It's funny. I was sitting around last night contimplating on how I've finally managed to get my license and, more importantly, my bike. It's something that I've always wanted even since I lived back in the UK. After gloating and sending piccies round the world of my newest toy, I found out that there are a few of my friends in the UK going through the same ordeal of taking bike lessons / getting endorsed.

After chatting to them, it really hit home about just how easy it is to get both a driving license and a motorcycle endorsement in the states. "Cage driving" aside, I felt it might be interesting to take a look at the motorcycle license requirements for both countries.

In the red corner....The mighty United States Of America:

Here's how I did it. After getting some great feedback from other riders, I signed up for the MSF riders course. For $250, this is what you get:

• The use of a bike/helmet. The bikes are usually 250cc honda Nighhthawks or equivilent type cruisers.
• A five hour classroom tuition after which, there is a multiple choice test. Providing you pass this you get a certificate of completion and the right to proceed onto the practical part of the course.
• On the practical part, it's two five hour sessions on an empty range (in my case, a parking lot) where two insructors will go over basic manouvers, cornering, slow manouvering, emergency stops and other types of instruction. After the two sessions, you are assessed on all these skills and providing you pass, this waives the right to take the practical test at the DMV.

Once you have both these pieces completed, you need to sit a theory test consisting of 30 multiple choice questions. Pass that and you're on your way to rider freedom.

You can , of course, just turn up at the DMV and you can sit the practical test. I decided to go for the MSF course because I truly believe they teach you way more stuff!

In the blue corner....The equally as mighty (and slightly better at making tea and crumpets) UK:

Ok, this is slightly more complicated so there's more bullet points:

• Pass the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training). This is a basic course that covers the core ideas, basic road safety, manouvering and parking and going out in traffic in a group. Once you pass this, it gives you the right to ride a 125cc with Learner plates for 2 years. Within those 2 years, it also gives you the right to sit the theory test and then take the full practical test.
• Take and pass  the Theory test. This is pretty much like the theory test in the U.S.
• Take the full practical test. This is an extension of the CBT but covers more advanced manouvering and street riding and you are hooked up with an instructor via a remote radio. Once you pass, you are entitled to ride on the road, freeways etc. There are, however, a few restrictions employed in the UK:
  • If you take the full test on a 125cc, you may only ride up to a 125cc for 2 years. After the 2 year period, you may ride anything. Same applies to a 250cc.
  • If you are older than 21 and you take the test on 500cc (or above), you can ride anything straight away.

Looking at both of these, It's obvious that the UK imposes many more restrictions that are based around protecting beginner riders. It would be interesting to get input from other riders in the States to see if they agree with these restrictions or even think they should be imposed in the U.S? And if they were, would the rate of accidents in beginner riders drop?