MOM Vs 15 Revised122810 - Connecticut

1 Operator ManualDannel P. MalloyDannel P. MalloyDannel P. MalloyDannel P. MalloyDannel P. MalloyGovernorMichael R. BzdyraMichael R. BzdyraMichael R. BzdyraMichael R. BzdyraMichael R. BzdyraCommissionerMotorcycleMotorcycleMo torcycleMotorcycleMotorcyclePrepared ByMotorcycle Safety FoundationAdapted with PermissionByConnecticut Department of Motor Vehicles60 State StreetWethersfield, Connecticut 06161R-217 (Rev. 01-11)CONTENTS 3 CONTENTS GETTING YOUR Connecticut MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENTG etting Your Endorsement .. 4 Motorcycling and Connecticut Law .. 4 Motorcycle Learner s Permit .. 6 Sharing the Road.

2 7 PREPARING TO RIDEWear the Right Gear .. 8 Helmet Use .. 8 Helmet Selection .. 8 Eye and Face Protection .. 9 Clothing ..10 Know Your Motorcycle ..10 The Right Motorcycle for You ..10 Borrowing and Lending ..11 Get Familiar with theMotorcycle Controls ..11 Check Your Motorcycle ..12 Know Your Responsibilities ..13 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIESB asic Vehicle Control ..14 Body Position ..14 Shifting Gears ..14 Braking ..15 Turning ..15 Keeping Your Distance ..16 Lane Positions ..16 Following Another Vehicle ..17 Being Followed ..18 Passing and Being Passed ..18 Lane Sharing ..20 Merging Cars ..20 Cars Alongside.

3 20 SEE ..21 Intersections ..22 Blind Intersections ..23 Passing Parked Cars ..24 Parking at the Roadside ..24 Increasing Conspicuity ..25 Clothing ..25 Headlight ..25 Signals ..25 Brake Light ..26 Using Your Mirrors ..26 Head Checks ..27 Horn ..27 Riding at Night ..28 Crash Avoidance ..28 Quick Stops ..28 Swerving or Turning Quickly ..29 Cornering ..30 Handling Dangerous Surfaces ..31 Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ..31 Slippery Surfaces ..32 Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams ..33 Grooves and Gratings ..33 Mechanical Problems ..34 Tire Failure ..34 Stuck Throttle ..34 Wobble.

4 34 Drive Train Problems ..35 Engine Seizure ..35 Animals ..35 Flying Objects ..36 Getting Off the Road ..36 Carrying Passengers and Cargo ..36 Equipment ..36 Instructing Passengers ..37 Riding With Passengers ..37 Carrying Loads ..37 Group Riding ..38 Keep the Group Small ..38 Keep the Group Together ..38 Keep Your Distance ..38 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEWhy This Information Is Important ..40 Alcohol and Other Drugs in Motorcycle Operation ..40 Alcohol in the Body ..40 Blood Alcohol Concentration ..41 Alcohol and the Law ..42 Consequences of Conviction ..42 Minimize the Risks ..42 Step in to Protect Friends.

5 43 Fatigue ..43 EARNING YOUR LICENSEK nowledge Test ..44On-Motorcycle Skill Test ..45 SUPPLEMENT FOR 3-WHEEL MOTORCYCLEST hree-Wheel Supplement ..464 GETTING YOUR Connecticut ENDORSEMENTGETTING YOUR Connecticut MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENTWhat is a Motorcycle Endorsement?A motorcycle endorsement, designated by the letter M, on a Connecticut motor vehicle driver s license, allows operation of a motorcycle on public highways. What is a motorcycle learner s permit?Before earning your motorcycle endorsement, you have the option to obtain a motorcycle learner s permit. The permit allows you to drive a motorcycle with certain restrictions to help you gain experience as a skilled needs a motorcycle endorsement?

6 Any Connecticut motor vehicle driver s license holder who operates a does not need a motorcycle endorsement from Connecticut ?Any non-resident or temporary resident who holds a valid driver s license issued by another jurisdiction, which authorizes the operation of a motorcycle. This may include: Members of the Armed Forces Students enrolled in a higher education institution Non-residents employed in is required to obtain a motorcycle endorsement? A valid Connecticut Driver s License. A parental consent form (if under 18 years of age). Fees for motorcycle knowledge and vision tests. Successful completion of a motorcycle knowledge and vision tests at a full-service DMV branch offi ce.

7 You may take the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests at any full-service DMV branch offi ce on a walk in basis. No appointment is necessary. For offi ce hours, please visit the DMV website at : Once you pass the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests, you have the option to get a motorcycle learner s permit. Before earning your endorsement, the permit allows you to drive a motorcycle on the road with certain restrictions. Complete a novice motorcycle-training course approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. This training includes classroom and skills training on a motorcycle.

8 Once you have successfully completed this training, your proof of course completion must be presented to the DMV .A list of approved course providers may be found at you have successfully completed this training, your proof of course completion must be presented to the DMV and an M endorsement will be added to your driver s license. Motorcycling and Connecticut LawWhat is a motorcycle? Connecticut motor vehicle law defi nes a motorcycle as a motor vehicle having not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and a saddle or seat on which the rider sits or a platform on which the rider stands, and with or without a side car, except 5any vehicle in which the driver s seat is completely or partially enclosed and the motor on such vehicle is not within such enclosed Cycles (Mopeds) Connecticut law distinguishes the diff erence between a motorcycle and a motor-driven cycle, commonly known as a moped.

9 A motor-driven cycle is defi ned as any motorcycle, motor scooter, or bicycle with an attached motor that has a seat height of at least 26 inches and a motor that produces no more than fi ve brake horsepower. You must have a valid driver s license to operate a motor-driven cycle, but do not need a motorcycle : Sixteen-and 17-year-olds must wear protective headgear when operating a motor-driven cycle or addition, if the speed limit on a road is greater than the maximum speed of the motor-driven cycle, you may only operate that cycle in the right hand traffi c lane or on a usable shoulder on the right side of the road, except if preparing to turn left at an intersection or into or from a private road or driveway.

10 A motor-driven cycle cannot be operated on a limited access highway or s License Required To Operate Any Motor VehicleTo operate a motorcycle on the public streets and highways in the State of Connecticut , the motorcycle operator is required to have a valid driver s license, with a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle learner s obtain a Connecticut Driver s License, the applicant must be at least 16 years of age; be physically and mentally capable of operating a motor vehicle and have successfully completed both a written and on-road driver s examination. All applicants who do not hold a driver s license must complete an 8-hour safe driving course.