Commit an unsafe act (wheelies, excessive speed, etc.).
y Lose enough points to fail (11).
In addition, you can stop the test. If you do not feel comfortable
attempting any exercise and do not feel you can perform it safely, tell
the examiner. He or she will end the test at that point. You can
come back after you have taken more time to practice and have
gained more confidence in handling your motorcycle.
YOU WILL NOT BE GIVEN THE SKILLS TEST IF YOU:
y Arrive at the testing area illegally.
y Don't have proper eye protection (face shield, goggles, etc.).
y Don't have a DOT approved helmet.
y Cannot show a valid insurance card.
y Have an unregistered cycle.
y Have an uninspected cycle (if required).
y Have a cycle with defective or improper equipment.
y Have a moped to use for the test.
y Ride the motorcycle at the skills test location before testing
begins unless you have a Motorcycle Learner Permit, or while
others are being given the test.
NOTE: Refer to the following pages for skills test setup, course
dimensions, skills test diagrams and score sheet.
While use of the following is not required, it is recommended:
leather gloves, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, over-the-ankle boots or
shoes (sneakers are not acceptable) and pants of denim or other
heavy material.
Practice driving at DMV skill testing courses is not permitted.
These areas are to be used only when tests are being conducted
by an examiner.
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Part I - 18
TEST COURSE LAYOUT
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Part I - 19
ILLUSTRATION A
Run #1
Sharp Turn/Normal Stop
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Part I - 20
ILLUSTRATION B
Run #2
Cone Weave/U-Turn
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Part I - 21
ILLUSTRATION C
Run #3
Quick Stop
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Part I - 22
ILLUSTRATION D
Run #4
Obstacle Swerve/Turn
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Part I - 23
ALTERNATE MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR SKILL TEST
The test consists of seven exercises that evaluate your ability to perform basic
vehicle control, riding judgment, and hazard-response skills. Throughout the entire
test you will be scored on time and distance standards, as well as path and ‘foot
down’ violations. The test may be terminated due to point accumulation, falling or
dropping the motorcycle, disregard for instructions, committing an unsafe act, or
failure to understand or follow instructions. If at any time you feel an exercise is too
difficult you may stop the test. However, you must complete the entire test to pass
it.
ALTERNATE MOST SCORE SHEET Points Assessed
SHARP TURN SHARP TURN
A. PATH 3 5
B. FOOT DOWN 1
REMARKS POINTS
NORMAL STOP NORMAL
STOP
A. SKID 3
B. STOPPED POSITION 5 POINTS
RUN
1
REMARKS
CONE WEAVE CONE WEAVE
A. TIRE SKIPS OR HITS CONE(S) 3 5
B. FOOT DOWN 3 5
REMARKS POINTS
U- TURN U-TURN
A. PATH 5
B. FOOT DOWN 5 POINTS
RUN
2
REMARKS
TIME RERIDE
TIME STOPPING
DISTANCE DISTANCE
ALLOWED QUICK STOP QUICK
STOP 1 2 3 4 5 POINTS
RUN
3
REMARKS
OBSTACLE SWERVE TIME RERIDE TIME Obstacle Swerve
A. PATH 5
RUN
4 REMARKS POINTS
STALLING STALLING
A. STALLING ENGINE DURING ANY EXERCISE 1 3 5
REMARKS POINTS
TIMING/DISTANCE CHART – 20 FOOT TIMING ZONE
SECONDS SPEED MAXIMUM STOPPING
DISTANCE
TOTAL POINTS 0 -
10 = PASSING
TEST
TOTAL
.67 - .69 20 M.P.H. 23 FEET
.70 - .73 19 M.P.H. 20 FEET TEST TERMINATION
.74 - .77 18 M.P.H. 18 FEET FALLS OR DROPS THE MOTORCYCLE.
.78 - .82 17 M.P.H. 16 FEET COMMITS AN UNSAFE ACT.
.83 - .87 16 M.P.H. 14 FEET
.88 - .94 15 M.P.H. 13 FEET
FAILS TO UNDERSTAND INSTRUCTIONS
REPEATEDLY.
.95 - 1.01 14 M.P.H. 11 FEET POINT ACCUMULATION.
1.02 - 1.09 13 M.P.H. 10 FEET EXCESSIVE TIME.
1.10 - 1.18 12 M.P.H. 9 FEET
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Part I - 24
J. EYE AND FACE PROTECTION (CLARIFICATION OF
“HELMET USE” SECTION IN PART II OF THIS MANUAL):
In the “Helmet Use” section (in PART II of this manual) reasons are
given why a face shield on a helmet gives the most eye and face
protection while riding a motorcycle when compared with a
windshield alone, goggles, or sunglasses.
A face shield does provide the most eye and face protection,
however, Vermont law does not require a face shield or other eye
and face protection if a windshield is present.
23 V.S.A. §1257
If a motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield or screen, the
operator of the motorcycle shall wear either eyeglasses, goggles or a
protective face shield when operating the vehicle. The glasses,
goggles or face shield shall have colorless lenses when the
motorcycle is being operated during the period of thirty minutes after
sunset to thirty minutes before sunrise and at any other time when
due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions,
persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a
distance of five hundred feet ahead.
K. HELMET REQUIRED IN VERMONT:
23 V.S.A. §1256
No person may operate or ride upon a motorcycle upon a highway
unless he wears upon his head protective headgear reflectorized in
part and of a type approved by the commissioner. The headgear shall
be equipped with either a neck or chin strap.
Department Administrative Rule
y The Commissioner approves motorcycle protective headgear
which meets the specifications adopted by the Motorcycle,
Scooter, and Allied Trades Association, the America Standards
Association Inc., Z90.1, or the U.S. Department of
Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, 218,
and amendments thereto and for which the American
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Part I - 25
Association of Motor Vehicle Administrator’s Equipment
Approval Certificate has been issued to.
y Reflector Requirements:
Each helmet shall have reflectorized surface or have securely
affixed thereto reflectorized material on both the left and right
side of such helmet. Such reflectorization must cover an area of
at least four (4) square inches on each side of the helmet. If
reflectorization material is attached to the helmet, it must be
affixed with a suitable weatherproof and water resistant adhesive
substance.
L. A REMINDER:
y Moose and deer also share our roadways.
y Their presence is most likely during the late evening, nighttime
and early morning hours.
y Deer are easiest to spot because their fur and eyes reflect light
from vehicle headlights.
y Moose are harder to see because their fur is dark and their eyes
are usually above vehicle headlight level, so, they do not reflect
the light.
y Deer may freeze if looking directly into light or may bolt at
speeds of up to 40 M.P.H. in the direction of their habitat when
startled.
y Driving at speeds of less than 35 M.P.H. on secondary roadways
and at speeds that do not overextend the distance of headlights
on interstates allows a driver more time to react and stop if a
deer or moose is spotted.
Notes
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Part II
MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR
MANUAL
Published by the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
The following Motorcycle Operator Manual should be studied in
addition to Part I of this manual.