Motorcycle License in the US

[Scoobynut_imp]

Here in N. Dakota, kids can get their m/c permit at age 14 if they complete the MSF course, which my son did as soon as he turned 14. He then rode on the permit for a few months, but had to take the written test only (no riding test because he took the MSF) before 6 months was up, which he did and passed and then had his 'M' endorsement. I think the young age is due to the fact that before ATV's and such, a lot of people used motorcycles around their farms (ND is mostly agricultural land) and they've never changed the law. In any case, my son was only allowed to ride with me before turning 16, and I did give him a lot of coaching in those two years, to the point that I was comfortable letting him ride my Super Tenere once in a while after he turned 16 (with me accompanying him and swapping to his Ninja 650). And yes, he's even ridden my CB1100, which he loves, by the way. He's 18 now. Just a few weeks ago we rode out to Red Lodge, Montana, and he did his first 1000 mile weekend, him on the Ninja, me on the Super Tenere.

Riders under 16 are restricted to 250cc or less in ND. Once you turn 16, you can ride whatever the hell you want! Kind of crazy thinking about a 16 year old riding a Hayabusa, but I have met just such a kid (not my own, thankfully) once when I was in Fargo looking at an old Yamaha. His dad had a Hayabusa also.

Oh, and if you are under 18 you're required to wear a helmet in ND. After that your brains are yours to do with as you see fit.

I suspect Henrik will be horrified by some of the above.