Tuesday, January 4, 2011

CONNECTICUT: New requirement for motorcycle licenses

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.connecticutplus.com/cplus/information/news/News_1/New-trequirement-for-motorcycle-licenses1119211192.shtml


New requirement for motorcycle licenses
By Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles ..
Buy the "As seen on" mug WETHERSFIELD, CT - Beginning January 1, all new Connecticut motorcycle riders regardless of age must complete a motorcycle safety course before getting the license endorsement to drive a motorcycle legally in the state.

The new requirement does not apply to current motorcycle endorsement holders in Connecticut or those moving to Connecticut from another state and already having the endorsement. (Please see a video on the new law at http://ct.gov/dmv/mcycle

“This new requirement will ensure that all motorcycle riders have the proper skills training and safety education,” DMV Commissioner Robert M. Ward said. “This law is all about making motorcycle riders and their passengers safe.”

The legislature in the last session passed the new requirement for all applicants for a motorcycle endorsement. Previously 16-and 17-year-old applicants were the only ones required to take the safety course.

The course includes class work, skills training and a skills test, which replaces the test that once was taken at the DMV. The agency will no longer do the skills test, which is required to obtain the endorsement. In addition, applicants must also pass vision and 16-question knowledge tests. All requirements and licensing fees can be found on the DMV web site at ct.gov/dmv.

Courses are available across the state through the state Department of Transportation’s Rider Education Program or through other providers approved by DMV. For more information on course locations, visit http://ct.gov/dmv/mcsafetycourses.

Once applicants pass the vision and knowledge tests, and complete the safety course, they must come to a full-service DMV office to have a motorcycle endorsement put on the driver’s license.