Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE, MOTORCYCLE 2012 User Manual

VERMONT

MOTORCYCLE

MANUAL

Peter Shumlin, Governor

State of Vermont

Brian Searles, Secretary

Agency of Transportation

Robert Ide, Commissioner

Department of Motor Vehicles

2012

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 15-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 15-hour course, the DMV skills test is waived and a
motorcycle endorsement is provided by the Department. For course
information please call 800.529.2535 (Vermont only), or check the
Vermont DMV website at: dmv.vermont.gov.

Robert Ide
Commissioner

This manual was produced by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, and printed in
Vermont at a cost of $0.608 per copy. Please h elp reduce t he cost of state go vernment by
returning this manual or passing it on to another future rider.

THIS MANUAL MAY NOT BE USED DURING THE TEST

TA-VN-07a 30M 03/2012 REB

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

from the

Part I

23 V.S.A. §202 and §203 1
Vermont State Holidays 3
Motorcycle Examination Locations 4
Skills Tests 5
Appointments 6
Motorcycles Defined 7
Motorcycle Learner Permit 8
Motorcycle Endorsement 10
Motorcycle Rider Training Program 11
Motorcycle Awareness Classroom Training 14
Vermont Regulations 14
Hand Signals 15
Motorcycle Care and Maintenance 15
Annual Inspection 16
Liability Insurance Requirements 17
Two-Wheel Motorcycle Test Course Layout 18
Two-Wheel Motorcycle Exercises 19
Three-Wheel Motorcycle Test Course Layout 23
Three-Wheel Motorcycle Exercises 24
Sample Rider Skill Test Score Sheet (Motorcycle) 27
Sample Rider Skill Test Score Sheet (Three-Wheel) 29
Eye and Face Protection 30
Helmet Required in Vermont 30
Deer and Moose on Vermont Highways 31

Part II

MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL –

“Motorcycle Safety Foundation”

33

 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 non­driver 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.

 23 VSA §203 ~ Counterfeiting or Misusing Number Plates,

Registration Certificates or Operating License:

100 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 - 1

(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) Obtain or attempt to obtain a registration plate, validation

sticker, registration certificate, certificate of title, operator’s
license, learner’s permit, nondriver identification card,
duplicate copy of any of these documents, or obtain or
attempt to obtain any other permit, license or special
privilege from the department of motor vehicles through the
submission of an application containing false or fictitious
information; or

(8) 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) A violation of subsection (a) of this section shall be a traffic

violation for which there shall be a penalty of not more than
$1,000.00. If a person is found to have committed the violation,
the person’s privilege to operate motor vehicles shall be
suspended for 60 days.

Part I - 2

State offices are usually closed the
day after Thanksgiving.

VERMONT STATE HOLIDAYS

New Year’s Day January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 3
Washington’s Birthday 3
Town Meeting Day 1

rd

Monday in January

rd

Monday in February

st

Tuesday in March
Memorial Day Last Monday in May
Independence Day July 4
Bennington Battle Day August 16
Labor Day 1

st

Monday in September
Veterans’ Day November 11
Thanksgiving Day 4

th

Thursday in November
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 nece ssa ry .

Part I - 3

MOTORCYCLE EXAMINATION LOCATIONS

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE ONE CENTRAL NU MBER FOR

SCHEDULING EXAMS - 802.828.2085

BENNINGTON

120 Depot St
Monday – Friday
7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

802.447.2756

SOUTH BURLINGTON

4 Market Street
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 7:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

802.863.7292

MONTPELIER

120 State Street
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 7:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

802.828.2000

MOBILE UNITS

DMV operates two mobile units that make scheduled visits in the following
communities:

Dummerston
Middlebury

(Cash is NOT accepted at the mobile office locations)

For further information relative to dates, times and a list of services, please call

802.828.2000 or check the Vermont DMV Web Site at: dmv.vermont.gov

St. Albans
St. Johnsbury

NEWPORT

100 Main Street
Monday – Friday
7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

802.334.3363

RUTLAND

101 State Place
Monday, Tuesday, Thur sday & Friday
7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 7:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

802.786.5815

SPRINGFIELD

100 Mineral St Suite 103
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 7:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

802.885.5273

White River Jct.

Practice driving at DMV skill testing
courses is

NOT permitted. These areas
are to be used only when tests are being
conducted by an ex a m iner.

