MOTORCYCLE RIDER’S - Idaho Transportation Department

MOTORCYCLE RIDER’SHANDBOOKINSERT PHOTO HEREOctober 2020

The Idaho Motorcycle Rider’s Manual paraphrases thelanguage of Idaho Statues. Courts go by the actual languageof the statues, not this text.The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is committed tocompliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and allrelated regulations and directives. ITD assures that no personshall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, age,or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied thebenefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination underany ITD service, program, or activity. The department alsoassures that every effort will be made to prevent discriminationthrough the impacts of its Programs, policies, and activities onminority and low-income populations. In addition, the departmentwill take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access toservices for persons with limited English proficiency.2

PREFACERiding a motorcycle can be safe and fun when the rider becomes more knowledgeable and skilled.This manual, even though designed mostly for the novice rider,can educate all motorcycle riders about safe riding habits andstrategies to recognize and avoid or safely manage potential riding hazards to avoid accidents.The Idaho Transportation Department used information providedby the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)and Idaho STAR to compile the Idaho Motorcycle Rider’s Manual, knowledge and skills tests.Enhanced licensing requirements along with quality motorcyclerider education and increased public awareness have the potential to reduce the number and severity of motorcycle crashes.3

TABLE OF CONTENTSMOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTDefinitions & Requirements. 9APPLYING FOR A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENTRiding Requirements . 16Instruction Permit . 15Knowledge Test . 17Skills Test . 17Fees . 17PREPARING TO RIDERiding Environment . 18Riding Gear . 19Helmet Use . 19Helmet Selection . 20Eye & Face Protection . 21Clothing. 22Exposed or Protected. 23Know the Motorcycle. 24The Right Motorcycle for You . 24Required Equipment . 24Becoming Familiar with the Controls .27Checking the Motorcycle . 27Borrowing & Lending . 29Know Your Responsibilities. 29RIDER ABILITIESBasic Vehicle Control . 31Body Position . 31Getting Underway . 32Braking . 34Stopping in a Curve . 35Linked & Integrated Braking Systems . 36Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) . 36Turning . 36Keeping Distance. 39Lane Filtering/Sharing/Splitting . 38Following Another Vehicle . 404

Being Followed .41Passing & Being Passed . 42Passing Parked Vehicles. 43Parking . 44Lane Filtering/Splitting/Sharing . 45Merging Vehicles . 45Vehicles Along the Side . 46Mental Motorcycling (S.I.P.D.E). . 47Scan . 47Identify . 47Predict. 48Decide. 48Execute . 49Intersections . 50Blind Intersections . 50Stop Signs & Signals. 50Traffic Control Signals . 51See & Be Seen . 52Clothing. 52Headlight. 53Signals . 53Brake Light . 54Mirrors. 54Head Checks . 55Horn . 55Riding at Night . 56Crash Avoidance . 57Quick Stops . 58Front Wheel Skids . 58Rear Wheel Skids . 58Swerving or Turning Quickly . 58Cornering & Curves. 59Hazardous Riding Conditions . 61Obstacles on the Highway. 62Slippery & Loose Surfaces . 63Rippled & Uneven Pavement . 64Wind . 64Crowned Highways . 65Animals . 65Flying Objects . 66Railroad & Trolley Tracks . 66Grooves & Gratings. 67Mechanical Problems. 68Tire Failure . 685

