Motorcycle Training Specialists, Inc.

Converting to a Kansas Drivers License (valid license from another state)

 Several of our students have asked the question about converting their out of state drivers license to a Kansas drivers license and how this effects their motorcycle endorsement.  Recently, I went in search of that answer.  On the Kansas Department of Revenue webpage, http://www.ksrevenue.org/dmvobtainingdl.html, I found the following. 

PLEASE NOTE - An out of state license is acceptable as a second form of ID, but not as proof of your legal name and date of birth. You will have to provide the legal documents as outlined under Proof of Identity. Visit the National Center for Health Statistics for information on obtaining birth certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees from each state.

If you have a valid out-of-state license you must:

• Present acceptable proof of identity and proof of residence
• Not be canceled, suspended, or revoked in any state
• Pass a vision examination
• Pay applicable fees

If you have an out-of-state license (expired one year or less) you must:

• Present acceptable proof of identity and proof of residence
• Not be canceled, suspended, or revoked in any state
• Pass a vision examination
• Pass all applicable written examination(s)
• Pay applicable fees

If you have an out-of-state license (expired more than one year) you must:

• Present acceptable proof of identity and proof of residence
• Not be canceled, suspended, or revoked in any state
• Pass a vision examination
• Pass all applicable written examination(s)
• Pass driving examination (vehicle provided by you)
• Pay applicable fees

You notice that the endorsements, such as motorcycle or those that CDL drivers need, are not mentioned.  I asked the Topeka DMV if this statement from the webpage includes endorsements.  They said yes. 

My advice to you is to be assertive at the DMV and be taken care of properly.  If they don't want to honor an out of state endorsement, you should ask for the supervisor until they call Topeka and get themselves straightened out.

Riding on Gravel

Gear Position at a Stoplight

 Escape Route vs. Avoiding Hand Fatigue

There's often lively discussion on this issue at MSF.

The keep-it-in-first camp says: maintain readiness to pull out quickly in an emergency. The keep-it-in-neutral camp says: avoid the hand fatigue and avoid stressing the bike's components.

Safety often involves weighing many potential risks, and waiting at an intersection requires a rider to think about several. A major research study showed that 3.2% of motorcycle crashes occurred when a motorcyclist was struck from behind; certainly not a major cause of crashes, but still a factor to consider. One point for the keep-it-in-first camp. But consider that if the light turned red just as the rider approached, the rider would have to hold the clutch in for up to two minutes or more depending on traffic and the timing of the signal lights. One point for the keep-it-in-neutral camp. If a semi-truck pulls up and stops behind the rider, the truck offers some protection against a drunk driver barreling up from behind, but the truck driver might absentmindedly start moving as soon as the light turns green, and forget that the rider is there below the driver's sight line. One point for each side.

A rider should be constantly aware of what's going on all around. What are the traffic conditions? Is it daytime or night? How well can you see to the front, the sides, and especially to the rear via your mirrors? Do you have an “escape path” in mind? Where we net out on this one is that an experienced rider can consider all the factors and decide to wait in neutral, ready to quickly shift and move out if things developed, but we believe that leaving the bike in first gear is a better default strategy for newer riders.

Reprinted from the MSF's website: 6/6/12 - https://www.retsorg.org/NewsAndEvents/MSFeNews.aspx?ar=1a415c67-102c-4e3e-8433-1367228c01d0