One of the best ways to journey around the islands is on the seat of a motorcycle. While the pervasive beach culture and the enormous price of gas brings out more mopeds and scooters, you will still see (or hear) your share of Harleys and sport bikes cruising around town.

If you are itching to join the motorcycle experience, you will need to have either a Class 1 or Class 2 license. The Class 1 license only enables you to operate a moped with an engine less than five horsepower, and most mopeds only come equipped with a two- or three-horsepower engine.

That may be fast in Hawaii time, but it is not exactly riding like the wind. Besides, if your daily commute involves the Pali or Likelike, you may end up going backward for lack of power.

A Class 2 license is where the real kick comes in, as it allows you to take to the road on a motorcycle or motor scooter. This license is what you will want to apply for if you intend to get from point A to point B on two wheels with something more than an engine fit for a speedy lawn mower.

Top Motorcycle Handbook

Regardless of your engine preference, though, if you intend to own and operate a motorcycle, scooter, or moped, you will need to have the appropriate license. This entails passing a battery of tests including a closed-course, on-bike skills test and a written exam.

The best place to start your studies is by heading to a local driver's license office (see below) and picking up a copy of the Motorcycle Operator Manual. The handy reference guide is also available for download online in PDF format. If you need a copy of Adobe Reader, you can download it free of charge.

You'll find the following subjects discussed in the manual:

• State laws related to licensing

• Overview of the examination process

• Equipment requirements

• Guide to insurance laws

• Summary of the state's Motorcycle Safety Education Program

• Forms to sign up for the available programs

• Synopsis of basic vehicle control

• Crash avoidance

• Mechanical issues

• Maneuvering on dangerous surfaces

• Alcohol and its effects on operating a motorcycle

• Carrying cargo and passengers

Top Moped Handbook

Although the Motorcycle Operator Manual touches upon mopeds to a small degree, the state also has a guide devoted solely to mopeds. If Hawaii had a state vehicle, the moped would most likely qualify as the best choice. Although they are not clogging the roads to the extent where they are omnipresent, like in many European cities, you will not go very far without seeing one putting along.

Thus, Hawaii has a comprehensive Moped Guide that is necessary reading if you own a moped or are even thinking about buying one. This 12-page document is in Word format. Topics covered include:

• Definition of a moped

• Registration procedures

• Required equipment

• Driver's license information

• Safety equipment

• Parking the vehicle

• County ordinances

• Theft prevention

• Rules of the road

Top Office Locations

Follow these links to find out where you can pick up a printed copy of the Motorcycle Operator Manual:

• Oahu

• Hawaii (Big Island)

• Kauai

• Maui

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