Stuck Throttle . 68Wobble . 68Drive Train Problems . 69Engine Seizure . 69Getting Off the Highway . 69Carrying Passengers & Cargo . 70Required Equipment . 70Instructing Passengers . 71Riding with Passengers . 72Carrying Loads . 72Group Riding . 73Keeping the Group Small. 73Keeping the Group Together . 73Keeping Adequate Distance Between Motorcycles . 74RIDER RISKS & RESPONSIBILTIESImportant . 76Alcohol & Other Drugs . 76Alcohol in the Body. 77Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) . 77Alcohol & Idaho Law. 79Penalties when Completing & Failing a Breath Test . 79Alcohol Test Refusal . 80Administrative License Suspension . 80Minimize the Risks . 81Making an Intelligent Choice . 81Stepping In & Protecting Fellow Riders . 81Fatigue . 82TWO-WHEEL MOTORCYCLE SKILLS TEST . 83MOTORCYCLE HAND SIGNALS . 88THREE-WHEEL MOTORCYCLE SUPPLEMENTKnowing the Motorcycle . 90Three-wheel Motorcycle Designs . 91The Right Motorcycle for You . 92Borrowing & Lending . 92Becoming Familiar with Motorcycle Controls . 92Rider Abilities . 94Carrying Passengers & Cargo . 996

THREE-WHEEL MOTORCYCLE SKILLS TEST . 101MOTORCYCLE SKILLS TEST CHECK LIST . 106MOTORCYCLE PRACTICE KNOWLEDGE TEST . 107PROFESSIONAL TRAINING . 110SMART RIDER COMMITMENTS . 1137

FEESMotorcycle riders will be required to pay one or more of thefollowing fees in addition to the cost of the regular driver’slicense:Motorcycle “M” Endorsement:(one-time fee) 15.00Motorcycle Instruction Permit:(valid for 180 days) 15.00Motorcycle Skills Test:(paid to examiner) 25.00Motorcycle Knowledge Test:(paid to the county) 3.008

MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENTREQUIREMENTSMotorized vehicles driven on public highways require a validdriver’s license and proof of liability insurance. Certainmotorcycles ridden on public highways also require amotorcycle endorsement on the driver’s license. The followinginformation can be used to determine if the vehicle beingridden is a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorbike thatrequires a motorcycle endorsement on the driver’s license.DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS“Motorcycle” [49-114(11)] – Motorcycle means every motorvehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider anddesigned to travel on not more than three wheels in contactwith the ground, or two wheels in contact with the groundwhich is modified by the addition of two stabilizing wheels onthe rear of the motorcycle, that meets the federal motor vehiclesafety standards (FMVSS) as originally designed, and includesa converted motorbike, but does not include a motor-drivencycle, a motorbike, a tractor or a moped. Motorcycles require amotorcycle endorsement. (See requirements on page 10)“Motor-Driven Cycle” [49-114(13)] – Motor-driven cyclemeans a cycle with a motor that produces 5 brake horsepoweror less as originally manufactured that meets federal motorvehicle safety standards as originally designed, and does notinclude mopeds. Such vehicles shall be titled and have amotorcycle endorsement. (See requirements on page 11)“Motor Scooter and Scooter” – A motor scooter is a light, 2wheeled cycle designed with the driver’s seat over an enclosedengine and with an open, step through frame and a floorboardfor the driver's feet to rest. It is treated as a motorcycle ormotor-driven cycle when meeting FMVSS. If it has this designbut does not meet FMVSS, it can be considered a moped ormotorbike if it meets the definition or it may otherwise beregarded as a motorized toy. (See requirements on page 12)9

“Motor Bike” - For a motorbike 50 cc’s ( designed for or capable of traveling off developed highways; doesn’t meet FMVSS.1)or a motorbike 50 cc’s ( designed for or capable of traveling offdeveloped highways; doesn’t meet FMVSS.1) see number 3 under footnotes to determine if a motorcycle endorsement is required or not.Also, Code 49-114 (9)(2) qualifies that any scooter ormotorcycle (regardless of cc size) that can travel inexcess of 30mph is “not a moped” and thus considered a “motorcycle”10