Part I - 4

SKILLS TESTS

Skills Tests are given at the following locations:

Bennington: AOT Facility, Bowen Road
Colchester: AOT Facility, Barnes Avenue, Fort Ethan Allen
Montpelier: AOT Facility, Industrial Lane, Berlin, VT
Rutland: State Office Complex, 101 State Place
St. Johnsbury: State Office Building, Route 5
Springfield: Southern State Correctional Facility, Charlestown Rd

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.

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 off­road 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.

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.

GENERAL INFORMATION – SKILLS TESTS:
The examiner may stop the test at any point during any of the skills test

if you:

 Fall or drop your motorcycle.
 Commit an unsafe act (wheelies, excessive speed, etc.).
 Stall the motorcycle four (4) times.
 Fail to follow instructions.
 If, in the opinion of the examiner, testing time has exceeded a

reasonable limit.

 Lose enough points to fail (11).

Part I - 5

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. In the event that you terminate
the test, the entire test must be administered when re-testing. (This also
applies when an examiner stops a test).

YOU WILL NOT BE GIVEN THE SKILLS TEST IF YOU:

 Arrive at the testing area illegally.
 Don't have proper eye protection (face shield, goggles, etc.).
 Don't have a DOT approved helmet.
 Cannot show a valid insurance card.
 Have an unregistered cycle.
 Have an uninspected cycle (if required).
 Have a cycle with defective or improper equipment.
 Have a motor-driven cycle to use for the test.
 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, score sheet and fees.

While use of the following is not required, it is
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 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.

recommended: leather

APPOINTMENTS

Part I - 6

MOTORCYCLES DEFINED

23 V.S.A. §4(18) defines what a motorcycle is. The operator of
any vehicle that is considered a motorcycle must have a
motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license.

Motorcycles: “Motorcycle” shall mean an y motor driven vehicle
having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to
travel on not mor e than three wheels

1

in contact with the ground,
but excluding motor-driven cycles, golf carts, track driven
vehicles, tractors, electric personal assistive mobility devices, and
vehicles on which the operator and passengers ride within an
enclosed cab, except that a vehicle which is fully enclosed, has
three wheels in contact with the ground, weighs less than 1,500
pounds, has the capacity to maintain posted highway speed limits,
and which uses electricity as its primary motive power shall be
registered as a motorcycle but the operator of such vehicle shall
not be required to have a m otorcycle endorsement nor to comply
with the provisions of section 1256 of this title (motorcycles­headgear) in the operation of such a vehicle.

Motor-driven cycles (Includes vehicles previously defined as
Mopeds): “Motor-driven cycle” means any vehic le equipped with

two or three wheels, 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 miles per hour on a level road surface, and which 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. As motor vehicles,
motor-driven cycles shall be subject to the purchase and use tax
imposed under chapter 219 of Title 32 rather than to a general sales

1

3-Wheeled Motorcycles: operators of 3-wheeled mot orc ycles a re r eq ui red t o tak e th e mot orc ycle

learner's permit examination and the motorcycle skills test. After passing the required exams,
operators will receive a motorcycle endorsement (M) with a restriction limiting them to operation of
3-wheeled motor cycles only.

Part I - 7

tax. An electric personal assistive mobility device is not a motor­driven cycle.

Do I have a Motorcycle or a Motor-driven cycle?

The vehicle must have a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and
designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the
ground.

If all three of the following statements are true, you have a “Motor­driven cycle”. If any of the following statements are NOT true, you
have a “Motorcycle”.

1. The vehicle is designed to travel at 30 miles per hour or less on a
level road surface.

2. The vehicle has a combustible engine that is 50ccs or less.

3. The vehicle shifts automatically.

OBTAINING A MOTORCYCLE LEARNER PERMIT

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 successfully complete a
4-hour Vermont Motorcycle Awareness Program (VMAP) training
course (more information and a schedule of VMAP courses available on
our website at dmv.vermont.gov).

OR

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.

Part I - 8

3. The fee for each knowledge examination is $7.00. The fee for a

Motorcycle Learner Permit is $17.00.

4. After the permit is issued you may call 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. The fee for the renewal is $17.00. You may
renew by mail. Renewal forms are available at all Department of
Motor Vehicle offices and on the Vermont DMV website at
dmv.vermont.gov.

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 successfully completed
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 res tr ictions:

• A motorcycle may be operated during daylight hours only.

• The Motorcycle Learner Permit holder is NOT ALLOWED to carry

any passengers.

• 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. 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.

