Motorcycle Manual in Utah

SUMMARY: Utah Motorcycle Manual

The UT motorcycle manual covers a variety of topics you need to know when learning to ride and applying for a motorcycle license. You'll find information on license exams, rider training courses, and safe riding.

UT Motorcycle Licensing Exams

In the Utah Driver License Division's Motorcycle Operator Manual (REV 2023), you will learn all about the tests required to get your license.

Essentially, you must take two exams:

  • Written knowledge test. You must pass a written test that is based on information provided in the motorcycle manual in order to get your motorcycle license.
  • On-cycle skills exam. Your skills exam will take place either in traffic or a controlled area and will test you on a multitude of skills, which may include:
    • Accelerating.
    • Braking.
    • Turning.
    • Stopping.
    • Communication with other riders/drivers.
    • Responsive to traffic.
    • Ability to make critical decisions.

NOTE: If you take the Basic Rider Course (BRC) and apply for your motorcycle license within 6 months of completion, the Driver License Division may allow you to waive your road skills test.

To learn all about your licensing requirements, visit our UT Motorcycle License page.

Motorcycle Rider Training Courses

The UT motorcycle handbook also provides a thorough overview of the Utah Motorcycle Rider Training Program, which consists of training courses developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

You'll learn about the courses below, which you'll choose based on your riding experience:

  • Basic Rider Course. This course, geared toward beginners, teaches basic riding skills. The course is 15 hours and includes 10 hours of training on the bike.
  • Experienced Rider Course. This course, which is 5 hours, is geared toward those who have at least some riding experience. You'll learn more advanced riding techniques and hazard avoidance skills.

Aside from the obvious benefit of getting professional motorcycle instruction, benefits of taking a rider course include:

  • Some motorcycle insurers will offer discounts for completion of this course.
  • You may show proof of completion of your course to waive your on-cycle skills exam when you apply for your motorcycle license.

Safe Motorcycle Operation

You can look to your UT motorcycle manual for detailed information about safe riding tactics, UT laws for motorcyclists, and preparing to ride/checking your vehicle to ensure safety.

Preparing to Ride

You'll find a ton of information in your manual about how to check your bike before you get on it. For example, the manual will tell you how to check your:

  • Oil and fluid levels.
  • Tire pressure and wear/tear.
  • Lights.
  • Signals.
  • Mirrors.
  • Brakes.
  • Horn.
  • Fuel supply valve.

Operating Your Bike

The biggest chunk of the motorcycle manual is that which covers how to safely ride your bike on Utah's roads. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Vehicle control, e.g., shifting, braking and turning.
  • Lane positions.
  • Passing.
  • Following.
  • Navigating intersections.
  • Being seen.
  • Accident avoidance.
  • Responding to hazardous situations.
  • Mechanical problems.
  • Riding with passengers.

See your UT Motorcycle Operator Manual (REV 2023) to learn all about safely riding your bike in accordance with Utah's laws for motorcycle riders.


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