Motorcycle license IL

Question

I'm 16 and I got my drivers license but I would really like to get a motorcycle. What age can I get it at, does it depend on the cc's? WIll insurance be high? I live in IL. Thanks!

Answer 1

You can take a rider safety course at 16, and then take the written and riding tests at the Secretary of State offices. The trick is to find a course that is still open for 2008, most courses are filled. The links below will tell you more and tell you where the course sites are.

Good Luck!

Cribbed from the Secretary of State's Manual:

Instruction Permits

Motor-Driven Cycle — Persons age 16 or 17 who have successfully completed driver education, may apply for a 24-month instruction permit to operate a motor-driven cycle (under 150cc). The permit allows driving only during

daylight hours, under the direct supervision of a licensed motor-driven cycle

operator age 21 or older with at least one year driving experience.

Again, cribbed from the Secretary of State's Manual:

Motorcycle Classification:

Illinois driver’s licenses are classified according to the type and weight of the vehicles to be driven. There are two

classifications for motorcycle licenses:

Class L: Any motor-driven cycle with less than 150cc displacement.

Class M: Any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.

To obtain a motorcycle classification on your driver’s license, you must pass a separate motorcycle examination. Drivers age 16 or 17 wishing to obtain a motorcycle license also must successfully complete a motorcycle training course approved by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Edit: you don't have to get a permit before you get your license. You can go straight to the license if you take the course, and ride without restrictions once you have the license.

Answer 2

You can get it now. I got my first ML in IL. You can get a training endorsement, first, then you can legally ride for something like a month or so. Then you can ride your bike to a test. I don't remember anything about a CC limit... I have heard of those only in Europe. The IL test is done in a small area. It's about 40 feet  by 80 feet across, tops. It's all about slow speed and tight maneuvering, so be prepared.

Collision insurance is going to be relatively high for any 16 year old. If you live in a city, the theft is also going to be relatively high. A new sport bike could cost you over 3 grand a year for full coverage. :)