Spydergirl,
You haven't done anything wrong. But simply because you want to ride a different type of motorcycle you are at the leading edge of getting a fair shake from your state licensing and motorcycle safety departments.
It's not fair that you can't get a license through normal channels, but I sense that you are a fighter, and your efforts in getting your state to recognize and meet the needs of Spyder drivers will help pave the way for those three-wheeled motorcyclists who follow you.
Getting trained and licensed is difficult in many states at this time, because of some long-term policies and attitudes held dear by the authorities have been focused almost exclusively on two-wheeled motorcycles.
Basically, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is the elephant in the room. And the MSF has--until very recently--been not simply disinterested in three-wheeler training/licensing issues, but adamantly opposed to any integration of three-wheelers into the system. Until BRP came along, there were no manufacturers making or marketing three-wheelers, who contributed to the finances of the MSF. Therefore, no training. And since training is the key to getting licensed, no training means getting a license is difficult--or even impossible.
I suggest your first step is to contact the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Administrator and request a "3BRC" course, as soon as possible. The 3BRC is the MSF's answer to trike traiing, and this course should be available to all state programs. The man in charge is:
Mr. David Surgenor
State Coordinator
Motorcycle Safety Program
56 Grumbacher Road, Suite A
York, PA 17406
Phone 717/849-5156
FAX: 717/849-5166
You should be adamant that you want a three-wheeler course, not a two-wheeler course, because: 1. You have physical limitations that prevent you from safely operating a two-wheeled motorcycle, and 2. You feel that the two-wheeler skills taught in the "BRC" would be DANGEROUS if attempted on a trike such as the Spyder. You don't wish to have to unlearn the two-wheeler skills and then teach yourself the correct three-wheeler skills.
Mention that the PA motorcycle safety program has a responsibility to train ALL motorcyclists. If the administrator responds that they don't offer the 3BRC, then demand that PA send you to VIrginia to take the Sidecar/Trike Education Program, and cover your expenses. Ask if the S/TEP completion card would be accepted as a skills test waiver by the PA Dept of Licensing. If not, ask what skills test PA offers as part of any training course that would provide a skills test waiver.
I don't know whether or not motorcyclists in PA pay a license surcharge to support training, but if so, you should demand that PA provide training for you on a three-wheeled motorcycle as you are requesting.
Don't expect the administrator to cave in immediately. But other states are also in the same situation, and don't want to have to deal with the issues. It may require lawsuits by people with leg limitations to get them to honor the federal Citizens With Disabilties act. And I consider having legs too short (too weak, too whatever) to ride a bike as qualifying a person to have a need for a three-wheeler.
I will open a new string to further explain the situation.
pmdave