1. (1) An applicant for an original Michigan motorcycle indorsement on his or her operator's or chauffeur's license who has passed the examination described in R 257.972 and who does not have a valid license or indorsement to operate a motorcycle from another state shall pass a motorcycle operator driving test given by the department which is designed to measure the competency of the applicant to operate a motorcycle on the highways of this state with safety to himself or herself and other persons or property.

2. (2) The motorcycle operator driving test shall include measures intended to determine the following knowledge and skills:

   1. (a) Knowledge and proper use of various controls on the motorcycle, including the location and operation of all of the following equipment:
   2. (i) Gear selector.

   3. (ii) Clutch.

      1. (iii) Brakes.
   4. (iv) Throttle.
   5. (v) Lights, horn, and turn signals.
   6. (vi) The fuel control valve, if so equipped.
   7. (b) While on a timed and painted or marked course or pattern:
   8. (i) Starting the motorcycle from a standing position, which may include starting on an incline.

   9. (ii) Balancing the motorcycle at slow speeds and through turns.

      1. (iii) Braking the motorcycle properly using front and rear brakes, including a quick or panic stop on a signal and braking on a curve.
   10. (iv) Maintaining control of the motorcycle while making quick lane changes in response to a signal.
   11. (v) Accelerating the motorcycle through a curve without losing control or using feet to keep balance.
   12. (vi) Proper use of controls during the test, including starter, throttle, clutch, gear selector, and turn signals.

3. (3) The motorcycle operator driving test shall be terminated and the applicant failed upon the occurrence of any 1 of the following:

   1. (a) An accident or near accident where the applicant is at fault or negligent.
   2. (b) Loss of control of the clutch or throttle or raising the front wheel off the ground.
   3. (c) Violation of any traffic law.
   4. (d) Exhibition of inexperience or lack of ability to the extent that the examiner believes further testing would be dangerous.
   5. (e) Unsatisfactory performance of any 2 items required by subrule (2) of this rule, as measured by an objective scoring standard.
   6. (f) Refusal or inability to perform any required item.

4. (4) The motorcycle operator driving test shall not be given to any applicant who does any of the following:

   1. (a) Fails to present a valid registration certificate and license plate for the motorcycle to be used in the test.
   2. (b) Presents a motorcycle with defective, inoperative, or missing required safety equipment, including any of the following:
   3. (i) Headlamp.

   4. (ii) Rear lamp.

      1. (iii) Rear brake or stop lamp.
   5. (iv) Rearview mirror on the motorcycle, helmet, or visor.
   6. (v) Horn.

   7. (vi) Muffler.

      1. (vii) Brakes--1 on each wheel.
      2. (viii) Approved helmet.
   8. (ix) Handlebars higher than 15 inches from the lowest point of the seat.
   9. (x) Regularly and permanently attached seat.

   10. (xi) Registration plate light.

       1. (xii) Tires with less than the minimum allowable tread levels.
       2. (xiii) Unsafe or improperly maintained chain, spokes, tires, or wheel nuts or any other mechanical defect which might affect safe operation of the vehicle.
       3. (xiv) Approved eye protection.
   11. (c) Fails to present a valid course completion certificate from an approved motorcycle safety course conducted pursuant to section 811a of the act if the applicant meets either of the following criteria:
   12. (i) Has not attained the age of 18 years on the date of the test.
   13. (ii) Has twice previously failed to pass either an examination for indorsement or a motorcycle operator drivers test administered by the department.

History: 1984 AACS.