What type of skills are tested for a Motorcycle License?

Question

I live in Texas and was wondering what type of skills are tested for the motorcycle driving test. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

In my test I had to do a u turn, quick stop, swerve, and a sweeping curve while keeping speed up

Answer 2

They just want to make sure you have control of the bike.  

Here in California they want to see you start and stop, shift up and down, etc.  There's a test called the 'keyhole test'.  There are two concentric circles painted on the pavement, and you have to ride into the circles and then go around twice with your feet on the pegs, without touching either circle, and then ride out.  (The path you make is like a keyhole, hence the name).  They say it's very difficult, especially on a big heavy bike.

If you take the MSF course, here in CA they waive the physical test.  It's one good reason for taking the course.

Also, the written test is quite different from the one for cars.  The car test has mostly to do with rules of the road.  But the motorcycle test is more about safety and defensive riding.  I flunked it, after riding bikes for 20 years!  Then the lady looked me up on the computer and said 'You're a good rider, you didn't need to take the test!'  But next time I will actually study the booklet, which I didn't that time.

Answer 3

The tests vary by state and MSF course, but here are the common ones:

Figure 8 in a box: You have to do 2 U turns in a box that's about 15 by 20. Tests low speed control.

Get to 20mph: You just have to show that you can get a bike up to speed.

Swerve: You enter a lane and have to swerve to avoid a wall of cones ahead of you (they're the width of another vehicle) without leaving the lane to the side.

Ride over a 2x4 : Tests your ability to not crash on RR tracks

Hard Stop: Get to 25 then brake hard after a line. Graded on distance, getting down to 1st gear, left foot down first and using both brakes. Most people s***w this up by either anticipating the stop or locking the brakes.

Slow Lane: You have to ride down a small painted lane (5ft?) very slowly. You have to take a certain amount of time to get to the end. Mostly about very low speed control.

Wide curve: Accel to 2nd in a big sweeping curve then brake slightly and accel through a second curve. This is essentially roadwork and very easy.

Cone Weave: A speed test, get through a slalom of cones w/o hitting any or leaving the lane.

Those are the ones I know of, I'm sure there are others.

Answer 4

I just took the motorcycle basic rider's course and mainly, you learn how to shift up to 3rd gear, shift down, clutch work, breaking. We did a surprisingly good amount of practice on quick stops (get the bike up to 2nd gear going about 20mph, then grab the clutch, shift, and work teh breaks all at the same time as fast and SAFE as you can) lane changes will be taught, turns, u-turns, tight curves, and riding over an obstacle will also be taught. these are things u can look for if u take the class. as far as the actual LICENSE, i dont know but i strongly reccomend you take the basic riding course because (i also am a texas resident) it gets you out of teh actual riding part of the license test. you present ur card of completion of the course and they just make you take the written test and you get your license. The course cost me $190 and was worth every penny.