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How Do You Get a Motorcycle License in Idaho?
Operation of a motorcycle in Idaho requires awareness of and compliance with relevant laws. Any operator or aspiring motorcyclist should know Idaho’s motorcycle license requirements.
Complying with these requirements is a matter of law. A driver must already have a valid Idaho driver’s license to apply for the additional motorcycle endorsement.
If you or someone you know is already dealing with the fallout of a major motorcycle accident, you may need help. While understanding how to get a motorcycle license in Idaho is an excellent first step, many motorcyclists wind up critically injured in accidents down the road.
You may need an Idaho motorcycle accident lawyer to help you. Reach out to the Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Coeur d’Alene now to get a deeper understanding of what’s involved in opening a claim after a wreck.
Idaho Motorcycle Endorsement Requirements
An applicant for an Idaho motorcycle endorsement must pass a vision test and motorcycle written knowledge test. This applicant must be at least 15 years old and complete the application with the DMV for a motorcycle endorsement. Proof of residency and identity must be provided along with application and testing fees.
After these requirements are met, the applicant receives a motorcycle learner’s permit. This enables you to practice your riding skills and to register for an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation Motorcycle Safety Course. This is a requirement if you are under the age of 21 when you apply for your Idaho motorcycle endorsement.
Restrictions on Idaho Motorcycle Learner’s Permits
Certain limitations apply to an active Idaho motorcycle learner permit. These forbid you from carrying passengers on your bike, riding on the freeway, or riding at night. Each learner’s permit is valid for up to 180 days from the date it is issued, and you can renew this a maximum of one time. Use this time to practice your motorcycle skills to feel confident on the road.
Be prepared to apply for your motorcycle learner’s permit when you are ready to complete the education course or to practice your skills to pass the road skills test. If you’re a new motorcycle rider, sign up for the Skills Training Advantage for Riders (STAR classes) to learn more about how to safely operate your motorcycle. This may both lower your motorcycle insurance rates and replace the road skills exam.
DMV Written Test
In addition to a learner’s permit and road skills test, you might also need to take a DMV written test in Idaho.
Any Idaho driver who wishes to receive the Idaho motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license must take a written test at any area driver Licensing office. The test costs $3 to take and includes 25 multiple-choice questions. You will pass if you do not miss any more than five questions. Your test results remain valid for one year.
Idaho STAR Skills Tests
The completion of any qualifying STAR course allows you to waive the skills test portion of getting your motorcycle endorsement. Your STAR completion card is printed and mailed to you no later than ten business days after your class and this completion card is required to obtain the endorsement on your license. Drivers under the age of 21 must take the STAR test.
What is the Motorcycle Road Skills Test?
A final road skills test includes demonstrating things such as making U-turns, stopping normally, turning sharply, stopping quickly, weaving between cones, moving around obstacles, and completing the entire task list without any stalling. As you prepare for your motorcycle road skills test, come with your driver’s license, proof of insurance, motorcycle registration, and motorcycle learner’s permit.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
In many cases, motorcycle riders end up seriously hurt in an accident with any bus, truck, or passenger vehicle. Drivers and passengers inside those vehicles have additional protections like seat belts and airbags. When a motorcycle gets thrown off the bike, they can suffer many injuries that carry long-term recovery periods and extensive medical bills.
Other drivers are often liable for injuries to motorcyclists. This includes things like:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving
When someone else is at fault for the accident and your resulting injuries, they may be held liable in court. You must contact your insurance company to discuss filing a claim but may also need the support of a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer.
What injuries most commonly affect motorcyclists?
Motorcyclists can sustain numerous injuries in an accident. Getting checked out for all injuries is extremely important since you may not realize the signs of things like concussions or internal bleeding at the scene.
Other common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Burns/scrapes (also known as road rash)
- Neck and shoulder injuries
Get medical attention even if you feel fine after the accident. The shock of living through the accident may shield you from the worst of your injury symptoms, but you might experience them later.
What should I do after a motorcycle accident?
Most motorcyclists are critically hurt after an accident, which makes it difficult to gather the necessary evidence for an injury claim. Even if you don’t feel any symptoms at the scene, it’s best to visit your doctor for a full medical evaluation.
Many injuries present in the hours or days after an accident. Your doctor can help you identify these concerns and conduct tests for additional conditions.
Notify your motorcycle insurance company about the accident as well. While you don’t need to decide immediately if you’ll file a personal injury claim, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with a lawyer just in case. You have a limited window in which to file your motorcycle accident claim.
Contact a Lawyer for Injured Motorcyclists in Coeur d’Alene, ID
Once you know the Idaho motorcycle license requirements and get your permit and then license, you’re ready to hit the open road.
If you or someone you know is seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Coeur d’Alene, you need to be prepared to protect your rights and take action with the support of an experienced and qualified attorney.
The Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and to protect your right to compensation. Contact us today to begin your case.