Idaho Motorcycle Manual

All responsible motorcyclists need to learn to share the road with other vehicles, many of which will be many times larger than the bike.

Unfortunately, most other vehicles aren’t going to be looking out for a motorcycle. It’s up to you, the rider, to know how to drive defensively, in order to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

Do you need the motorcycle endorsement?

First things first! Determine if you need the motorcycle endorsement to operate your vehicle. According to Idaho law, if you operate a motorcycle, motorbike or motor-driven cycle, you’ll need to get the appropriate motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.

Getting the motorcycle endorsement in ID is typically a two-step process. Applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a motorcycle skills test. However, applicants under the age of 21 must also complete an approved motorcycle rider training course. You might also want to consider the motorcycle instruction permit, which is available for those applicants who have a valid Idaho Class A, B, C or D license. The permit costs $15 and is valid for 180 days. This allows you to operate a motorcycle, with certain restrictions.

Motorcycle Operator’s Manual

In order to keep roadways safe, the Idaho Transportation Department has collaborated with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation in order to create the Idaho Motorcycle Operator’s Manual. This ID Motorcycle Manual is designed to educate riders on how to operate their motorcycles safely on the road.

The Manual is divided into four main parts, as discussed below:

1. Earning your license

• Motorcycle endorsement
• Test fees

2. Preparing to ride

• Riding gear
• Being familiar with the motorcycle
• Rider responsibilities

3. Riding abilities

• Vehicle control
• Keeping your distance
• SIPDE
• Intersections
• See/be seen
• Avoiding crashes
• Handling dangerous surfaces
• Mechanical problems
• Animals
• Flying objects
• Getting off the road
• Passengers and cargo
• Riding in groups

4. Being in shape to ride

• Influence on alcohol and drugs on riding
• Fatigue
• Professional training

The information presented in the Manual will be tested on the Idaho Transportation Department’s motorcycle knowledge tests. After carefully reading the Manual, you should be able to answer the following sample questions:

• What is the best thing to do if you get a flat tire while riding?
• What is the proper procedure for swerving?
• How long should you wait before riding after having one drink?

This internationally-recognized Idaho Motorcycle manual has just been updated and is available free of charge online from the Idaho DMV website or below.

What are you waiting for? Start getting ready today!