-
Consider Taking a Safety Course
Motorcycle Insurance SponsorsNobody insures more riders than Progressive. Quote online instantly.progressive.comWhether you've been riding for years or have just decided to get your license or endorsement, you have your own reasons for being attracted to motorcycles.
The thrill of racing down the highway with nothing between you and the open road but the bike; the freedom of the wind whipping past you; the adrenaline rush you get every time the engine roars―they're all just a few of the reasons riders trade in their safety belts for helmets.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,592 motorcycle riders died in 2003. Is it any surprise then that so many states require drivers seeking to obtain their motorcycle licenses or endorsements to take a basic motorcycle safety course?
Since accidents can happen to anyone, all motorcyclists, regardless of age and experience, should consider taking a motorcycle safety or training course even if it's not required by the state in which they live. These courses are designed to help keep you from becoming a motorcycle safety statistic.
Sponsored ListingsTop br &s HJC, Shoei, & THH, DOT & Snell approved helmets.www.leatherup.comCruiser, Touring, Sport, Dirt Bikes & More. ATV's, Rhino. On Sale.www.NYHondaYamaha.comMotorcycle Safety Foundation
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is the well-known nonprofit organization that offers motorcycle safety courses to both beginning and experienced riders. The MSF works alongside the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to improve motorcycle safety and motorcycle licensing procedures.
According to the MSF, more than 3 million motorcycle riders have taken and graduated from an MSF safety course.
The MSF is responsible for the course curriculum used across the country; there are more than 1,500 locations nationwide that teach MSF safety courses. However, how each state carries out the courses can vary.
There are two safety courses offered by the MSF: the Basic RiderCourse and the Experienced RiderCourse.
Basic RiderCourse
It's especially important for beginning riders to take a motorcycle safety course. Even if you've grown up in a family of motorcyclists, and have been surrounded by Harleys all your life, actually operating one of the powerful machines is a completely different experience from riding on the back of one with your dad.
Taking a motorcycle safety course designed especially for beginners, such as the MSF-designed Basic RiderCourse, will teach you the basics of operating a motorcycle. The thorough motorcycle safety course will provide you with both classroom and on-cycle training.
You'll learn the appropriate gear to wear when riding; how to inspect your motorcycle; how to start and stop your motorcycle; how to maneuver your motorcycle in a variety of driving environments and traffic situations; and much more.
According to the MSF, there are currently more than 20 states that will waive a section of your motorcycle exam if you have taken and successfully completed one of its courses. Plus, taking a safety course might impress your insurance company, thus resulting in discounts and lower insurance rates.
Experienced RiderCourse
Even if you've been cruising around on motorcycles for 20 years, taking the Experienced RiderCourse will sharpen your skills, plus allow you the chance to spend an enjoyable afternoon with fellow riders.
During the Experienced RiderCourse, you'll be required to use your own motorcycle and helmet, which means you'll have the opportunity to master your current riding skills, as well as learn new techniques from the comfort of your own bike.
Times may have changed since you first got your motorcycle license, and with a course designed especially for experienced motorcyclists, you'll be able to stay up-to-date with riding trends, safety issues, and traffic situations. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to bounce ideas and concerns around with fellow experienced riders.
Taking and successfully completing the Experienced RiderCoursemay also offer you waived portions of the motorcycle exam, or waive your motorcycle exam altogether. And just as with the Basic course, you should notify your insurance company after completion, as you may be offered lower insurance rates.
Additional Education
Aside from the motorcycle manuals provided by most states that have either been developed by the MSF or gleaned from MSF information, the MSF provides a wealth of motorcycle safety-related information for you to further educate yourself.
Visit the MSF Online Library to search through materials covering everything from safety and reports to curriculum and agendas. Many of the materials can be viewed using the free Adobe Reader.
A RiderCourse Near You
With more than 1,500 locations nationwide offering MSF-designed courses, finding one near you shouldn't be a problem.
Always be sure to first check with your local licensing agency for the specific requirements regarding age, training, and testing for motorcycle licenses or endorsements.
For more information and to locate a course near you, search your state using the MSF online site locator.
