Failed my MN DMV road test today
Novice
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
I had a paper route and started riding a little simplex auto scooter in 1961, I got a little educated when I dumped it in the middle of the road when it was raining, It may have keep me alive. DAM that was a long time ago, anyway you might say I was grandfathered in.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,847
From: Western South Dakota
I should have practiced before I took the test although I was not sure what to expect. Had trouble swerving thru the cones placed 12 feet apart starting from a dead stop 12 feet away. That was the first part of the test. Got off to a bad start and never recovered. Always wondered why big bikes have to take the same test as they do on mopeds. Oh well, I can practice up and take it again in a week. Anyone else blow the test on their first try? Perhaps I should just take a rider class and get my motorcycle endoresment riding on one of their smaller bikes.
Take your completion certificate to the DMV.
They should change your license for you.
You will get a break on your insurance.
Dumb ***. lolol.
Do you feel better tellin' us?
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 540
Likes: 1
From: GA, U.S.
Since everyone is telling their stories: I got my MS mc endorsement in the early 80's. Went in to get license renewed, lady said, "you wanna motorcycle endorsement?" I said, "what's that?" She said, "you gotta have that to ride a motorcycle in Mississippi now, new law." I said, "yeah, duh". (actually, "duh" hadn't been invented yet, I just said yeah). So I paid the $5 extra and bitched about our tax-grabbing state for no telling how long...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 275
From: Milton, Delaware
I had let my mc license expire (for many years). So, 11 years ago I decided that it would be prudent of me to actually have a valid one. I went to the DMV and watched the people taking the test, then went home and practiced in the local church parking lot. Passed the first time. Unfortunately, I had to then trailer the bike home. 
The test at the DMV is ALWAYS harder....take the MSF class. In GA, you can take the DMV test and possibly get your license or take the class, learn some cool things, and pass the test they give you which is soooooo much easier. Then walk into the DMV with your endorsement papers, they change your C to MC and you keep on moving.....That's what I did in 2001.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 771
Likes: 3
From: St. Bonifacius, MN
Back in 1968 I ended up going to the DMV 3 times. The first time when I went to pull the bike off the truck bed I found the rear tire flat on my 250cc Duc so I had to return a week later. Then while riding the fig 8 my hand slipped and I dropped the clutch poping a wheelie across the course. When I stopped I looked at the tester and said did I fail and he said you sure did. So it took me three tries.
Back then there was no rider course and you could not ride on the street without the endorsement and you could not get the endorsement unless you could ride on the street. Always thought that was the dummest thing.
When my wife wanted to ride her own bike I paid to have her take the MSN course. When my two kids wanted to learn how to ride I paid to have them take the same course. I even paid for my son and I to take the advance course. Money well spend.
As others have said take the course!
Back then there was no rider course and you could not ride on the street without the endorsement and you could not get the endorsement unless you could ride on the street. Always thought that was the dummest thing.
When my wife wanted to ride her own bike I paid to have her take the MSN course. When my two kids wanted to learn how to ride I paid to have them take the same course. I even paid for my son and I to take the advance course. Money well spend.
As others have said take the course!
Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Florida
You could practice with some tennis ***** or any item 14 or 16 feet apart. As you get better move them closer together. Always look where you want to go. Don't look down at the ground to see how close you are. Old saying "your head will follow your nose". Use you back brake. If you keep light pressure on the back brake and lightly feather the clutch to keep your engine slightly revved the bike can not go down. Practice the brake and clutch in a straight line until you get comfortable with the feel of it.
good luck on you own. Still a good idea to get training though. Even people that have been riding a long time should practice slow maneuvering regularly. Not many people do it but it helps. To turn a bike at higher speed press down on the handle bar on the side which you want to go. To move to the left lane press down on the left handle bar. Press down on the right side to move right. Works a slower speeds but remember to keep the power to the rear wheel.
Good luck and please be safe
good luck on you own. Still a good idea to get training though. Even people that have been riding a long time should practice slow maneuvering regularly. Not many people do it but it helps. To turn a bike at higher speed press down on the handle bar on the side which you want to go. To move to the left lane press down on the left handle bar. Press down on the right side to move right. Works a slower speeds but remember to keep the power to the rear wheel.
Good luck and please be safe
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,250
Likes: 0
From: París, TX
What does counter steering have to do with a slow speed handling test?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 362
Likes: 11
From: Lost in the Ozone
Not a damn thing but when he needs to countersteer he damn well better be able to do it or ..... he'll make the local news.
Take a class. The Vo -Techs have them. I got this cute little KZ250. It appears I should be renting it out on our local CL.
My bike for my taking it was a 500 '68 Trumpet scrambler.
Take a class. The Vo -Techs have them. I got this cute little KZ250. It appears I should be renting it out on our local CL.
My bike for my taking it was a 500 '68 Trumpet scrambler.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,190
Likes: 5
From: Eastern Washington
I had been riding bikes for over 10 years before getting my endorsement. I actually got pulled over and the cop said if I got my permit within 24 hours he would not impound my bike for the 30 period. Anyway since I went and got the permit I went ahead and took the drive test. I took it on a Sporty. Yes it was pretty tough for me. The toughest part was going the speed of the guy walking while staying within the lines and not letting your feet touch. This was after riding for 10 years. My wife took the course and didn't have to take the drive test. She is pretty good on a bike. So I guess if a person cant pass a drive test then they should take the course. If I had to do it over, I would have just went ahead and taken the class