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New Rider in Ohio

by Brenda
(Ohio)

I am new to the site and glad i found it. I have been glancing over the forum and notice many women talking of taking and having to pass the motorcycle test then practicing to ride.

In Ohio, you take a computer questionnaire test covering Ohio laws. When you pass you are issued a temp permit which allows you to ride during the day, no freeways, where a helmet, and no passengers. The permit is good for 1 year. In that time you practice, practice, practice. Then when ready, either take the big test at the DMV or enroll in a motorcycle safety course. When you pass either of these you are issued your endorsement.

I am 47 yrs old and just got my motorcycle temporary permit (2nd time). I had been wanting to ride for years. Hubby has been riding for 30 years. in 2008 I got my permit but had no bike. Time passed and my permit expired.

I just recently bought a starter bike and got my temp permit. I know I will move onto a bigger bike but for now, I am comfortable on a used Honda Rebel 250. It is in great shape, sporty and sits low. Hubby had an extra set of bags. I added an embroidered pink and black butterfly decal to the bags to add a touch of "girl" to it, since the bike is also all black. I have all summer to take my time and practice, practice, practice.
Probably next summer I will trade up to a bigger bike but for now I am happy to just get started-FINALLY!

I am so happy to see there are so many "Late Bloomers" like myself just learning to ride. It inspires me!

Happy Riding!

Comments for New Rider in Ohio

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Apr 29, 2013

58. Another Vicki. Lol.
by: Vicki

Got my Harley Sportster last year. I feel like God gave me wings!! Hope to meet more lady riders! God Bless gals.....keep the rubber down....and your sunny side up!

Oct 08, 2012

57 and Rding in the Wind!!
by: Vicki

Just want to say, it's Never too late....I ride a 1200 sportster Harley. I was Scared to death...that was a couple months ago I got my permit...now I have my license....and tease about get a bigger bike. Don't think you can't!!! God for it!!

Feb 28, 2012

new rider
by: jacqueline

I just found the site too. I am 55 and will also begin riding soon. My cousin will trade his Ninja 600 for my Cadi. I know I am not ready for the Ninja so I bought a used Rebel 250. I'll either ride the Ninja next year or trade for another cruiser.

I am relly interested in finding other women to ride with this spring so those in the Greater Cleveland area, let me know.

Aug 29, 2010

48 and learning how to ride
by: Texas girl

Hey all fellow women just learning how to ride! I just signed up for the riders edge course which will be in Dec. for me.I have been a passenger on my husbands bike. For 9 years and have just recently gotten my panic attacks under control.My sweet man got me a Buell Blast to practice on . I took my first spill last night in the back yard. My bike ended up on top of my right ankle.Ouch! I amok but now my old anxiety of doubting myself is starting to rear it's ugly head.any similar stories out there or words of encouragement?

Jun 11, 2010

Late Bloomer Also
by: Anonymous

I'm so happy to hear that I'm not the only female out there wanting to learn how to ride later in life. I have always wanted to learn to ride and have my own bike, but raising my family was my first priority. Now I am on my own and have the desire to fulfill my life long dream. I will start my class in Athens the end of this month, I am nervous and excited all at the same time. I have a lot of support from family and friends which is important to me. I have never rode a bike before ,I have only been a passenger, so this will be a whole new experience for me. Thanks for sharing your stories with all of us who have the same desire to ride.Take care, and god bless you.

Mar 23, 2010

Take the Course First
by: Jo

Brenda,

By this time, you've probably already taken the motorcycle course and got your license. I just happened upon this site while searching for stats on women motorcycles for an article I'm writing.
I recommend everyone take the Safety Foundation riding course BEFORE "practicing, practicing, practicing."

I tried it the other way around: rode a bit on the road with my husband with no formal course. I crashed and didn't ride again for six years. SIX YEARS wasted.

I took the class and realized just how much I didn't know. I have now been riding 10 years and the biggest regret of my life is not learning to ride when I was in my 20's.

Hope you're out there in the wind!

Jun 30, 2009

Late Bloomer Too
by: Anonymous

I went to Polaris Vocational School for the beginners Motorcycle safety class over a weekend. It cost me $25.00. Its the same class the dealerships provide for 300.00+ . At the end, you are tested as if you were going to the BMV. If you pass, which I did, you take your result card to the BMV and you receive and endorsement on your license. The class provides the rides. I had a Rebel 250. I bought one after the class and am already riding Honda Shadow 750. I ride my bike to work, of course I am the only girl on a bike at work but that's OK. I would like to find others to ride with after work in the Berea, Ohio area.

Jun 16, 2009

Another Option
by: Dawn

Hi Brenda,

I just finished the Rider's Edge course offered by Harley Davidson, and found it to be a great alternative to the Motorcycle Ohio course.

A little history...

I started riding about 15 months ago, and tried twice to pass the riding test. I only made it halfway through the first time, and locked up my brakes the second time on the fast stop. Surprised at how difficult the test was, I tried to get a no-show seat in the Motorcycle Ohio course, since the next course was over 6 months away. However, the place was a mad house (over 20 people showed up), and I just walked out stressed.

In March, I called the local Harley Davidson dealer (Athens, OH) to find out when they would be offering the Rider's Edge course. I was able to sign up for a class in early May (although several other dates were also available). The class size was small (only 4 of us), which led to a more relaxed atmosphere. This atmosphere was necessary for me to actually be able to pass the end-of-course test. The end test is just like the driver's license test, but it seemed easier after taking the class.

If you live near Athens, talk to Dorsel at HD - he was an awesome instructor. One last thing...the Rider's Edge course costs more than the Motorcycle Ohio course (at $300), but it was well worth it.

Good luck!

Dawn

Jun 12, 2009

Motorcycle Ohio
by: Brenda

I will clarify a little. I plan to take the Ohio Motorcycle course when I feel I am ready. I will be practicing a lot this year. Then i plan to enroll in the class. It is a minimal fee, and when completed and passed I can be issued my endorsement. I will not have to go to the Ohio BMV course, which I also heard can be hard. I definitely plan to take the class to learn all I can.

Ohio seems to stress getting the temp permit and practicing first, then trying to get your actual permanent endorsement. The classes are filled up months in advance too. If, within a year you do not do either of the above your temp expires and you have to get another temp before going the next step again.

In all, I hope everyone just practices as much as they can and learn all that they can. Luckily I have someone close to help me along the way who has been riding a long time. Hopefully
others find the help also.

Happy Riding!

Jun 11, 2009

MSF Course Still a Good Idea
by: Rene L.

Hi Brenda,

Congrats on your determination. The procedures you described for obtaining a permit, etc. are the same most places. I think you hear so many folks talking about the MSF course because many feel that even if you have some experience riding, have your own bike, and practice on your own, the course is still a very good idea. One, possibly primary reason, is that the course covers many aspects of riding that will help to make you a better and safer rider. I don't remember the statistics, but there are many that demonstrate that those who take the MSF course, even experienced riders, do so more safely.

The second reason, is that in most states, passing the MSF course exempts you from having to pass the DMV riding test. In CA apparently the DMV riding test is a bear. Many folks who have been riding for years take the course in order to avoid the DMV test.

So, even though you have your own bike and can practice on your own, you might want to give the MSF course a go. Either way, have fun and ride safe.

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