Driving a motorized vehicle on the street requires a driver’s license. It only makes sense that riding a powerful machine like a motorcycle might also require a special endorsement. These vehicles are higher-risk than your everyday car or truck, which is why most states require you to have a motorcycle endorsement before you hit the road.
It doesn’t matter what your riding purpose is. Before you head out on your motorcycle rides for leisure, travel, or your daily commute, you need to get the proper endorsement to do so. In Louisiana, it is against the law to drive a motorcycle without this endorsement for the state.
If you’re involved in any type of incident and you don’t have an endorsement, you may need the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer in New Orleans.
Motorcycle Endorsement Explained
What exactly is a motorcycle endorsement? These endorsements are a special certification that you receive, and your Louisiana driver’s license reflects that you are allowed to legally drive a motorcycle. You can be a passenger on a motorcycle without the endorsement, but you are not allowed to drive or operate without it.
These credentials are not just handed out freely. You must first pass a driving and written test that shows you are capable of handling a motorcycle. Once you receive that endorsement, it renews automatically with your driver’s license.
This is what is required to obtain a motorcycle endorsement:
- A state-issued valid driver’s license
- Proof of residency (typically mail with your address)
- Proof of insurance, including motorcycle insurance
- Vision test passing score
- Knowledge test passing score (written exam)
- Skills test passing score (motorcycle driving course or driving exam)
- Any required charges or fees
You will be required to have a driver’s license in order to qualify for the motorcycle endorsement in Louisiana. You must first hold a valid driver’s license, and then your motorcycle endorsement will be added to that.
The Risks of Riding Without an Endorsement
Your everyday driver’s license will not be enough to operate a motorcycle, just as it wouldn’t be enough for driving a semi. While those are two very different means of transportation, they are both specialized, which is why specialized endorsements are required.
Driving a motorcycle without this endorsement is illegal. If you get pulled over or have an accident, and you don’t have a motorcycle endorsement, you will likely face legal actions and penalties. These penalties are similar to driving a vehicle without a license and could include:
- Fines up to $500
- Jail time up to 6 months
Those fines are for a first offense. If you have a second offense, there will be mandatory jail time involved for a minimum of seven days.
It’s far better to take the necessary steps to earn the endorsement than to face the repercussions for failing to do so.
Practicing for a Motorcycle Endorsement
You may be wondering how you are supposed to pass a skills test for a driving test if you aren’t allowed to drive a motorcycle without the endorsement. Louisiana does allow for some exceptions to give you the chance to learn how to ride a motorcycle.
- You can practice on private property that you have permission to practice on
- You can join a riding school or a rider training program to practice and build your skills.
Both of these allowances provide you with an opportunity to practice. Determine which one will work better for you.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident by a rider who didn’t have the proper endorsements, you have recourse options. You’re likely going to deal with medical bills and expenses, as well as any costs related to the accident.
Hiring a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer could be beneficial if you find yourself in this situation. An experienced attorney will go to bat for you to recover damages and be compensated for the incident.
