Posted: 5/7/2011 5:49:37 AM EDT
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I am an Illinois resident and live between Joliet and Chicago Heights, IL.. I have a valid class 'D' car license. Now I need to get a big motorcycle drivers license like for motorcycles over 250cc.
I know how to ride and can pass the drivers test no problem, I will have to go over and study the motorcycle book some to insure that I pass the written test. Like I said, I can ride but I do not want to take the drivers test with a big O Harley. I've heard that schools like Prairie State and/or Joliet Junior Col. offer some kind of class where at the end of the class they can provide the student with an approiate motorcycle for the driving portion of the test. Once I pass the written test all I will need is a smallish big bike to take the drivers test. Does anyone know of where I might rent, lease, get a not too big bike for the motorcycle drivers test? Thanks for your time. VonBarky |
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When you pass the MSF course, you leave the class with a certificate that exempts you from the road test to get your license, so you don't need to go to the Secretary of State office with a bike to take the test. This is not true for private schools, Harley Riders Edge, etc... Either way, you'll need to show up to class with your own helmet, leather or heavy denim jacket, and boots. The MSF class that I took had loaner helmets available, but I'm glad I came with my own because they didn't have them in my size. The problem is that the MSF classes are usually in very high demand, and most of them are booked up for the year. Here are the classes offered by U of I, both downstate and all over the south burbs. Looks like they have some stuff available in Danville, Lansing, and Kankakee in the near future... I'd register for one of those ASAP while they're still available. Good luck! edit: More classes available at the Caterpillar plant in Montgomery next month. |
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While the course offically requires a pre-registration fee (which used to be refunded to you if/when you passed), I know many folks who have gotten in when folks were no-shows by going to the class location and "hanging the fence" the morning of the class.
If you want to try that grab a big cup of coffee and get there two or three hours early to stake your place. Take the course. As I posted in another thread today that course saved my life - or a lengthy hospital stay - at least twice. ETA - for the written (IIRC - it's been a few years  ):
Cross RR tracks on the perpendicular, not an angle. Ride in the L tire track. Turn signals are not required, but signalling is, just like eyepro. Rain makes the road slippery, usually right after it starts (before the oil/grease/ATF/crap gets washed into the gutter). Gravel is bad, mmkay? Headlights must be "ON" at all times. When turning, the passenger stays with the bike, the rider (driver) is the one who leans. You must plant a foot (and must have stopped all forward motion) to be considered as having "stopped". The front brake applies about 75% of the stopping force. Found this - good reading for a cloudy/rainy day: Illinois SoS Motorcycle Rules of the Road (PDF) |
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As always, you guys at AR15.com are a huge help. Thanks so much.
Looks like I'm not getting into a class as they are FULL. My cousin has an older bike, a 1980 Suzuki 250cc street legal enduro type bike that noone rides but it runs. It does Not have current license plates nor insurance. Im wondering if I can strap it down in the bed of a pick-up truck and bring it to the DL facility just for the test? Back in 1977 when I took my first big bike test the minimum size bike required was a 250cc. Do they still have big bike/little bike license? What is the minimum size bike/engine I must have to get the big bike license? Is a plated and insured bike over 250cc absolutly required? I can pass the test(s). I just need the hardware like a 250 or 350cc legal motorcycle. Darn, theres a plated, insured and sooped up Sportster and a Honda VFR750 in the garage and I can't take either out. Kinda like having a Wilson Combat 1911 and AR in the safe and can't take them out without a FOID. 
Thanks Everyone VonBark |
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I took mine test on my Road King. I passed but what a pain in the ass. Where in IL are you located? The Harley store by me rents 250s to take your test on which is about 5 minutes down the road. I am unsure if you have seen the comercials for the canam 3 wheelers saying you can take your test on them. I just strugged it off but the DMV by my work at lunch one day had a guy out there doing his test on that.. What an easy way to get your test done..
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Quoted:
As always, you guys at AR15.com are a huge help. Thanks so much. Looks like I'm not getting into a class as they are FULL. My cousin has an older bike, a 1980 Suzuki 250cc street legal enduro type bike that noone rides but it runs. It does Not have current license plates nor insurance. Im wondering if I can strap it down in the bed of a pick-up truck and bring it to the DL facility just for the test? Back in 1977 when I took my first big bike test the minimum size bike required was a 250cc. Do they still have big bike/little bike license? What is the minimum size bike/engine I must have to get the big bike license? Is a plated and insured bike over 250cc absolutly required? I can pass the test(s). I just need the hardware like a 250 or 350cc legal motorcycle. Darn, theres a plated, insured and sooped up Sportster and a Honda VFR750 in the garage and I can't take either out. Kinda like having a Wilson Combat 1911 and AR in the safe and can't take them out without a FOID.
Thanks Everyone VonBark No. I believe the cutoff is actually like 150cc. You don't need a 250. An M class is an M class. Go buy a bike, practice with a permit, go take test. It's a no brainer. I rode my bike to the DMV and took the test in 1991. Said I'd never pass on a Harley. I said put the cones out. I can drive anything in Illinois except airplanes 
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I took the class at COD ... Friday night book work... Saturday half book half road work ... Sunday all day road work skills test (Pass and you are half way there) ... written test ... (Pass and you have a card that you take to the DMV and you are done) !
Cost me $20 to regester for the class and you can have it refunded or donate it to the foundation... WORTH EVERY PENNY!!! Ps. if you do it on your own go to the DMV and watch other people taking the test... then come back on the weekend and run it on your own time... the testers are ok... but very hard... mess it up and you fail... take the class if you can its alot of fun and you learn a ton of stuff you never knew before! PROMISE!!! |
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Looks like I'm not getting into a class as they are FULL. Please see my link above for the class at the Cat plant in Montgomery that starts 6/24, and act on it quickly before it fills up. Also see my post about sitting on the gate the morning of the class. Since many instructors are often willing (if they have the seating space in class) to bump the class up over the "established limit" if there's just one or two people there it works.
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Looks like I'm not getting into a class as they are FULL. Please see my link above for the class at the Cat plant in Montgomery that starts 6/24, and act on it quickly before it fills up. Also see my post about sitting on the gate the morning of the class. Since many instructors are often willing (if they have the seating space in class) to bump the class up over the "established limit" if there's just one or two people there it works. Very true... in the class I took there were about 4 or 5 walk-ins, and they took one. That was back in '03 though... |
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Quoted:
As always, you guys at AR15.com are a huge help. Thanks so much. Looks like I'm not getting into a class as they are FULL. My cousin has an older bike, a 1980 Suzuki 250cc street legal enduro type bike that noone rides but it runs. It does Not have current license plates nor insurance. Im wondering if I can strap it down in the bed of a pick-up truck and bring it to the DL facility just for the test? Back in 1977 when I took my first big bike test the minimum size bike required was a 250cc. Do they still have big bike/little bike license? What is the minimum size bike/engine I must have to get the big bike license? Is a plated and insured bike over 250cc absolutly required? I can pass the test(s). I just need the hardware like a 250 or 350cc legal motorcycle. Darn, theres a plated, insured and sooped up Sportster and a Honda VFR750 in the garage and I can't take either out. Kinda like having a Wilson Combat 1911 and AR in the safe and can't take them out without a FOID.
Thanks Everyone VonBark Do you have someone to ride with you to the DMV? Get your learners permit and then ride the bike you want to test on (lic. and ins. of course)to the DMV facility with friend on his/her bike and take the test. If I am missing something, disregard 
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