VEHICLE TYPEMotorcycle (Either internal combustion or electricmotor meets FMVSS.1)REGISTRATION/ Regular highway/plates; or restricted vehicle regisPLATEStration/plates; or Off-highway vehicle (OHV) registration sticker only.OPERATION ISALLOWEDWith regular highway registration/plates: All highways including state, U.S. and interstate, etc., except roads that require OHV registration sticker.With restricted vehicle registration/plates: 1) county, city and highway district roads not closed toOHV use, and non-full-access controlled state highways within city limits and within one mile of citylimits with a speed limit of 45 mph or less open toOHV use (check with local jurisdiction for roadsclosed to OHV use); and2) Idaho Dept. of Land, BLM, U.S. Forest Service,and private roads open to OHV use (contact theland owner or manager for information on roadsopen to OHV use), and off-highway on a designatedtrail, open riding area, or motocross track 2.With OHV registration sticker:(see #2 listed above.)WHAT IS NTINSURANCE 11

VEHICLE TYPEMotor-driven cycle (Either internal combustion motor, 5 hp or electric 3,729 watts and meetsFMVSS.1 Includes dual-sport.)REGISTRATION/ Regular highway/plates; or restricted vehiclePLATESregistration/plates; or Off-highway vehicle (OHV)registration sticker only.OPERATION ISALLOWEDWith regular highway registration/plates:All highways including state, U.S. and interstate,etc., except roads that require an OHV registrationsticker.With restricted vehicle registration/plates:1) county, city and highway district roads not closedto OHV use, and non-full-access controlled statehighways within city limits and within one mile ofcity limits with a speed limit of 45 mph or less opento OHV use (check with local jurisdiction for roadsclosed to OHV use); and2) Idaho Dept. of Land, BLM, U.S. Forest Service,and private roads open to OHV use (contact theland owner or manager for information on roadsopen to OHV use), and off-highway on a designatedtrail, open riding area, or motocross track 3.With OHV registration sticker:(see #2 listed above.)WHAT IS NTINSURANCE 12

TITLEVEHICLE TYPEMotor Scooter (Fits within motorcycle or motordriven cycle definition but has a step-throughdesign. (Either internal combustion or electricmotor meets FMVSS.1 Includes dual-sport.)REGISTRATION/ Regular highway/plates; or restricted vehiclePLATESregistration/plates; or Off-highway vehicle (OHV)registration sticker only.OPERATION ISALLOWEDWith regular highway registration/plates:All highways including state, U.S. and interstate,etc., except roads that require an OHV registrationsticker.With restricted vehicle registration/plates:1) county, city and highway district roads not closedto OHV use, and non-full-access controlled statehighways within city limits and within one mile ofcity limits with a speed limit of 45 mph or less opento OHV use (check with local jurisdiction for roadsclosed to OHV use); and2) Idaho Dept. of Land, BLM, U.S. Forest Service,and private roads open to OHV use (contact theland owner or manager for information on roadsopen to OHV use), and off-highway on a designatedtrail, open riding area, or motocross track 2.With OHV registration sticker:(see #2 listed above.)WHAT IS NTINSURANCE 13

Footnotes1-FMVSS—FederalMotor Vehicle Safety Standards—thosesafety standards established by the National Highway TrafficSafety Administration, under title 49 CFR part 500-599, for thesafe construction and manufacturing of self-propelled motorizedvehicles riding on public highways.2-Foradditional rider and vehicle equipment requirements for offhighway use, see the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation website at ke.3-Therider of a dual-purpose motorbike that meets FMVSS formotorcycles must have a motorcycle endorsement if riding onhighways. These motorbikes are treated like motorcycles for thepurposes of this document and can receive regular highwayregistration and plates. A motorbike that has been equipped forhighway use and meets FMVSS found in 49 CFR Part 574 aswell as equipment requirements of Title 49, Chapter 9, IdahoCode may be self-certified to be a motorcycle by the owner (seeITD form 3018 Motorcycle to Motorcycle Conversion SelfCertification Affidavit at dmv.idaho.gov). If a motorbike has beenself-certified as a motorcycle, the rider must have a motorcycleendorsement on the driver’s license. Local law enforcement mayrequire riders of other motorbikes to have a motorcycle endorsement when used on highways.14