license needed for a 125 in TN?

ineedareed · Post by **ineedareed** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:47 pm

I thought i needed one, but was told today that I did not by my lovely dealer... Just want to be sure. True or false???

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:53 pm

um... I don't that's right...

From this page on the TN Dept. of Safety site:

The operator of a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle will need to apply for a Class M license (or TM certificate). These two and three-wheeled vehicles are categorized by cylinder capacity and other design features. Generally, if the vehicle is over 125 cubic centimeters, a Class M (TM)license is issued; under 125cc, a Class M limited license or certificate is issued. Class M licenses (or TM certificates) may be issued as a single license, or along with another primary class.

More info on the site. Wonder why a dealer would tell you that?

ineedareed · Post by **ineedareed** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:57 pm

not sure why she would tell me that... I think I will just scoot over to the DMV tomorrow and find out for sure.

BTW, I just got my scoot today!!!

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 11:03 pm

Congrats on the new scoot!

It looks like you need some form of an M class license regardless of engine size—either the full or limited endorsement.

Schwiering · Post by **Schwiering** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 12:26 am

I was told this by what I assume is the same scoot shop, and have been passing on this information to others. In fact, I backed up a worker in the scooter store today when a customer asked this same question. Apparently I missed the M-limited section of the DMV page. Any TN riders know the difference between the limited other than how big of an engine you can drive? Is the test the same? License fees?

ryder1 · Post by **ryder1** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:32 am

Maybe you do not need an M endorsement in the sense that you are able to ride with a permit for a year.

Motorcycle Learner's Permit (Class P-M)
The permit is valid for one year, and once you turn 16 you can upgrade the permit to a regular motorcycle license. To get a motorcycle learner's permit, you must be at least age 15. While you have your learner's permit you must:

Operate a motorcycle with only a 650 cc cylinder or smaller
Operate only during daylight hours
Operate only within 20 miles of your home
Never carry passengers
Never use the interstate system

krly82 · Post by **krly82** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:32 am

i think i'm the customer in question here. we were at our scoot shop today and asked about the motorcycle license and were told that we did not have to get it. the worker at the store said that even policemen had told him that we didn't need to get one. . . regardless, i am taking an msf course this weekend. i was just hoping that if i didn't pass, i would't have to worry about it. . . i guess the pressure is back on now. boo.

Leeroy Jenkins · Post by **Leeroy Jenkins** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:45 am

I have read the laws it is very confusing and vague. Like most TN laws.

Interpret the law as 50cc or less no M endorsement needed.

BUT,

I have heard of plenty of riders trying to take the test for the M endorsement @ TN DMV/Testing site, and being told that they do not need to take the M endorsement test if the bike is less that 125cc.

riancurtis · Post by **riancurtis** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:48 am

im from TN
everyone DMV or law officer with tell you yes cause they have no idea
bottom line is that in the 2008 handbook for Class M it says 126cc or over...... so you are totally fine. and I am totally fine. that said. I went ahead and got my license cause i learned a lot and i could avoid the crap i'd have to deal with cause law enforcement did not have an answer to what makes you need the M endorsement. If you're not going to take it, go to the DMV, get the handbook, rip page 3 out and keep it with you. and when someone gives you crap tell them to screw off.

Lostmycage · Post by **Lostmycage** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 5:16 am

I think that "technically" the Buddies tend to run a hair under what they advertise as the CC of the engine. My 150 is actually 147ish for example. Use that if you need to argue a point (do the research on your particular model).

Take all the training that's available to you regardless. The better your endorsement status, etc, the lower your insurance. And yes, I tend to believe that insurance (CC size aside) is very important. There's a lot of scum out there that think that because they steal your air, they're allowed to drive your streets. Those are the ones that feel it's not important to insure their vehicles (and drive like D-bags). Be safe and comfortable with whatever you go with, but make sure that you're not unduly hassled by your local fuzz

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:08 am

Lostmycage wrote:I think that "technically" the Buddies tend to run a hair under what they advertise as the CC of the engine. My 150 is actually 147ish for example. Use that if you need to argue a point (do the research on your particular model).

This is true for most motorcycles and scoots. The Buddy 50 is a 49cc, the 125 is a 124. But that's kind of equivocating.

What about this bit: "...under 125cc, a Class M limited license or certificate is issued."

There's a big raging debate going on over on ModernVespa as to whether the Piaggio MP3 needs a motorcycle license. On the one hand, it's classified as a motorcycle. On the other, the code for licensing specifies 2-wheelers. So there's a bit of a loophole.

