Every state in the country requires motorcycle operators to get a motorcycle license or endorsement. Motorcycle licensing requirements in Fairfax, VA, give riders several options for securing the paperwork. These requirements are intended to ensure the rider has the knowledge and skills to avoid motorcycle accidents.
However, even licensed riders can be hit by negligent drivers. The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm can help crash victims pursue compensation from drivers who negligently crash into motorcycles. Contact our Fairfax motorcycle accident lawyers at (571) 200-5424 today for a free consultation to get started.
How The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Fairfax, VA
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm has 27 years of experience and has recovered over $70 million in financial compensation for accident victims. We have decades of experience standing up to insurers to fight for fair treatment of your personal injury case in Fairfax, Virginia.
Our Fairfax personal injury lawyers can assist by:
- Talk to you about your crash
- Investigate and gather records to support your case
- Develop a legal strategy for your insurance claim
- Discuss a settlement with the insurer to fairly compensate you without filing a lawsuit
- Take the insurer to court if it refuses to resolve your claim
Motorcycle accidents can happen even when the rider does everything right. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you pursue accident compensation for your injury-related losses.
Motorcycle Licensing in Virginia
Virginia offers two types of motorcycle licenses. The first option is to add a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license. The combination allows you to operate a motorcycle and any motor vehicle smaller than a commercial truck.
You can also choose to obtain a motorcycle-only license. This license only gives you the right to operate a motorcycle. If you want a motorcycle-only license, you must take the two-part driver’s license exam and satisfy the motorcycle license requirements.
If you want a motorcycle endorsement, you do not need to retake the driver’s license exam. All applicants must first pass a vision screening and then meet the motorcycle license requirements for their age group.
Licensing Requirements for Riders 18 or Older
Applicants who are at least 18 years old have two tracks to obtain a motorcycle license.
Option 1: Completion of a Training Program
First, the applicant can pass the Virginia Rider Training Program. This class is taught by state-certified instructors. All courses use an approved curriculum based on the classes designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
Virginia uses three of the MSF’s curricula, namely the Basic RiderCourse, the Basic RiderCourse 2, and the Advanced RiderCourse. Beginners usually take the Basic RiderCourse, which was designed for people with no experience riding a motorcycle.
This class takes 15 hours to complete. The student starts with five hours of online lessons and a knowledge test. After passing the knowledge test, the student completes ten hours of hands-on instruction and takes a skill test.
Students who pass both the knowledge and skill tests receive a certificate. In Virginia, licensed drivers over 18 may practice riding for up to 30 days after completing a course without obtaining a motorcycle license. When the applicant appears at the DMV, the agency waives any further testing before issuing the endorsement.
Option 2: Pass a Knowledge Examination
An applicant can choose not to take an approved Virginia Rider Training class. Instead, they must obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit by passing the state’s motorcycle knowledge exam. After a 30-day practice period, the DMV will allow the applicant to take the state’s motorcycle skill test. Upon passing, the DMV will issue the motorcycle endorsement.
Requirements for Minor Applicants Under 18
Applicants under 18 have the same two options: an approved course or a test. However, minor applicants only receive a learner’s permit after completing these steps.
Applicants who pass a motorcycle safety course must hold the permit for six months before receiving a motorcycle license. Those who pass the state’s motorcycle knowledge and skill tests must hold the learner’s permit for nine months,
In either case, the rider must wear a helmet and only ride under the supervision of a licensed motorcyclist. If the applicant gets caught without a helmet or riding unsupervised, the permit may be terminated, preventing them from obtaining a full license.
Liability for Motorcycle Accidents Involving Unlicensed Riders
When unlicensed riders are involved in motorcycle accidents, liability falls on the party who acted negligently. In other words, an unlicensed rider is not liable for an accident simply because they lacked a license.
Instead, liability is determined by looking at each person’s actions before and during the crash. Thus, liability will fall on a driver who did something careless, such as driving while distracted by their phone, even if the motorcyclist they hit was unlicensed.
Contact Our Fairfax Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Fairfax, VA, you may be entitled to injury compensation from a negligent rider and their insurer.
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm is dedicated to helping victims of these devastating accidents navigate the complex legal system. Our experienced attorneys understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face and can fight to secure the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact us for a free consultation with our Fairfax motorcycle accident attorneys to discuss your motorcycle crash and learn more about your options for pursuing compensation.
