For how long did you ride with just a permit?

[PDM]

I also went straight to the M1. I had been riding dirt bikes all my life. Then, when I wanted a street bike, I went out and bought one. I remember riding to the little motorcycle riding class on my CBR1000RR and having everybody ask me if I was the instructor!

[cableguyxx]

I'd never even ridden a bike when I bought my Shadow. I'd signed up for the MSF - Rider's Edge @ the local HD dealer. 3 days later, I got my license without ever having a permit. I waited about a week before I drove on the street. It took a couple of short rides, but now just a couple of months later. The class was great and highly recommended if you haven't already considered it.

[PapaSmurfMC]

Get your license through an MSF course; it only takes a few weeks and can save your life. You'll be shocked at how much you don't know.

[PA Dave]

Got my first permit in 1979, bought my first bike days later, totaled it three months after that. Never did get me license, bought my 2nd bike and rode for several years. I was stopped once and the officer told me, "I know it's a pain in the azz, but you know how to ride, just go take the test." Fast forward 27 years and I did it the right way. Got my permit in June, took the course in September and got my license, then bought the bike. Now I'm putting in ride time and learning to do this again.

Take your time with learning to ride. If you're uncomfortable with riding, that's a good sign to take it easy, learn more, and work your way into it. I figure one of the most important things to recognize is just how much I don't really know yet. Don't let anyone push your limits for you.

[kokopellioh]

About a year on the permit. Then the confident rider course and test. Made me much more confident under 15 mph.

[harpomatic]

until I got pulled over & ticketed, bike taken to the precinct - whatever length of time riding without it, fearing every police checkpoint is not worth it, you'll have to get it in the end anyway...

[kacealraid]

I rode the full period of the permit. I also rode longer than I like to admit after it expired. M License in hand now.

[ber950]

Never had a permit. I needed to ride before daylight to get to work. Took the MSC instead. Money well spent. As others have said, take the course I don't care how long you have been riding, you will be surprised at what you don't know.

I took the class first then bought a bike. The instructors were able to tell me what to look for in a starter bike and when I picked up my bike the salesman turned to my wife and said he took a safety course. The truth is I am still very green and take my time and put safety limits on my riding. I still don't ride just after dark when the traffic is heavy or on the interstate.

[David Edwards]

I couldn't wait to get my license. I rode for 3 months with a permit and practiced a lot of slow moving manuvers in a parking lot to get ready for the skills testing. Finally the day came for the test and i was a little nervous not knowing really what to expect. The instructor was very clear as to what manuvers they wanted you to do. I know that all the time i spent getting used to the motorcycle really helped out. Practice, Practice, Practice getting used to your motorcycle.

[SnoGhost13]

Had a permit for 6 months about 15 years ago. Then never touched a bike until last year. Got my permit and then went out looking at bikes. Two weeks later I bought my shadow and two weeks after that I got my M endorsement so I could ride the girlfriend on a poker run we wanted to participate in.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Motorcycle.com App