Road Test

[JohnFT]

After putting my road test off as long as I could, I have to take it on Monday in Portland.

Can anyone give me a heads-up of what's involved? What are they going to make me do to pass the test?

Any insight would be appreciated.

John

[SSSSNAKE]

I can only guess as I took the MSF rider course in O.B. and the test was part of the course. A number of left and right turns,stops at both signs and red lights. Here in Lewiston they make you stop on the side of the road on a slight up hill and take off again. They'll tell you about how they want you to go( one horn toot for left turns, two for right trns and thepull over and stop and then start toot) Good luck! The morning my son took his test, he said6 people took it and 4 passed and the 2 that didn't really shouldn't have.

[XMainer]

It was the same thing when I took mine in Kennebunk back in 86'. Just remember to turn your head back and fourth when you get to the intersections. This way the person giving the test knows your looking and being cautious. Basically if you look confident and handle your bike smoothly you'll get it.
By the way when I got my permit it was only a ten question multiple choice quiz. No MSF courses back then. My son will be getting his permit in a year or two and I'll take it with him.
Good luck, ride it like your were meant too and you'll get it no problem.

[JohnFT]

I passed the test. I was amazed how simple it was. A few left and right turns and a stop next to the curb. The two guys giving the test told me they wanted to see my head move from side to side to ensure I was looking for cross traffic.

The guy also said that if I flunk he has to do more paperwork and he doesn't like to do additional paperwork. The whole ride took less than ten minutes but 3 hours to get thru the DMV process.

Thanks for the help guys, John

[XMainer]

Congrats John! :D Maybe I'll see you on the rode somewhere. What are the temporary restrictions taht make you go trhough nowadays? Do you have to be in before dark? Can you take a rider? It's been a long time and I'm going to have to go through it sooner or later with my son and at least one of my two daughters.

[JohnFT]

XMainer, good question. I know when I had my permit I had to be in by dark and couldn't take a passenger. However, today they didn't mention any restrictions. I took my test with a couple teenagers .... makes me wish I would've kept my motorcycle license updated when I first got it in the 70's.

Yup, I'm THAT old!!

If I find out about any restrictions, I'll send you an email.

Thanks,

John

[customed1300]

Congrats on passing the test :)

[mike1300]

. makes me wish I would've kept my motorcycle license updated when I first got it in the 70's.

Did you get it in Maine? I have had mine since 1977, "I" endorsement (may operate motorcycle) has always been on my license, even when I took a nearly 20 year break from riding. It doesnt expire once you get it. Only endorsement I ever had to renew is my hazmat, and when the gubmint made all the states go federal rule class A. (semi trailer)

[JohnFT]

Mike1300,

Nope, I got my motorcycle license in the early 70's in Minnesota. Since then I've lived in Ohio, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maine. After getting married and having kids I just didn't carry it over from MN. Dumb, I know!