Part I - 9

OBTAINING A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT

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, Intermediate Course or Experienced
Rider License Waiver 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.

You will not be permitted to take the skills test unless the motorcycle
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
that is endorsed for motorcycle operation 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.

Any applicant using a three-wheeled motorcycle when taking the
motorcycle skills test will receive a motorcycle endorsement restricted to
three-wheeled operation only upon successful completion of the test.

Part I - 10

All applicants applying for a motorcycle endorsement must hold a valid
Vermont license. The fee for the knowledge test is $7.00. The fee for
the skills test is $18.00.

Remember, no tests will be given unless you hold a valid Vermont
Operator License, Junior Operator License or Commercial Driver
License.

MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAINING PROGRAM

The Vermont Rider Education Program (VREP) which was established
in 1990, 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 800.529.2535 (Vermont only) or
check the Vermont DMV website at: dmv.vermont.gov. Five courses are
offered:

1. Basic Rider Course (BRC): This 15-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.

Part I - 11

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.

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.

Enrollment Requirements: Student must be at least 16 years of age
and hold a valid Vermont driver’s license

.

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. Scooter Basic RiderCourse – (SBRC): This course is for those

individuals that have made the decision to ride a scooter. The course
teaches the basic skills needed to operate a scooter in traffic.
Training includes five hours of classroom activities and 10 hours of
on-scooter riding exercises.

Students learn riding skills by practicing on small scooters. Students
must demonstrate they have the strength, balance and coordination to
perform straight-line riding, turning and stopping exercises.

During the course students are also introduced to the strategies
needed for riding a scooter on the street. Skills taught include
emergency braking, swerving and proper cornering techniques.

Scooters, textbooks and helmets, if needed, are provided for this
course. All exercises are conducted on a protected range.

Enrollment Requirements: Student must be at least 16 years of age
and hold a valid Vermont driver’s license

.

Equipment Requirements: DOT approved helmet, if you do not
have a helmet VREP will have one available for you to use during

Part I - 12

the course; over the ankle footwear; long sturdy pants; long sleeved
shirt or jacket; sturdy full-fingered gloves; protective eyewear.

Completion Requirements: Passing score on both the knowledge
and skills tests.

A motorcycle endorsement is required to operate a scooter in
Vermont. Students successfully completing the SBRC will be
exempt from taking the Vermont motorcycle written and skill
examinations and will receive a motorcy c le endors e ment .

3. Intermediate Rider Course (IRC): This one-day course is designed

for students who have completed the Basic Rider Course within the
last 12-months 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.

4. 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.

This course is not designed to teach the basic skills of straight­line riding, shifting, turning and stopping.

Students must be
capable of performing these basic motorcycle skills (which are
taught in the BRC) prior to attending this course.

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 endorse ment

.

5. Experienced Rider Skills Plus Course (ERC-Plus): T his 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

Part I - 13

motorcycle skills including braking, swerving, proper cornering
techniques and slow speed maneuvers.

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
an approved classroom training curriculum before a Motorcycle Learner
Permit or motorcycle endorsement may be issued.

The Motorcycle Awareness Program is a 4 hour classroom course that
has been developed in partnership with the “Motorcycle Safety
Foundation”. A pilot course has been 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.

Infor mation about where you can take a Vermont Motorcycle Awareness
Program course is available on the DMV website at dmv.vermont.gov.

VERMONT REGULATIONS:

Owners and operators of motorcycles or motor-driven cycles are subject
to all laws regulating motor vehicles. The operator of a motorcycle must
have a valid Vermont operator license with a motorcycle endorsement.
The operator of a motor-driven cycle must have a valid Vermont
operator license.

If you operate a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle 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 motor-driven cycles shall not be operated
beside each other in the same lane of traffic.

Part I - 14

To Make A Left Turn:

Extend left hand and arm

keeping hand and arm

To Make A Right Turn:

Extend left hand and arm
upward, keeping hand and

TO STOP OR REDUCE

Extend left hand and arm

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:

straight out horizontally,

stationary.

SPEED:

downward, keeping hand and
arm stationary.

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
maintai ned 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

arm stationary.

Part I - 15

Leaks

convenient reminder is T-CLOCS. It is recommended that you follow
the T-CLOCS inspection before every ride.

