How to Get a Motorcycle License in North Carolina
To motorcycle aficionados, nothing beats the thrill of riding their vehicles on the open road. Scenic routes abound in North Carolina, but before enjoying the view, you need to obtain a motorcycle license. As the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Motorcyclist’s Handbook points out, accidents are common, particularly among beginning riders.
Because we know that safe riding makes all the difference, here’s a guide to obtaining a motorcycle license in North Carolina from Rhine Law Firm, P.C., specializing in personal injury law. Our clients’ best interests are at the forefront of everything we do.
Motorcycle Learner Permit
If the applicant is at least 16 years old but under 18, they must have a full provisional, regular, or commercial driver’s license issued by the DMV. They must successfully complete the safety course offered by either the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program. Applicants must also pass three tests for vision, knowledge of traffic signs, and motorcycle knowledge. Those 18 and older must have a license issued by the DMV.
Keep in mind that motorcycle learners’ permits are issued for 12 months. Just one renewal is allowed, and that is for a period of six months. Those with a motorcycle learner’s permit cannot carry passengers.
Motorcycle Endorsement
A motorcycle endorsement requires the same criteria as the learner’s permit, with the addition of passing a motorcycle on-cycle skills, i.e. road test. All riders should have an endorsement on their driver’s license. Not all North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) offices offer motorcycle road tests. For the NCDMV offices that provide motorcycle road tests, you must make an appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, weather permitting. The DMV is going through significant operational changes at this time, so please check this on the division’s website, or call the local office.
Licensing Exams
The knowledge test consists of multiple-choice questions. Here’s one example:
Question: If a tire goes flat while riding, it is usually best to:
- A. Relax on the handle grips.
- B. Shift your weight toward the good tire.
- C. Brake on the good tire and steer to the side of the road.
- D. Use both brakes and stop quickly.
In this case, the correct answer is C.
The motorcycle skills test measures your motorcycle-riding skills. Participants must show they can accelerate, brake, and turn safely. They must demonstrate an ability to adjust their speed and position in traffic, along with the ability to stop, turn, and swerve quickly.
Your score depends on selecting safe speeds for performance maneuvers and completing normal and quick stops and turns.
North Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Under North Carolina law, all motorcyclists and their passengers must wear a motorcycle helmet complying with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Such helmets have a DOT symbol placed on the back by a manufacturer.
The manufacturer’s label inside the helmet includes the name of the manufacturer, the exact model, size, manufacturing date, and the type of shell and construction materials. The label also provides care and cleaning instructions.
North Carolina Motorcycle Insurance
Under North Carolina law, all motorcyclists must carry liability insurance. As with a truck or automobile, the rider must have a valid insurance card with them at all times. The motorcycle endorsement must also appear on the motorcyclist’s driver’s license.
A North Carolina liability insurance policy must include at least $30,000 per person or $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability for paying claims to those the motorcyclist has killed or injured. Also required is a $25,000 minimum per occurrence of property damage liability. This pays for vehicles or property damaged in an accident for which the motorcyclist is deemed legally liable.
As experienced personal injury attorneys, we also strongly recommend you pay for the largest amount of uninsured and underinsured coverage in case you are injured by another driver who does not have enough coverage to pay for your injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Rhine Law Firm
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Rhine Law Firm to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.
