In this age of increasing gasoline prices, congested freeways, overfull, overpriced parking, and long commutes, more and more people are turning to the somewhat maligned, but very cost-efficient vehicle of adventure―the motorcycle.

There are many lovely places to ride a motorcycle in Oklahoma and lots of lovely weather in the summer and autumn to make your ride enjoyable. And motorcycles make a lot of sense. They are fairly low maintenance, they are fun to ride, keep pollution levels down, are a cinch to park and use practically no gas.

Getting Licensed

Before you can "get on your bikes and ride," you'll need to be licensed to ride a motorcycle in Oklahoma. You may add an endorsement to your existing Oklahoma driver's license by taking the knowledge, skills, and vision tests. Contact your local Driver's License Exam Station for dates, places, and times available for testing.

Motorcycle Learner's Permit

If you are under the age of 16, you may apply for a motorcycle learner's permit. Until you turn 16, you are not allowed to carry a passenger. This permit has numerous other restrictions::

• Motorcycle or scooter must be no larger than a 250cc piston displacement.

• You may ride only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

• If your motorcycle piston displacement is smaller than 125cc, your speed may not exceed 35 mph.

• If your motorcycle piston displacement is larger that 125cc but smaller than 250cc, you may drive the posted speed limit; however, you may not ride on an interstate highway or turnpike.

These restrictions will automatically lift when you become 16 years of age; however, while you are still under 18 years of age, you must wear a helmet.

Other Learner's Restrictions

Motorcycle learner permit holders must also be taking lessons from a parent, guardian, or any person over the age of 21 who holds both an Oklahoma driver license and a motorcycle endorsement. This person must ride with you (not as a passenger) and be able to see you at all times.

Once you have had your motorcycle learner's permit for 30 days and have been under adult supervision, you may take the motorcycle driver's test. If you pass the test, the supervision restriction will be lifted. If, while you are under adult supervision for 30 days, you take and pass the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, the driving test may be waived.

Staying Safe

The key to a good motorcycle experience is simple― practice good safety strategies. The more you know about and practice safe motorcycle riding, the better chance you have of staying safe avoiding compromising the safety of other drivers on the road.

The Oklahoma Motorcycle Operator's Manual is a free publication that has a wealth of information about motorcycle riding, safety, licensing procedures and more.

Professional training is also an excellent option, and in Oklahoma you can enroll in the special RiderCourse training program by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation in which you will learn:

• Effective turning.

• How to avoid an obstacle.

• Braking maneuvers.

• Traffic strategies.

• Motorcycle maintenance.

• How to select protective apparel.

Once you have a good foundation in motorcycle safety, you will want to know the rules of the road as they apply to motorcycle riders in Oklahoma.

Fees

The fees for an Oklahoma motorcycle License only (no automotive license) or for an Oklahoma motorcycle learner's permit are as follows:

• Application Fee: $4

• License Fee: $21.50

If you currently hold an Oklahoma driver license and wish to drive a motorcycle as well, you will apply for a motorcycle endorsement. The fee for a motorcycle endorsement is $4. There is no application fee.

Replacement Fees

If you lose, destroy or damage your Oklahoma motorcycle license or endorsement, the fee for a replacement is $10. You may apply in person for a replacement at your local Driver License Exam Station or tag agent.

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