Motorcycle Safety and Licensing in Arizona

Overview

This manual offers detailed guidance on motorcycle operation, licensing, safety practices, and requirements for both two- and three-wheel motorcycles in Arizona. It covers pre-ride preparation, safe riding techniques, legal requirements, and emphasizes the importance of education, protective gear, and responsible riding.

Licensing and Permits in Arizona

Arizona issues licenses by class: M (motorcycle), G (graduated), D (operator), and A/B/C (commercial).
Motorcycle instruction permits are available from age 15½. Permit holders cannot carry passengers, ride on freeways or interstates, or ride at night or in low visibility. Permits are valid for 7 months and can be renewed once in 24 months, with a written test required for renewal.
Applicants under 18 must hold a permit for at least 6 months and either complete a state-approved motorcycle education program or have a parent/guardian certify 30 hours of practice.
Testing on motorcycles under 100cc/7HP results in a restricted license; unrestricted licenses require testing on a motorcycle over 100cc/7HP.
Medical and vision screenings are mandatory for all applicants. Vision must be at least 20/40 in one eye (with or without correction).
Written and on-cycle skills tests are required unless a state-authorized safety course is completed.

Safety Training and Testing

State-authorized motorcycle safety courses are strongly recommended for all riders, regardless of experience. Completion can waive the MVD knowledge and skills tests.
Skills tests include maneuvers such as cone weaving, normal and quick stops, turning, U-turns, and obstacle swerving. Three-wheel motorcycles have specific test exercises.
Written tests cover traffic laws, safe riding practices, and motorcycle operation. Oral exams and interpreters are available if needed.
Medical conditions affecting safe operation must be reported to the MVD within five days.

Preparing to Ride

Always wear a DOT-approved helmet (mandatory for riders and passengers under 18), eye protection (face shield, goggles, or windshield), gloves, sturdy boots or shoes covering the ankle, and protective clothing (long pants and jacket or long sleeves).
Use the T-CLOCS pre-ride checklist: Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and fluids, Chassis, and Stands. Inspect before every ride.
Be familiar with all motorcycle controls, especially when riding a borrowed or unfamiliar motorcycle. Review the owner’s manual and practice using all controls before riding.

Safe Riding Techniques

Maintain proper body position: sit forward with arms slightly bent, knees against the tank, and feet on the footrests. Keep hands even with or below elbows for better control.
Shift gears smoothly, using the clutch and throttle together. Downshift before stopping or when more power is needed.
Always use both brakes for stopping. The front brake provides most of the stopping power; apply smoothly and progressively.
Adjust lane position to maximize visibility, avoid blind spots, and maintain a space cushion. Use the left, center, or right third of the lane as appropriate for traffic and road conditions.
Follow at least a two-second distance behind vehicles; increase to three seconds or more in poor conditions.
Use the SEE strategy: Search for hazards, Evaluate risks, and Execute decisions to avoid danger.
Increase visibility by wearing bright or reflective clothing, using headlights (day and night), and signaling all turns and lane changes.

Handling Hazards

Avoid obstacles when possible. If you must cross uneven surfaces or obstacles, approach at a 90° angle, slow down, and rise slightly off the seat to absorb shock.
On slippery surfaces (wet pavement, gravel, mud, leaves, painted lines), reduce speed, avoid sudden moves, and use both brakes gently. Ride in tire tracks left by cars when roads are wet.
For mechanical failures (flat tire, stuck throttle, wobble), stay calm, maintain control, and follow emergency procedures: ease off the throttle, use the brake on the good tire, and pull off the road safely.
When crossing railroad tracks or pavement seams, cross at a 45° angle or greater to avoid catching tires.

Carrying Passengers and Cargo

Only experienced riders should carry passengers or heavy loads.
Adjust tire pressure and suspension for extra weight, following the owner’s manual. Keep loads low, centered, and balanced, preferably over or in front of the rear axle.
Passengers must wear the same protective gear as the rider, sit as far forward as possible without crowding, hold on securely, keep feet on footrests, and lean with the rider through turns.
Instruct passengers on proper behavior: mount only after the engine is started, avoid sudden movements, and rise slightly over bumps.
Secure cargo with elastic cords, distribute weight evenly in saddlebags, and check loads frequently during rides.

Group Riding

Hold a pre-ride meeting to discuss the route, roles (lead and sweep riders), hand signals, and safety procedures.
Use a staggered formation on straight roads: the leader rides in the left third of the lane, the second rider one second behind in the right third, and so on. Switch to single file in curves, turns, or when entering/exiting highways.
Place inexperienced riders just behind the leader for support and observation.
Maintain close ranks but keep a safe space cushion. Never ride side-by-side in the same lane.
When passing as a group, do so one at a time on two-lane roads; on multi-lane roads, the group may pass as a unit if safe.
Review and use standard hand signals for communication.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Fatigue

Alcohol is a major factor in motorcycle crashes and fatalities. Impairment begins well below the legal BAC limit (0.08% for adults; lower for those under 21).
Drugs, including marijuana and prescription medications, can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Never ride under the influence.
Fatigue reduces concentration and control. Limit daily riding distance, take frequent breaks (at least every two hours), and protect yourself from wind, cold, and rain.
If you drink, do not ride. Arrange alternate transportation or wait until alcohol is fully eliminated from your system.

Three-Wheel Motorcycle Supplement

Three-wheel motorcycles (including those with sidecars) require different handling. They do not lean; steering is direct, and weight distribution is critical to prevent tipping.
Lane positioning is limited by the width of the vehicle; keep toward the center of the lane to avoid crossing lines or losing traction.
In group riding, three-wheel motorcycles should ride single file and maintain at least a two-second following distance.
When carrying passengers or cargo, keep loads low and centered within the tip-over lines. Passengers should sit in the sidecar or directly behind the rider, with the heavier passenger in the sidecar if possible.
Parking is done parallel to the curb, and some three-wheel motorcycles have reverse for easier maneuvering.

Action Items

Riders: Complete a state-authorized motorcycle safety course to simplify licensing and improve skills.
Before each ride: Perform the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection to ensure the motorcycle is in safe condition.
Pre-ride: Wear all required and recommended protective gear in good condition.
Group leader: Conduct pre-ride meetings to review safety, route, and group procedures.

Recommendations / Advice

Take professional motorcycle training courses, regardless of experience level, to improve skills and safety awareness.
Regularly review and practice emergency maneuvers such as quick stops and swerving.
Always ride within your abilities, follow state laws for equipment and operation, and stay alert to changing road and traffic conditions.
Make visibility a priority through gear, lighting, and lane position.
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and manage fatigue with rest and proper planning.