Related Questions from DMV Answers
How much do inspection stations charge?
Some states standardize vehicle inspection fees; others leave it up to the individual inspection stations. Keep in mind that in addition to regular fees, you might also need to pay for repair costs (if your vehicle fails the inspection and needs repairs) as well as a fee for a re-inspection.Inspections are important in order to make sure each vehicle on the roadways is operating safely and efficiently. If your state requires a vehicle inspection, it’s most likely that’s you’ll need to take care of it before, during, or shortly after you register your vehicle or renew your vehicle’s registration. Make sure you handle the inspection within the appropriate amount of time in order to proceed with these vehicle transactions as well as avoid penalties such as citations and additional fees.The grid below lists how much you can expect to pay.NOTE: Even if the grid notes that your state doesn’t require a vehicle inspection, it doesn’t mean there aren&rsquo...
Read more >>What if my car fails the vehicle inspection?
The grid below highlights how your state requires you to handle a failed vehicle inspection.Generally, you’ll need to make the necessary repairs and return the vehicle for another inspection. However, some states offer perks such as free re-inspections for returning the vehicle within a certain amount of time and/or to the same auto inspection station. In addition to taking advantage of any freebies your state offers, it’s important to make the repairs and return for a re-inspection in a timely manner in order to handle vehicle registration or registration renewal on time, as well as avoid late fees, citations, and other penalties.NOTE: If the grid states you don’t have to get a vehicle inspection in your state, be sure to double-check with your motor vehicle licensing agency. Some states do require certain kinds of inspections, such VIN inspections before registering out-of-state vehicles, salvage vehicles that have been rebuilt, or custom-built vehicles, or emiss...
Read more >>Is a Spanish practice test available?
Taking a knowledge test in order to earn your drivers license can be a stressful experience, especially if your native language is not English. However, many states are becoming more aware of the needs of their diverse populations. Oregon, for example, offers driver's license tests in English, Spanish, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Russian. This makes it possible for residents to focus on demonstrating their knowledge of driving safety instead of trying to decode the subtleties of a secondary language. If you need to find a Spanish practice test to help you prepare for your driver's license exam, your first stop should be your local DMV office or the state DMV Web site. If your state offers a downloadable driver's license manual in Spanish, this should include some practice questions to help you evaluate your knowledge of topics such as road signs, defensive driving, and operating a vehicle under adverse weather conditions. Some states put practice test questions on their DMV We...
Read more >>Do you take a road sign test when you take your permit test?
Some states will give you a separate road sign test, in addition to the regular written drivers license test. However, most states incorporate road sign test questions into the standard written test.No matter how your state handles this matter, you will need to be able to identify a wide variety of road signs in order to ensure you'll pass the test. And, besides, being able to understand road signs goes a long way to promoting driver safety.Taking a road sign practice test is an excellent way to see just how knowledgable you are in this important area, and helps you gauge if you're ready for the official test.
Read more >>How long does it take to get a registration for a car?
You get a registration for a car right away, in most cases. If you visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles or office that issues car registrations and you have all the proper paperwork and inspections done, most places issue you a registration for a car right then and there after you pay the fees. At the very least, the state will provide you a temporary proof of registration to put in your car while you’re waiting the two or three weeks for the permanent registration to come in the mail. For vehicle registration on cars that haven’t been registered in the state before, plan on providing an application for title, the last out-of-state title and registration, and proof of insurance. In addition, some states require that you get a smog and safety inspection, or provide the vehicle weight. Check with your state for details before you make a car registration appointment. Also find out what the fees may be and what forms of payment the state takes. Many states provide on...
Read more >>
Our content is updated based on input from users like you. Help make it better!
Give your inputProducts & Services
-
Practice Test
Be prepared for test day by taking sample multiple-choice exams on traffic laws and road signs.
-
Auto Insurance
Quickly shop online for the insurance policy that best suits your needs and your wallet.
-
Vehicle History Reports
Review the history of a used vehicle before you determine whether it's priced appropriately.
-
-
Credit Report
See who's been checking your credit. Look for potential inaccuracies and unauthorized activity.
Insurance Center
Find a lower rate on auto insurance!
