Obtaining the Virginia motorcycle handbook when applying for a motorcycle license is a very important step, since this manual contains all information necessary to pass the state licensing exams and obtain your bike license. The motorcycle manual designed by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also contains valuable tips on handling your motorcycle, implementing safe-riding practices and wearing the proper riding gear. Therefore, the information contained in the state bike handbook will also help you maintain your bike license in good status.

Once you start reviewing the DMV motorcycle handbook, you will notice that it is comprised of numerous sections, which cover everything from the state licensing requirements to managing your physical and mental health. However, in addition to studying with the manual, you can also obtain other materials to supplement your study plan. To learn about the usefulness of the state motorcycle DMV book, continue reading below.

What topics are covered in the Virginia DMV motorcycle handbook?

The Virginia motorcycle operator manual contains a large amount of information that is essential to both riders applying for their first motorcycle license and experienced motorcyclists. The DMV motorcycle manual arranges this information in several in-depth sections in a manner similar to the one utilized by the national Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) for its handbook. The following list provides a brief overview of the topics covered by the Motorcycle DMV book:

  • Section 1: Licensing Requirements – Offers state-specific information about the licensing and registration procedures and the Virginia Rider Training Program.
  • Section 2 and 3: Preparing to Ride and Control for Safety – These sections provide information about the gear that you need to obtain before riding your motorcycle and the basic bike controls.
  • Section 4 and 5: See and Be Seen and Keeping Your Distance – These sections include topics on navigating traffic, utilizing your vehicle safety features and reacting to other drivers.
  • Section 6, 7 and 8: Handling Dangerous Surfaces, Riding at Night and Dealing With Emergencies – These sections cover topics on operating your vehicle in various dangerous situations and handling certain emergencies, such as mechanical problems.
  • Section 9 and 10: Carrying Passengers and Cargo and Group Riding – These two sections provide guidelines for traveling with additional equipment, loads and/or passengers and riding in a group with other motorcyclists.
  • Section 11 and 12: Being in Shape to Ride and Your Motorcycle – These important sections provide valuable tips on maintaining your mental and physical health and the good-working condition of your motorcycle.
  • Section 13 and 14: Earning Your License and Rider Skills Training – The manual’s last sections talk about the various licensing exams that you will have to take and the state rider training programs.

Note: To explore the above sections in detail, get the full motorbike operator manual.

Can a Virginia motorcycle handbook help applicants prepare for a motorcycle exam?

Since the Virginia motorcycle knowledge test and the road skills exam are based on the information contained in the state motorcycle manual, your best strategy to successfully pass them is carefully studying the handbook. For example, the motorbike operator manual explores the topics of safe riding practices, rules and regulations and street signs and signalization, which will all be covered on the knowledge test. Note that you will pass the written exam only if you correctly answer the majority of its 25 multiple-choice questions.

Several sections of the VA motorcycle handbook are also designed to prepare you for your practical-riding experience, which will ultimately help you pass the road skills exam. By studying the bike handbook you will obtain invaluable tips on preparing yourself for the ride by obtaining the proper gear. You will also learn how to operate your motorcycle in various dangerous situations on the open road.

What other materials can help applicants prepare for a Virginia motorcycle knowledge test or road exam?

In addition to studying with the Virginia DMV motorbike handbook, you can improve your chances of passing the state licensing exams by implementing additional strategies. For example, you can learn more about your upcoming motorbike knowledge test by taking a third-party practice exam.

These practice tests are often designed to reflect the structure of the official written exam administered by the state DMV. Third-party test providers also offer study guides that will help you organize your study time and instruct you how to implement the knowledge you obtain from the state motorcycle manual.

Apart from utilizing the VA motorcycle license book in combination with other study materials, you can also greatly improve your chances of passing the state licensing exams by enrolling in the Virginia Rider Training Program. If you successfully graduate from an approved rider course, you will also receive a course completion card, which can be submitted to the department to earn a test waiver for both your written exam and your skills test. However, in order to utilize this option, you will be required to provide the course certificate of completion within a year of completing the course.

Who else can benefit from a Virginia motorcycle manual?

The benefits of studying the Virginia motorcycle manual are not limited to applicants of motorcycle licenses. Other groups may also utilize the motorcycle DMV book for other purposes.

For instance, if you were issued a traffic ticket while riding your motorcycle, you can check whether or not you were in violation of the law by consulting the relevant sections of the bike manual. If you are a licensed motorcyclist, but you have not operated your motorbike in a while, you can also review the manual to refresh your knowledge of safe-riding practices and the road rules and regulations.

How to Get a Virginia DMV Motorcycle Manual

You can easily obtain the DMV motorcycle manual in Virginia either in person or via the internet. If you are conducting business with the department through a DMV office, you can also request a physical copy of the handbook.

If you are prevented or unwilling to make an in-person visit, you can obtain the official state manual online at this link as well. After obtaining the bike manual, however, check whether or not it contains all 13 sections, to ensure you have all relevant information at your disposal.

Last updated on Friday, February 28 2020.