My first lesson for riding a motorcycle consisted of an in depth instructional training session consisting of 3 basic criteria; #1 - this is the throttle, twist it this way to go; #2 - this is the brake, push down hard with your foot to stop, #3 - don't hit the shed. I was 12, my instructor was 12. I didn't hit the shed.
This time I took a different approach. I signed up for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider training course. Honestly, the main reasons I signed up was because I had let my Canadian motorcycle license expire when I moved to the US and I don't have a motorcycle. Since the MSF course provides motorcycles and helmets (and in my case approved boots) for the training, this was the best way for me to get my license again because when you pass the course you are provided with a license test waiver (in most states). With this you can take the DMV written test and upon passing you will be granted your motorcycle license. No road test required.
The course consisted of a classroom session which included some written materials, video instruction and open discussion between the instructor and the students. A written exam was given at the end of the evening which you must pass to be able to move on to the 10 hours of riding instruction. Prior to the classroom session I prepared myself by reviewing the Motorcycle DMV Handbook (click to open the PDF version direct from California DMV). For good measure I also reviewed the California Driver Handbook which I highly recommend because it complements the Motorcycle Handbook. There are other DMV publications but the two handbooks are the most important. I actually downloaded both pdf files to my iPad so I could review the material offline whenever I wanted. It worked for me as I passed with 100%.
The riding instruction was broken into 2 5 hours days. The MSF claims that it can take a complete novice who has never ridden and make the capable enough to pass the test and get a license. After taking it I would strongly agree. Having already ridden a motorcycle for a few years I would also agree with them in saying that it helps build confidence in those that already ride. It covers the basics of Motorcycle Familiarization up to limited-space maneuvers and skill practice. At the end of the training you must pass a skills test which assesses basic skills using a cone weave, stops, U-turns, quick stops, obstacle avoidance and everything taught during the 2 day instructions. Pass the test and you receive the waiver to present to the DMV.
At first I was thinking if I only had a bike I wouldn't have to fork out the $250 for the course. But now my opinion is I would highly recommend it to everyone. You will learn new skills, hone your existing ones, meet new people, and you get to play around on a bike for 2 days. There really is no reason not to take it.
This time I took a different approach. I signed up for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider training course. Honestly, the main reasons I signed up was because I had let my Canadian motorcycle license expire when I moved to the US and I don't have a motorcycle. Since the MSF course provides motorcycles and helmets (and in my case approved boots) for the training, this was the best way for me to get my license again because when you pass the course you are provided with a license test waiver (in most states). With this you can take the DMV written test and upon passing you will be granted your motorcycle license. No road test required.
The course consisted of a classroom session which included some written materials, video instruction and open discussion between the instructor and the students. A written exam was given at the end of the evening which you must pass to be able to move on to the 10 hours of riding instruction. Prior to the classroom session I prepared myself by reviewing the Motorcycle DMV Handbook (click to open the PDF version direct from California DMV). For good measure I also reviewed the California Driver Handbook which I highly recommend because it complements the Motorcycle Handbook. There are other DMV publications but the two handbooks are the most important. I actually downloaded both pdf files to my iPad so I could review the material offline whenever I wanted. It worked for me as I passed with 100%.
The riding instruction was broken into 2 5 hours days. The MSF claims that it can take a complete novice who has never ridden and make the capable enough to pass the test and get a license. After taking it I would strongly agree. Having already ridden a motorcycle for a few years I would also agree with them in saying that it helps build confidence in those that already ride. It covers the basics of Motorcycle Familiarization up to limited-space maneuvers and skill practice. At the end of the training you must pass a skills test which assesses basic skills using a cone weave, stops, U-turns, quick stops, obstacle avoidance and everything taught during the 2 day instructions. Pass the test and you receive the waiver to present to the DMV.
At first I was thinking if I only had a bike I wouldn't have to fork out the $250 for the course. But now my opinion is I would highly recommend it to everyone. You will learn new skills, hone your existing ones, meet new people, and you get to play around on a bike for 2 days. There really is no reason not to take it.