My opinion is that it's better to get the license, whether or not it's technically required by law. Riding a Buddy 125 requires the same skill and knowledge as riding a 150 (as does riding the Buddy 50 and even the MP3). If scooterists expect the same treatment and respect on the road as motorcycles then we need to act like motorcycle riders and have the same training and licensing.

And, fact is, if you're out riding in traffic then you should have the skills to pass the licensing test or MSF.

Buuuuuuttttt that's really just my opinion...

jcatnap · Post by **jcatnap** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:55 pm

You do not need a motorcycle license for a 125cc or less. You DO need a drivers license. You also need to insure, tag and registure your 125cc scooter. Enjoy,,,BTW a motorcycle saftey course is a great ideas regardless,,,Jess

Schwiering · Post by **Schwiering** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:45 pm

You do not need a motorcycle license for a 125cc or less.

It is pretty clear that a full M endorsement is not needed, but what about the

"under 125cc, a Class M limited license or certificate is issued" part?

Does anyone in TN even have a M limited license? Why bother, if you are over 16, if you have to take the same test and pay the same fee just to limit what you can ride?

If I am required to get a M license, I might as well get an International. I was in the market for a 125 just to keep from having to do the whole wait at the DVM and pay a fee for another license bit. I tried to call the DMV this morning, but was on hold for over 5 minutes before I gave up.

BigColdMartini · Post by **BigColdMartini** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:12 pm

I bought my Buddy 125 in Nashville last weekend and hauled it back (450 mile round trip) to Collierville. It's kind of confusing but I take it to mean that we're safe if it's just 125cc's and you have a valid drivers license.

Like most people here I'm going to take the MSF couse out at the Harley dealer and get my endorsement so it doesn't really matter. I'm going to spend $300 dollars on the MSF course so I can save $5 on my insurance.

But I know I need the training so it will be worth it.

Man you guy's in Nashville are lucky to have a dealer right there locally. I'm gonna have to tie my sccoter down in my pickup and carry it to East Side for all my required maintenance.

ineedareed · Post by **ineedareed** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 5:21 pm

Thanks guys for the clarifications. I downloaded a TN motorcycle manual that is apparently outdated and is certainly not from 2008. I think I will go to the DMV and get the new manual and rip out the third page as suggested and be done with it.

jcatnap · Post by **jcatnap** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:44 pm

To BigColdMartini I hear you! Along with our Buddy, we have a Bajaj Chetek. I haul from Murfreesboro to Chattanooga for service. The folks at Scenic city are great tho, as is the mechanic. Glad we can take the Buddy to East Side, always enjoy. Jess

riancurtis · Post by **riancurtis** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 11:08 pm

Schwiering wrote: "under 125cc, a Class M limited license or certificate is issued" part?

Does anyone in TN even have a M limited license? Why bother, if you are over 16, if you have to take the same test and pay the same fee just to limit what you can ride?

class M limited is ONLY for people 14-16 years old. they can be on anything 49c-125cc they have to have a Class M Limited license...i think that is how it is. i know if you are over 16 then it does not apply to you at all.

if you are over 16 and on 125cc then no need for Class M. Like Eric said, it is very important to pretty much get it anyways or in the least take the MSF. i did not take the MSF but learned a lot in the license process

Schwiering · Post by **Schwiering** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 11:24 pm

Just to get all the info on the table. The M limited is issued to people over 16 according to the 2007 Motorcycle Manual.

(Class M-Limited) (from 51-125 cc) Any two or three wheel vehicle of no more than 125 cubic centimeters (125cc). The license issued to a person between the ages of 14 and 16 will be valid only between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and within a seven (7) mile radius of the driver’s home. The license issued to a person over 16 will only be restricted as deemed necessary by the Driver Examiner.

Unless something has changed for '08, I would assume this is still the case.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 1:48 am

BigColdMartini wrote:Like most people here I'm going to take the MSF couse out at the Harley dealer and get my endorsement so it doesn't really matter. I'm going to spend $300 dollars on the MSF course so I can save $5 on my insurance. But I know I need the training so it will be worth it.

Actually, you are taking the class because it may well save your life one of these days (presumably worth a lot more than $5 - nlol)

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 3:53 am

Schwiering wrote:The license issued to a person over 16 will only be restricted as deemed necessary by the Driver Examiner.

Um... what? The restriction is at the Examiner's discretion?

Schwiering · Post by **Schwiering** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 4:44 am

Um... what? The restriction is at the Examiner's discretion?

That was one of my first questions as well. Try explaining that to an officer when you are pulled over at night or more than 7 miles from home.

Modern Buddy

license needed for a 125 in TN?

license needed for a 125 in TN?

motorcycle license

hauling for service