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Need info on American drivers licence (americans read this please) Need info on American drivers licence (americans read this please)
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Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 18 Oct 2006
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Need info on American drivers licence (americans read this please)
Hi all.

1. Is it possible for a foreigner (european) to obtain an american motorcycle drivers licence? The foreigner already has a european drivers licence for car.

2. How long does it takes to get an american motorcycle drivers licence? For something like a KLR 650. In the state of California.

3. Could the foreigner then obtain an IDL in America?

I would be very happy for serious replies, thank you!

Regards Peter
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  #2  
Old 18 Oct 2006
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This varires from state to state of course.
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Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 08:22.
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  #3  
Old 18 Oct 2006
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(the licence problem is concerning my friend)

Yes, but I have both MC and car licence, and Denmark has nearly the same licence as any other european country. It is really easy to see, no matter what language you speak, if the holder is allowed to drive MC or not.
(please see attatched pic)

My friend only has car, and one of the issues is that insurance will not cover if he has accidents and don´t have a licence.

Another thing is that the main idea is to buy bikes and ride them down to south america, and therefore he has to legally own the bike. Or is it possible for me to own both?

Is it possible to own a bike and get permanent plates on it without having a drivers licence?
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Old 18 Oct 2006
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Keep trying, I know there is a simple solution to all this.
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Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 08:23.
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  #5  
Old 18 Oct 2006
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Well you answered some critical questions for me, thank you for that Mollydog!

It is mostly a time issue. He won't be able to obtain a licence in Denmark until March or April (driving test office is closed in the winter season) and we both have a plane ticket for Asia in the start of December. After backpacking in Asia for some months I want to go to US and buy a bike, and if he could do the same it would be really great.

I don't think he can get a licence in the US, as you said, you have to be more than just travelling through the country.

How long did it take you to get a licence for MC after you had the car licence?

But do you think I could "buy" and "own" both bikes and he would ride it "less legally" to south america - where I agree that it shoulden't be a problem with the licence. Do you think that the custom offices we are going to pass on the way through central and south america would accept one owner of two bikes? (did you answer this with a "no" in your previous post?)
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Old 19 Oct 2006
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something with your friends name that looks official. This would work.
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Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 08:23.
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  #7  
Old 19 Oct 2006
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Permanent license for motorcycle
If I understood your question you were asking about a permanent license for a motorcycle. Montana issues a permanent plate on any motorcycle sold. And insurance is not required in montana and yes just about anyone can buy a bike if they are over 18 years old.
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Old 19 Oct 2006
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Thank you very much Mollydog, I am beginning to think it is possible, without having to jump to many fences.

Bill: My friend needs a drivers licence for MC, but US is the first country he will be able to get it in.

If anyone else have ideas or suggestions - let me hear.

Thank you

Peter
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  #9  
Old 19 Oct 2006
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Learners License
Patrick

I know that in Alberta, Canada your Auto license will act as a learners permit if you are escorted by someone having a valid motorcycle license. Is there any sort of similair idea in California?
If so Peter's friend may not need a mc license.

Rick
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  #10  
Old 28 Mar 2008
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california
You can get a US license as long as you show the green slip in your passport and have an address. In California its not a problem as long as you haven't overstayed your holiday visa.
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  #11  
Old 28 Mar 2008
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Peter - can your friend get a motorcycle licence in Asia (they won't close for winter!) .. Once he has that get an IDP there in the same country .. job done. Legal.
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