Motorcycle Licensing System Overview

As a product of collaborative efforts between the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, The Motorcycle Operator Licensing System manual has been in place for more than 20 years. The manual serves as a guide for improving operational licensing systems in the United States, Canada and several foreign countries.

The first manual published in 1974 was a plan that identified the framework for a general policy for licensing motorcyclists, as well as types of tests that should be developed. A more detailed model was developed in 1981, and revised in 1989 and 1997. During each phase of development, experts and organizations in the fields of operator licensing and motorcycle safety were involved and new research findings, testing procedures and materials were utilized in the revision process.

Interest in a new system of licensing, called graduated licensing, is emerging for novice automobile drivers. Graduated licensing, aimed at reducing the risks associated with novice automobile drivers, encourages jurisdictions to establish a set of restrictions for beginning operators such as zero Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), operating curfews, seat belt usage, limits on ages of passengers and requirements for supervised driving. These restrictions are methodically eliminated as the driver progresses through the system until all restrictions are removed upon graduation to full licensing privileges.

As jurisdictions begin to implement graduated licensing systems for young automobile drivers, interest in a similar system for motorcyclists has also emerged. The 1997 Motorcycle Operator Licensing System manual reflects this increasing interest in licensing and proposes a three-step process for motorcycle licensing which includes a learner's permit, intermediate license and a full license.

As with the automobile driver counterpart, this system establishes restrictions as the applicant moves through the system. While some restrictions are the same as for the automobile drivers, proposed motorcycle specific restrictions include a solo riding restriction, helmet use requirement, interstate highway restriction and high-visibility clothing requirement. Mandatory rider education for applicants failing the licensing tests is also included.

As with all previous Motorcycle Operator Licensing System products, the most current manual presents a model system for motor vehicle administrators seeking to improve the effectiveness of their jurisdiction's motorcycle operator licensing program. Administrators are encouraged to modify the strategies outlined in the manual to meet their needs and the environment in which the system will be implemented.