No VT winter testing - workaround?

[Father Ribs]

This is my first year riding...took the MSF in late July and failed (no manual experience so stalled the bike 3 times...that was then, this is now), didn't have a bike and permit until September. Put on at least 3,000 miles and know the Vermont motorcycle endorsement test would be a breeze, but they stop scheduling it in winter months.

Which wouldn't be a problem except that I'd love to rent a bike a few days when I visit my sister in NC, and on nice days like this cross state lines, and ride in the dark legally.

Are there any options other than wait until next year or ride illegally? Are there ways to get tested in another state and have it transfer back, or a private testing company that isn't restricted to seasonal schedule?

[Doc]

You can try mtnlady@surfglobal.net

J&J Motorcycle Safety 802-827-6681


Other than that there are no other options that I am aware of in Vermont until spring.

[Degsy]

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You can't fail MSF for stalling. Any idea exactly what parts of the 4 evaluations you were weak on?

[markbvt]

I don't know what sort of rules motorcycle rental companies have, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they refuse to rent to newly-licensed riders. Especially in late fall/winter (it does get icy sometimes even in NC).

IMO it would be a good idea to just wait till you can get your Vermont license in the spring. Also, since you failed the MSF class, it would be a good idea to retake it.

--mark

[Father Ribs]

Short answer for failing was just not being comfortable with the bike from the course. I had a lot of trouble "finding" gears with it and stalling out. Once the bike was rolling I did fine. I blew all attempts on the stop test because I flustered myself with stalling and not being able to get into 2nd so I self-aborted one attempt and stopped short the other. When I bought a bike and put a few miles on it, my shifting tightened up and I only stalled when I was impatient to get going on a cold day...so I take my time starting up.

At this point the basic MSF course wouldn't do anything for me, though I may take the more advanced one some time next year.

Thanks for the lead Doc.

[Doc]

.

At this point the basic MSF course wouldn't do anything for me, though I may take the more advanced one some time next year.

Thanks for the lead Doc.

As an Instructor I would be happy to get with you in a parking lot and work out the kinks.

Blaming the bike is an excuse. Practice and patience will pay off.

[Father Ribs]

I completely agree. I've put on over 3k in under 3 months...obviously it's a never-ending learning process but I'm a world away from what I was when I started. Honestly the hardest part for me was shifting. Well, and turning right up a steep hill from a dead stop, but I won't talk about that. Much, much better now.

[markbvt]

Blaming the bike is an excuse. Practice and patience will pay off.

If riding an unfamiliar bike made you so uncomfortable that you got flustered, I do not recommend renting a bike. Wait till you've got a year or two of riding under your belt -- even if you're now comfortable on your bike, that won't necessarily translate to a different bike, which might have completely different engine, shifting, braking, and handling characteristics.

--mark

[Doc]

Well said Mark.