Can I ride in the US with an M1?

[83Virago]

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Can't seem to find any info on this. I have my M1 (+safety course and M2-in-waiting). Looking to maybe do a trip down there, if possible. Not sure where yet, maybe Nashville or Texas, but not getting hopes up.

Thanks for any help/info you can provide.

 

[GreyGhost]

I assume you are flying down and not trying to ride? Avoiding highways and dark on a long run would take a very long time.

If you are planning on renting a bike, I doubt they will let you. Super high risk for new riders on unfamiliar bikes.

Apparently many states don't even recognize other states learners permits. I suspect the trip needs to happen after you upgrade your license (although M2 may still cause you issues). It is hard to find good information. I would look for information on riding with an out of state learners permit in TN or TX. That may be more productive than trying to find an answer for the country as there is no consistency.

It will be interesting to see if someone has a definitive answer.

 

[Lightcycle]

Ridden in many states in the US many times with an M2, both over the border and fly-in-and-ride on a rental.

Never been stopped, so not sure about the legality of it or an M1.

If you are pulled over in most states, you just need to show some kind of motorcycle endorsement on your license + valid insurance for your vehicle. I doubt a State Trooper in TX would know the difference between an M1 or M2. As GG mentioned, good luck trying to rent a motorcycle with an M1. Although the popo may not be familiar with a learner's designation on a foreign license, a motorcycle rental agency certainly will.

And if you're riding down to the deep south, you will have to be up-to-date on the laws in every state that you pass through re:foreign learners permit. ie. In TN, state learners permit will only allow you to drive 7 miles from your registered home address. Most applicable motor vehicle acts are state-level not federal, just like in Canada.

 

[83Virago]

Thanks guys, appreciate it!

I have a motorcycle, a new Honda SCL500 that I’ve rode (ridden?) almost 5000km on in three weeks.

I have lots of time to do the trip, have several weeks off from work.

 

[83Virago]

Ridden in many states in the US many times with an M2, both over the border and fly-in-and-ride on a rental.

Never been stopped, so not sure about the legality of it or an M1.

If you are pulled over in most states, you just need to show some kind of motorcycle endorsement on your license + valid insurance for your vehicle. I doubt a State Trooper in TX would know the difference between an M1 or M2. As GG mentioned, good luck trying to rent a motorcycle with an M1. Although the popo may not be familiar with a learner's designation on a foreign license, a motorcycle rental agency certainly will.

And if you're riding down to the deep south, you will have to be up-to-date on the laws in every state that you pass through re:foreign learners permit. ie. In TN, state learners permit will only allow you to drive 7 miles from your registered home address. Most applicable motor vehicle acts are state-level not federal, just like in Canada.

Thanks, that's great first-hand info. I figured it was like that state-to-state. Sounds kind of risky/complicated. Maybe I should just wait... ugh.

 

[AFJ]

.

 

[83Virago]

One thing to consider on a trip by motorcycle into the USA rather than being in Ontario is the question of insurance to cover medical treatment in case of an accident. Even emergency treatment of a minor nature can be very expensive.
AFJ

Yes! Great point, thank you. I'd thought of that, but it got sidelined in wondering about the M1 thing.

 

[MacDoc]

Yeah job one is getting insurance cover.
You could try for International Drivers licence. Be interesting to see what they say. Have fun take the back roads ...there are lots. Getting an app that gives you a twisty roads option while keeping you heading towards your destination is a nice treat.
You can always bail and hit the slab for some distance if needed.
I've done W Virginia to GTA in a long day on the bike but you don't get to see much.

 

[nobbie48]

"Can" and "banned from" is interpretive.

Over a half century ago I was visiting friends in NY state and was 17 years old with a full driver's license. The family I was visiting had a son same age and licence but his had a restriction of no night driving. Mine had no restriction because we didn't have any graduated system at the time. I could drive his dad's car but he couldn't. We were never stopped and that could have been an interesting discussion with a LEO if we did.

 

[nakkers]

M1 expires in 90 days. Just make sure it is valid for the entire time you ride. You must follow the restrictions of the license everywhere you travel in the continental USA. Your insurance will cover you within the coverages you’ve purchased.

I would check the state laws you plan to travel through and as it relates to out of state licensing, new riders and their restrictions and regulations. As well as check with your insurance provider to avoid potential issues.

You may need to look into medical insurance which is pretty cheap for short periods. CAA can provide info on this.

 

[iblastoff]

you dont need an IDL in the US if you have a canadian license. but you definitely need at least an m2 to rent a bike there from most places though.

seems more sensible to just get the m2 test over with before going on any moto trip.

 

[83Virago]

you dont need an IDL in the US if you have a canadian license. but you definitely need at least an m2 to rent a bike there from most places though.

seems more sensible to just get the m2 test over with before going on any moto trip.

Yes, I’ve done the M2 test + course, but have to wait 60 days until it’s valid.

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