Woman on bike (johanjk (123RF))
Check with your installation licensing office for country-specific regulations. Requirements for a motorcycle endorsement on your license in Europe:
18 years old
A motorcycle endorsement on your U.S. driver’s license.
Valid military-issued overseas license.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) training
Close up of man’s hand on motorcycle handlebar. (satawatk (123RF))
U.S.-military-issued overseas driver’s license with endorsement.
Valid stateside driver’s license with endorsement
Motorcycle Safety Foundation training card
Original bike registration and proof of ownership
Bike insurance certificate
Passports
Carry an emergency kit with a warning triangle, reflective vest and first-aid kit with medical masks. Some countries have outlawed the use of in-helmet communication devices.
Motorbikes on the road in mountains with Alps in background Salzkammergut,Austria (deepgreen (123RF))
Though legal and common in most European countries, lane splitting is dangerous and should be avoided.
Drive with headlights on.
Proper foot pegs and backrest will increase safety and comfort for a passenger.
Instruct a passenger in proper balance and ask them to refrain from sudden movements.
When riding in a group, discuss the route, schedule, rest or fuel stops, and establish hand signals before setting out.
Experienced riders in group rides should take the lead and tail positions.
The leader rides in the left third of the lane and the next bike rides in the right third of the lane. The rest of the pack should continue alternating sides.
Ride single-file around curves or areas with limited visibility.
Group riders should stay a minimum of one second behind each other.
Smaller groups are better controlled.
For more safety tips, visit www.msf-usa.org.
