two bits

Laying it all out up front is probably overwhelming. It’s meant to give you some idea of what to expect, but there’s nothing you need to know to take the class. The instructors will walk you through each step. I had no clue.

There are four parts to the class indicated by A, B, C, and D below. Depending on whether you choose the 2.5 or 2 day version, the time of day is different, but the sequence is the same.

2.5 day class
day 1 pm: A
day 2 am: B
lunch
day 2 pm: C
day 3 am: D

2 day class
day 1 am: A
lunch
day 1 pm: B
day 2 am: C
lunch
day 2 pm: D

A: Inside instruction: at the start of the class you’ll introduce yourself and tell a little bit about why you are taking the class. The next couple hours are composed of lessons from the instructor and short videos from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. A written manual is used as a reference. The instructors make it interesting and involve everyone without putting anyone on the spot.

B. Riding practice: here you’ll actually get to ride on a motorcycle! I was a bit nervous about this part as I had never done this before, so I was glad that the first few steps were introduced slowly. You start by sitting on the bike, getting a feel for it, and then ride with your legs down across the lot (kind of a mixture of walking and riding the bike). Some of the other students own motorcycles, so this might have been a tad slow for them, but everyone was happy to have taken the class in the end – we all learned something. The pace starts to pick up and by the end of this part everyone is riding around the lot with confidence.

C. Inside instruction: this is mostly the same as what happens in A, but also includes review for the test. The instructors repeat the important parts without becoming boring.

Written Test: I had planned to read the manual after session A, but was so tired after all the concentration required for the riding in B that I totally flaked. Many others were in the same boat. It was okay though, because the class time covered everything required. Everyone passed, most with flying colors.

The test consists of 50 multiple choice questions taken directly from the book and videos. That seems like a lot, but it only takes 10-20 minutes to complete. It’s also available in Spanish.

The instructor will score the tests as you finish, so you’ll know immediately if you passed. If you happen to fail, you have a month to retake the test with no consequences and no fee.

D. Riding practice: more riding! We focused on shifting gears, quick stops, slow/controlled turns, and quick turns. You’ll get a lot of practice for what’s on the riding test.

Riding test: the test had four parts for us (I believe that it varies).
1. quick stop: shift into second gear, then quickly stop and downshift.
2. 2 u-turns: going very slowly (friction zone), make a u-turn, then immediately start a second u-turn. There’s a box painted on the pavement. You get points off if you put your foot down or go out of the painted lines (try especially hard not to do both. If you go out of the lines, go out of the lines again rather than putting your foot down). This gave me the hardest time.
3. lane change: shift into second gear, then quickly change lanes at the cones.
4. faster curve: shift into second gear, brake before the curve, look where you’re going, then push into the curve.

You are given points for mistakes. The limit to pass is 20 points. Everyone in my group passed. If you fail, like with the written test, you have a month to retake it.

At the end of the test everyone goes back inside. The instructor will talk to each person about what they did right and wrong. You’ll get a card that allows you to ride alone in a parking lot (legally).

After class: 2-6 weeks later you’ll receive a card in the mail to take to the DMV and/or provide to your insurance company to get a cost reduction.

Hopefully I’ve answered you’re questions. If not, or if something I’ve written is incorrect, please leave me a comment. Thank you!

Please also refer to the MSS FAQ for more information.

Previous: Part 1, Part 2