Only those with an Endorsement M or who have reached the Novice 2 level in the MGDL program are permitted to carry passengers. In order to carry a passenger safely, you must do the following:
- Make certain your motorcycle is equipped to carry passengers. (The passenger must not ride in front of the driver.)
- Instruct your passenger before you start out (see Riding with passengers).
- Adjust to the passenger’s weight.
To carry passengers, your passenger must have:
A proper seat
The seat should be large enough to hold both you and your passenger without crowding. You should not have to move any closer to the front of the motorcycle than you usually do. A passenger should not hang over the end of the seat.
Footrests
There must be footrests for your passenger. Without a firm footing your passenger can fall off and pull you off, too.
Protective equipment
A passenger must wear a legal helmet and should have the same type of protective equipment and clothing worn by the driver.
A passenger on a motorcycle operated by a driver with an M Endorsement and a Novice 2 restriction must have their arms and legs covered and must wear:
- an approved three-quarter, modular or full-face motorcycle helmet
- hand-covering gloves
- ankle-covering boots
You should also adjust the mirrors and headlight to the change in the motorcycle’s angle. Have the passenger sit on the seat while you make the adjustments. If you carry a passenger, it's a good idea to add pressure to the tires (check your owner’s manual). If the shock absorbers are adjustable, they should also be adjusted to carry the added weight.