Do I need to take a motorcycle safety course?
Legal requirements vary by state
In the U.S., requirements differ by state. Some states require a motorcycle safety course for all new riders under a certain age, often 18 or 21. Others require it only if you want to skip the DMV riding skills test. A few states have no mandatory course for adults.
The best way to know is to check your state's DMV or motorcycle licensing website. Completing a course often gets you a waiver for the skills test and sometimes an insurance discount.
- Check your state DMV for specific rules
- Many states waive the riding test if you pass a course
- Some insurers offer discounts for course completion
- Courses typically cost $150–$350
- Basic RiderCourse is the most common entry-level class
Why it's worth it even if not required
A safety course teaches you low-speed control, emergency braking, and swerving—skills that are hard to learn on your own. You also get to practice on a small bike without risking your own. Many riders say the course saved them from early crashes.
Courses usually provide the motorcycle and helmet, so you just need gloves, boots, and long sleeves. They're often two or three days long and include both classroom and riding time.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a course is only for beginners—experienced riders can benefit from refresher training.
- Thinking you can learn everything from a friend in a parking lot; professional instruction covers emergency skills safely.
- Waiting until after you buy a bike to take the course—many courses provide bikes, so you can decide what to buy afterward.
