Utah - Graduated MC licensing coming soon?

[bluemoco]

This was in the weekend news.  It appears that Utah is taking the first steps to a graduated licensing system.

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2008/10/16/utah-implementing-multi-level-motorcycle-license/

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10726865

[Autostrada Pilot]

I'm glad I already got mine.


I'm local to Utah, and with all the new scooter and motorcycle riders, who don't have licenses and are driving bikes because of gas prices, we really haven't had many more rider deaths (which really surprises me).

I'd bet there are twice as many riders as there were a few years ago, but definitely not twice as many deaths.

[ArguZ]

Bravo !
First two years 125, then two years 600, then open...that would be it.
And yes...still with 16...not starting with 18 like here.
You guys are sooooo lucky  [moto]

[He Man]

Really, its like the idea of giving up some freedoms for a bit of security.... Shouldnt you have a right to buy the biggest baddest whatever you can afford? I thought we had that right in the US?

If they make it fair enough (though i have my own ideas of fair) id be for it. As it stands it doesnt have much of a distinction between bike classes so we will see how it develops.

Perhaps if they have varying tests for each class with no time restriction in between and a clear class distinction (we all know 600cc 4v I4 does not = to 620cc Monster or any vtwin cruiser). but they said they still dont know the full story behind it yet, so we'll wait and see i guess.

[EvilSteve]

Good news. Hopefully more states follow.

Personally I think a power to weight ratio with upper limits on weight & power for each license would probably be best but it's hard to work out.

[SP3]

Really, its like the idea of giving up some freedoms for a bit of security.... Shouldnt you have a right to buy the biggest baddest whatever you can afford? I thought we had that right in the US?

A driver's license is NOT a right - ever.

[Spicoli]

I like what truckers have... they have a newb license and when they go a certain period of time without incident or tickets they get an A license (or some other name for it) which says they have proven to be safer driver (granted it is not perfect - but works for the majority).

The problem with that method for bikes is you would have to ride for quite a while before you would be able to get the A license... and some ride only a few k a year while others ride a 1000miles a month.

[DesmoDisciple]

I think its a good idea.

We have situations crop up all the time where a kid goes and buys a bike, total newbie, and ends up getting hurt terribly or killed within hours of owning it.

Gotta say though, you can't cure stupid. A person can kill themselves just as easily on 250 if they are intent on being wreckless.

[pintsizejesus]

Motorcycle deaths have actually gone up.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=4571562

[redxblack]

Ohio does not have a graduated licensing, but when I got my first MC endorsement, the bottom said M Novice. When I renew, it will just say M.

[He Man]

A driver's license is NOT a right - ever.

I never said it (drivers license) wasn't a right. I think you're mistaken about what I was trying to say.

you have the RIGHT to buy whatever you wish is the point.
If we can put a restriction on motorcycle licenses, we should be able to do the same with cars.

Like previously stated, a stupid ftard can get into just as much trouble with a 250cc than he can with a 600cc. Its not the capcity of the engine, its the rider. Its always the rider. Likewise with the whole "600cc is a good starting bike". Why is it not a good starting bike? because the rider lacks skill to control such power.
Why can rich uncle buy you a 400hp AMG mercedes with a fresh license? Theres no way you are telling me that a new driver can put all 400hp on the road and be safe.

My point is, you cant stop stupid people from being stupid, and it isn't right to stop me from buying whatever I want. I think what would be fare is graduated testing without restrictions. Perhaps someone knows how to ride a motobike and wants a 600cc since hes been riding supermoto as a kid, or dirt bikes. So he goes out and takes a 600cc I4 class test (Which should be divided by power to weight ratio) and if he passes he can put that bike on the street. I would be pissed of if i had to ride a 125cc for 2 years before i could go up. I think the real experince from riding is from miles  youd gain much more from doing 15,000 miles in 1 year, then you would with 5,000 miles a year. If there was a way to log miles of a person that would be cool ,but it aint happening.

[Super T.I.B]

I never said it (drivers license) wasn't a right. I think you're mistaken about what I was trying to say.

you have the RIGHT to buy whatever you wish is the point.

BUY whatever you want. You just can't ride it. 

In Australia, we have had this for years, but the rules have changed a little over the last few with power to weight coming in & different states have differing laws.. It used to be you could ride anything under and including a 250cc. Well some 250's are QUICK! Even some 125's are quick. And new riders over 30 can go to a full licence after doing the 2 day learner course and 1 day provisional course and pass an exam and riding test.

Now with the power to weight ruling, my 620 was learner approved and alot of other bikes are now and learners aren't restricted to scooters which are more dangerous than normal bikes IMO.

[herm]

BUY whatever you want. You just can't ride it. 

In Australia, we have had this for years, but the rules have changed a little over the last few with power to weight coming in & different states have differing laws.. It used to be you could ride anything under and including a 250cc. Well some 250's are QUICK! Even some 125's are quick. And new riders over 30 can go to a full licence after doing the 2 day learner course and 1 day provisional course and pass an exam and riding test.

Now with the power to weight ruling, my 620 was learner approved and alot of other bikes are now and learners aren't restricted to scooters which are more dangerous than normal bikes IMO.

this is what i was thinking as well. buy whatever floats your boat, but dont expect to ride it. dont expect the DMV to give you a license to kill right away.

maybe this would stop some dealers from selling 'busas to novice riders with more $$ than brains

[Super T.I.B]

this is what i was thinking as well. buy whatever floats your boat, but dont expect to ride it. dont expect the DMV to give you a license to kill right away.

maybe this would stop some dealers from selling 'busas to novice riders with more $$ than brains

That's the thing, that doesn't happen here. Well, to my knowledge. 

[superjohn]

If only we could get graduated automobile licenses. Base license gets you into a small sedan. More training can you into more powerful vehicles and specialized training for big trucks and SUV's. Business' reliant on specialized vehicles would get a number of vouchers to train employees.

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