Motorcycle Manual in Washington DC

SUMMARY: Washington, D.C. Motorcycle Manual

The motorcycle manual in Washington, D.C. provides detailed information about motorcycle operation and safety. It also helps you learn the information and skills you'll need to pass D.C. motorcycle licensing tests.

Continue reading to learn more about the motorcycle manual in Washington, D.C.

Topics in the D.C. Motorcycle Manual

The Washington, D.C. Motorcycle Manual (REV 2007) is published by the Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (D.C. DMV).

It covers topics about the safe and legal use of a motorcycle.

Before You Ride

Within the motorcycle handbook, you'll find information about what you should do to prepare to ride, including:

  • Using appropriate safety gear.
  • Understanding how your motorcycle works.
  • Choosing the right motorcycle for you.

You'll also find helpful details about the tests you'll have to pass to get your Washington, D.C. motorcycle license.

Riding a Motorcycle

The largest portion of the D.C. motorcycle manual explains the rules and procedures for operating a motorcycle.

You'll find sections about:

  • Controlling a motorcycle.
  • Making basic maneuvers, such as turns.
  • Sharing the road with other vehicles.
  • Dealing with obstacles and other hazards.

You'll also learn about things like riding with passengers and the effects of riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Who Needs the Motorcycle Manual?

The motorcycle manual is intended for anyone getting a motorcycle license from the D.C. DMV.

According to the manual, a motorcycle is defined as a vehicle with:

  • 2 or 3 wheels.
    AND
  • Any of the following:
    • An engine larger than 50 ccs.
    • Over 1.5 HP (brake horsepower).
    • Wheel diameter less than 16 inches.
    • A manual transmission.
      OR
    • The ability to exceed 35 MPH.

To operate a motorcycle, you'll need to pass licensing tests to get the motorcycle endorsement on your D.C. driver's license.

Washington, D.C. Motorcycle Tests

To get a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, you must pass:

  • A written motorcycle knowledge test.
  • A motorcycle skills demonstration test.

NOTE: If you complete an approved Maryland or Virginia motorcycle safety course, you DO NOT have to take the skills test.

Motorcycle Knowledge Test

The knowledge exam is based information found in the D.C. DMV motorcycle manual.

It tests your knowledge of the rules, regulations, and safety guidelines for operating a motorcycle.

You can take motorcycle practice tests to make sure you're ready for the DMV test.

When you pass the knowledge test, you'll get a motorcycle permit.

Riding Skills Test

Your skills demonstration test is taken on your motorcycle to demonstrate that you can safely and correctly operate it.

The Washington, D.C. motorcycle manual has a list of the types of skills you'll need to demonstrate.

You can make an appointment with the D.C. DMV to take your test.

If you have a motorcycle course completion certificate from Maryland or Virginia, you must present it at the D.C. DMV office to have your skills test waived.

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