Maryland Motorcycle Handbook
The Maryland DMV motorcycle handbook is used to teach drivers how to stay safe while operating a motorcycle on public roadways. In addition, the motorcycle handbook contains all of the information drivers need to become familiar with MD driving laws and how to pass the necessary exams to receive a motorcycle driving license. It also covers technical information about motorcycles, what to do in the case of an emergency and licensing requirements for new drivers and drivers from other states.
The motorcycle manual is not the only way MD drivers can learn more about driving motorcycles. The Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program, run by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), offers several learning opportunities to drivers who are interested in learning more about motorcycles. Unless otherwise noted, the MVA offers manuals free of charge to drivers upon request. Read on for more essential information about driving manuals for motorcycles in MD.
What topics are covered in the DMV motorcycle handbook in Maryland?
The Maryland motorcycle DMV book is meant to provide all of the information a motorcycle driver needs to safely drive in the state. To meet these ends, the MD DMV motorcycle manual offers detailed information about the right type of gear that motorcycle riders should wear to protect themselves from the elements when normally riding and prevent injury in the case of minor accidents. The manual goes over the basics of a motorcycle, including its controls and how to find the right bike for different types of drivers, before underlining what are every MD driver’s responsibilities when operating a motorcycle on public roads anywhere in the state.
The largest section of the MD Motorcycle test book covers material related to how drivers can make sure to ride motorcycles within their abilities. Carefully reviewing this section of the motorcycle operator manual is essential to understanding how motorcycles operate differently than other types of motor vehicles and what drivers must do to stay safe while riding. Drivers of motorcycles are more at risk to be affected by road and weather conditions than drivers of cars and must, therefore, pay special attention to motorcycle upkeep and street quality.
In addition, motorcycles owners must learn about carrying passengers or loads which significantly changes how the motorcycle is driven along with riding in groups and on highways. The MVA manual for motorcycle owners includes the following sections about safe driving:
- Basic Vehicle Control
- Keeping Your Distance
- SEE (Search, Evaluate, Execute)
- Intersections
- Increasing Conspicuity
- Crash Avoidance
- Handling Dangerous Surfaces
- Mechanical Problems
- Animals
- Flying Objects
- Getting Off the Road
- Carrying Passengers and Cargo
- Group Riding
This Maryland manual is also sometimes referred to as a motorcycle permit study guide because it includes not only the information needed to pass the state’s motorcycle licensing requirements but also specific practice test questions and tips to help drivers pass the necessary exam. The motorcycle knowledge test prep that is included in the manual provides an overview of the skill sets that will be tested, a practice knowledge test and a review of the on-cycle skills test that all drivers will have to pass in order to receive their MD motorcycle license.
To make sure all drivers are familiar with MD motorcycle laws, the manual also includes information about what will happen if a driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle, the consequences for driving under the influence and other similar serious driving infractions, how to deal with friends who may be attempting to drive under the influence and even what to do if the driver feels too tired to keep driving while operating a motorcycle.
Can a motorcycle handbook help applicants prepare for a motorcycle exam in Maryland?
Maryland motorcycle helmet laws and other guidelines are outlined in detail in the state manual. The manual was produced by the MVA and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation with the express purpose of helping drivers become familiar with both operational and safety rules for operating a motorcycle with the assumption the driver will have to apply for a motorcycle license.
The MVA motorcycle handbook the best source of information for motorcycle-related policies and best practices in Maryland and recommended by the government as the primary study tool for motorcycle drivers. It is the most comprehensive collection of state rules and motorcycle driving tips available to MD residents.
The MD motorcycle license study guide also provides priceless information to drivers who are preparing to take the motorcycle licensing exams. Inside the manual, the information required for the motorcycle knowledge test is reviewed in detail as are the subject areas that will be tested during the road exam.
Sample diagrams are included to help drivers know what sort of track they will be asked to complete during the on-cycle portion of the test and sample questions are offered to help drivers get the best idea possible of the types of questions they will be confronted with on the real licensure exam.
What other materials can help applicants prepare for an MD motorcycle knowledge test or road exam?
In Maryland, drivers under the age of 18 years old are required to enroll and pass a motorcycle safety course before they can take any driver’s license exam in the state. The MD motorcycle test manual includes most of the information that is covered in the MD Motorcycle Safety Program’s Basic Rider Course and Alternate Basic Rider Course, though some courses may go into greater depth about certain topics upon request.
To meet the state requirement, these courses must include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of on-the-road training to be valid. Upon the successful completion of the course, students will receive a Completion Certificate allowing them to request a Class M motorcycle license.
Different types of motorcycle test manuals and study materials are available to interested drivers online, through local driving education centers and the MVA. Students can review additional sample questions and even find additional practice tests for the motorcycle licensure exam. More information about the on-the-road exam is also available from multiple sources.
Who else can benefit from a motorcycle manual?
A review of the motorcycle license book can benefit any Maryland resident who would like to learn how to operate a motorcycle or simply refresh their memories. To receive a motorcycle license, the motorcycle license manual states that drivers with licenses in another class and drivers with expired licenses of over one year will be required to complete the knowledge exam and road test along with new motorcycle drivers. As a result, both new and experienced drivers can learn a great deal by going through the state handbook for motorcycle drivers.
How to Get a DMV Motorcycle Manual in Maryland
Getting a motorcycle MVA book is easy in Maryland. Interested drivers can contact the MD Motor Vehicle Administration to request a paper copy of the manual, but it is recommended that all drivers take advantage of the PDF-version of the manual available online free of charge. Questions about obtaining a printed or online copy of the manual can be directed to the MVA.
The online version of the Maryland Operator Manual can be found here.