T – Tires and Wheels

 Air pressure
 Tread
 Cracks, dents, loose

spokes

 Bearings
 Brakes

C – Controls

 Levers
 Switches
 Cables
 Hoses
 Throttle

L – Lights and Electrics

 Working condition

C – Chassis

 Suspension
 Drive components

(chain, belt, or drive
shaft)

S – Stands

 Side stand
 Center stand

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.

O – Oil and Other Flu id s

 Levels


Annual Inspection:

Your motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must be inspected once each year
by an authorized motorcycle or motor-driven cycle inspection station. All
uninspected motor vehicles, including motorcycles and motor-driven
cycles, must be inspected within 15 days from the date of registration.
The inspection decal shall be attached in one of the following places on
all motorcycles and motor-driven cycles: to the left outer side of the
windscreen as low as possible, the left front fork leg located so it is
easily visible, or a metal tag securely attached to the left side of the
frame

Your motorcycle or motor-driven cycle will be required to have an
adequate headlight, rear view mirror, horn, adequate hand and foot
brakes, adequate exhaust system, rear number plate bracket, number
plate light, adequate tires and fenders and hand holds are necessary if a

Part I - 16

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.

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, points on your driving record and the requirement that you file
Financial Responsibility Insurance (SR-22) with the Vermont DMV for 3
years. 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.

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 .

Part I - 17

Two-Wheel Rider Skill Test Course Layout

Part I - 18

Two-Wheel Motorcycle Exercises

 Exercise # 1 ~ Cone Weave & Normal Stop:

From the start point ride to the right of the first cone, to the left of the
second, and so on.

After passing the last cone turn left and ride toward the opposite side
of the course. Make a smooth, non-skidding stop with your front tire
inside the box.

You will lose points if you:

 Stall during the exercise.
 Put a foot down or hit/skip a cone during the weave.
 Skid when coming to a stop.
 Fail to stop with your front tire within the borders of the box.

Part I - 19

 Exercise # 2 ~ Turn From a Stop & U-Turn:

From the start point make a right turn between the boundary lines.
After completing the turn, diagonally cross to the opposite side of the

course and make a left U-Turn i nside the p ainted b ox at the f ar end
of the course. Do not touch the solid (24’) line for motorcycles 600cc
or more, or the dashed (20’) line for motorcycles less than 600cc

Stop with your front tire inside the box.
You will lose points if you:

 Stall during the exercise.
 Put a foot down.
 Touch or cross a boundary line.

Part I - 20

 Exercise # 3 ~ Quick Stop:

From the start point accelerate straight up the path. Stabilize your
speed between 12 – 20 m.p.h. by the time you reach the first line.
Maintain a steady speed.

When your front tire crosses the second line, stop as fast as you
safely can using both brakes.

This test will be timed in order to determine your speed.
You will lose points if you:

 Stall during the exercise.
 Fail to stop within th e established guid e li n es.

Part I - 21

 Exercise # 4 ~ Obstacle Swerve:

From the start point accelerate straight up the path. Stabilize your
speed between 12 – 20 m.p.h. by the time you reach the first line.
Maintain a steady speed.

When your front tire passes the second line, swerve to the left or
right as directed.

This test will be timed in order to determine your speed.
You will lose points if you:

 Stall during the exercise.
 Touch or cross the obstacle line or sideline with eithe r tire.
 Swerve in the wrong direction.

Part I - 22

Three-Wheel Rider Skill Test Course Layout

Part I - 23

Three-Wheel Motorcycle E x ercises

 Exercise # 1 ~ Left Turn & Normal Stop:

From the start point ride straight ahead and make a sharp left turn
between the boundary lines and the single cone marker.

Then ride toward the opposite end of the course. Make a smooth,
non-skidding stop with your front tire inside the box. (Left front tire
on vehicles with two front tires.)

You will lose points if you:

 Stall during the exercise.
 Touch or cross a boundary line.
 Hit or skip the boundary cone.
 Skid when coming to a stop.
 Fail to stop with your front tire within the borders of the box.

Part I - 24

 Exercise # 2 ~ Cone Weave & Turn From a Stop:

From the start point ride to the left of the first cone, to the right
of the second and to the left of the third.

After passing the last cone turn right at the end of the course and stop
at the Start “T” facing the other side of the course. Then make a right
hand turn between the boundary lines and the cone.

Make a smooth, non-skidding stop with your front tire inside the
box.

You will lose points if you:

 Stall during the exercise.
 Hit or skip a cone during the weave.
 Touch or cross a boundary line.
 Hit or skip the boundary cone.

Part I - 25