Motorcycle training classes offered in Pennsylvania
If you've ever pedaled a bicycle — or even if you've never ridden a bicycle — you can learn to ride a motorcycle.
Moreover, thanks to PennDOT and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation of Irvine, Calif., a comprehensive classroom and practical riding course — motorcycles included — is free.
The free motorcycle riding courses are offered every year at various locations throughout Pennsylvania. At one site, located at Knoch High School, Butler County, 650 people received a motorcycle (Class M) endorsement on their driver's license this year.
The primary riding coaches at the site are Keith and Linda Friedline of Valencia and Chrissi Steele of West Kittanning. They said the 5-year-old site offers classes every week from April through October.
"We've had people from age 16 through 77 take and pass the course," said Linda Friedline. "This year, 650 people passed the course. We had only two fail. However, if anyone fails the course, they may come back and take it again."
Keith Friedline said there are 12 students to each riding course, and the motorcycles are provided by PennDOT. He said the bikes are mostly Suzuki and Kawasaki makes with 250cc engines. A few bikes have smaller 125cc engines.
The Friedlines said the training involves two evenings of classroom instruction and two, five-hour days of riding instruction.
"We teach the basic foundations of safe riding," Linda Friedline said "There's no such thing as a perfect rider, only riders striving to be perfect."
Students learn riding techniques such as cornering, shifting gears, swerving, going over obstacles, quick stops, panic stops and tight maneuvering. The riding course is in a parking lot specially marked for the various exercises. Classes are held rain or shine, and riders must dress for any possible weather conditions. A PennDOT approved helmet is required, as are boots, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and full-finger gloves.
During the final hour of the riding course, students are given a PennDOT sanctioned riding test. Students who pass the test will have their learner's permit stamped, giving them a Class M endorsement on their driver's license.
Steele said Pennsylvania is one of the few states that offers free riding courses.
"I've taught rider courses in Florida," she said, "but there, students must pay for the course. It is relatively expensive. The Pennsylvania course is not only free but quite comprehensive. We've had experienced riders who already have their Class M license take the basic course in order to get a discount on their motorcycle insurance."
Keith Friedline added that students who pass the basic rider course may choose to take the experienced rider course, but must provide their own motorcycles.
To enroll
To enroll for a course, new students must obtain a motorcycle learner's permit by passing a 20-question test at a PennDOT licensing center. To prepare for the test, it is recommended that prospective candidates visit the motorcycle safety website, www.pamsp.com. On the site, a copy of the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operators Manual may be downloaded, as well as a review copy of the Basic Rider Course (BRC) Manual and a review of the BRC study questions. Students also may the BRC study quiz.
Once a learner's permit is obtained, permit holders, or holders of a Class M license, may enroll for one of the classes.
Class locations, dates and times are posted in February, and enrollment is open in March. Riding classes are held Saturdays or Sundays.
"The South Butler School District has been gracious enough to allow us to be here," Linda Friedline said. "My husband and I have been teaching this course for six years, and we were honored to have our site rated as one of the best in the state.
"Next year, PennDOT plans to offer a special 'trike' course for riders who use a three-wheel motorcycle. Students passing this course will obtain a special trike license. Anyone may also obtain a license for riding a motor-scooter in the BRC but must provide their own scooter. They can obtain a special scooter license. Students passing the basic motorcycle riding course are issued a Class M license which entitles them to operate trikes and scooters as well as motorcycles."
Keith Friedline said students who pass the BRC are issued a card from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and may use it to return to any BRC for a refresher course, depending on space available.
He added that once the motorcycles used in the course have 3,000 miles, they are put up for public auction and usually sold at reasonable prices. This year, the public auction will be held Saturday in York. Information is available on the Rider Course Website.
