How hard is safety course?

[shortyg83]

Ok so I signed up for the PAMSP course.
I start it tomorrow and it ends sunday.

I have only been riding a few weeks now. So I am curious to how hard it is to pass the course? And how hard is the written test.

Any advice or tips?

[katoranger]

Just listen to the instructors. You will be fine.

[dmmcd]

I assume this is the BRC-I (basic rider course)? It is quite easy. I haven't taken that one, but my father-in-law did with absolutely no prior motorcycle experience, and said it was almost too basic. I have taken the ERC (experience rider course) with a friend a few years ago, and I took it again with my brother last year, but it is now the BRC-II. I am also registered to take the ARC (advanced rider course) on September 1.

The great thing about living in PA is that all of these courses are free!

Where in PA are you?

[shortyg83]

Originally Posted by dmmcd

I assume this is the BRC-I (basic rider course)? It is quite easy. I haven't taken that one, but my father-in-law did with absolutely no prior motorcycle experience, and said it was almost too basic. I have taken the ERC (experience rider course) with a friend a few years ago, and I took it again with my brother last year, but it is now the BRC-II. I am also registered to take the ARC (advanced rider course) on September 1.

The great thing about living in PA is that all of these courses are free!

Where in PA are you?

yes I am taking the BRC-I first so I can get my license.
I am from North east pa scranton area, and taking the test at tobyhanna army depot

[dmmcd]

Definitely a good idea to take the BRC-I.

You can also get your license from the BRC-II, but it is a one day abbreviated version of the BRC-I. It assumes you already have some experience riding your own bike.

Have fun!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by katoranger

Just listen to the instructors. You will be fine.

I agree with Kato. You were wise to take the BRC-1 course. Please let us know how you enjoyed the course.

Spud

[2LZ]

Yep....good choice....they teach you a lot of basics.

To answer your question though....the course is far easier than trying to 'wing it' on that itty-bitty little painted line course at DMV, that they designed for Honda 50's back in 1964. :roll:

I've been riding for 45 years and finally took my M license test about 10 years ago, once they finally started pushing the law here and would confiscate your bike instead of a simple warning. I did it on Mrs 2LZ little 883 Sporty and had to pull out all my trials riding abilities to stay inside the lines! :oops: :roll:

They really need to update that course here in Ca for today's larger bikes.

[FastDoc]

Copy that 2LZ.

I tried the local DMV course on the Gold Wing just for fun. I was able to do it but just barely. I would not say it's a fair skills assesment. You comparison to trials riding is apt. :wink:

[katoranger]

I did mine on a 750 Shadow. The bike wasn't huge, but a china bike would have been much easier.

[shortyg83]

whats the difference between the dmv skills test and the safety course one??
I was under the assumption in the end of the safety course you have to do the normal DMV skills test anyway.

[2LZ]

Originally Posted by shortyg83

whats the difference between the dmv skills test and the safety course one??
I was under the assumption in the end of the safety course you have to do the normal DMV skills test anyway.

Not sure about where you're at but in Ca., once you complete the MSF course, they hand you a voucher to go into DMV and get your M class license. The hardest part is the waiting in line.

[shortyg83]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

Not sure about where you're at but in Ca., once you complete the MSF course, they hand you a voucher to go into DMV and get your M class license. The hardest part is the waiting in line.

I am actually in PA. After the course they just stamp our permit and we get a paper license in the mail.

But I am pretty sure we still have to pass the normal skills test at the end of the safety program before the pass us for the course.

[SpudRider]

Trust me, if you can't pass the PA skills test, you shouldn't be riding on the street.

Take the class, and enjoy it. Practice as well as you can during the class; the test will assess the skills you were supposed to learn during the practice sessions. After the class is over, continue to practice the physical skills and mental strategies taught during the class every time you go riding.

Spud