The Waiver Option To DMV's Motorcycle Road Test

You're probably wondering what we are talking about. Well, here it is: The Commissioner of New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Raymond P. Martinez, has provided a waiver option to DMV's motorcycle road test if you successfully complete the MSF's Motorcycle Basic RiderCourse. To be eligible for this road test waiver you must, by the beginning of your course:

1. Be 16 years of age or older.
2. Possess a valid New York State class "D" (automobile) driver license or higher.
3. Possess a current New York State motorcycle permit.

Within approximately four to six weeks of successful completion of the course (passing a knowledge and skill test), the Motorcycle Association of New York State, Inc. (MANYS) will mail you a completion card. When you hand in the MANYS card, along with your license and permit to your local DMV office, DMV will issue you a temporary driver license with a motorcycle endorsement on it. Subsequently DMV will mail you your new license with the motorcycle endorsement.

What about the Basic RiderCourse

The Basic RiderCourse focuses on beginning riders of all ages.
You'll receive a minimum of six hours of classroom instruction where you'll learn: -the different types of motorcycles, their controls and how they operate. You will be advised on what to wear for protection and comfort. You will find out how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to ride safely. A very important segment of the course will show you how to create your own strategy for riding in traffic, and dealing with critical situations.

Then you'll get at least eight hours of practical rider training in a controlled, off-street environment. You'll begin by learning how to use the "friction zone", how to start and stop smoothly, how to shift, how to turn, and finally, how to corner, swerve and stop quickly.

Motorcycles are included in your course fee and most sites provide helmets (call the site and check for the availability of helmets). Most motorcycles used in the course are loaned by local dealers or owned by MANYS. You will learn how to operate a motorcycle in a safer manner, with a lot of emphasis on the special skills and mental attitude necessary for dealing with traffic.

Upon successful conclusion of the course, you will be satisfied in knowing that not only are you eligible for your New York State motorcycle license, but you have learned the proper way.

About your RiderCoaches

The course includes use of a motorcycle, either loaned by local dealers or owned by MANYS or the training site, and most sites provide helmets (please check with the individual sites for helmet availability). You'll learn from skilled, dedicated motorcyclists who know it's cool to ride safe. All RiderCoaches are specially trained in an intensive RiderCoach Preparation Course and are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and MANYS. You'll be taught by experienced riders…who are there to help coach you to the best of your abilities.

Within four weeks of successfully completing the course (including passing a knowledge and skills test), MANYS will send you a course completion card. Just hand in this card (along with your New York State driver license, your New York State motorcycle learner's permit, and a completed form requesting an amendment to your license) at your local DMV office. DMV will issue you a 90-day interim driver license with a motorcycle endorsement on it-and will subsequently mail you your new class DM or CM driver license.

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Experienced RiderCourse

As increasing numbers of seasoned riders are discovering, the Experienced RiderCourse helps hone your motorcycle riding skills and fine-tune the mental drills that are the key to survival in traffic.

The eight-hour Experienced RiderCourse is specifically designed as an interactive learning experience for experienced riders who want to refresh and enhance their motorcycle riding skills.

In the classroom, you’ll discuss with your peers how to effectively balance the mental and physical aspects of safe riding, manage risk, increase visibility and optimize your lane position. In addition, the classroom instruction covers:

• Protective gear and its proper use.
• Motorcycle riding responsibility.
• Motorcycle inspection and care.
• The effects of alcohol and other drugs an riding.

How to create your own  personal strategy for riding in traffic and dealing with critical situations.

And, at some locations, you can elect to take an optional skills evaluation and knowledge test to see how your skills stack up with others.

Then, using your own motorcycle, you’ll get practical experience and training in advanced motorcycle riding skills, including the techniques of managing traction, rear-wheel skids, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving.

The Experienced RiderCourse is an effective way to learn even more about being a better, safer rider and increases your enjoyment of riding your motorcycle.

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MSF RiderCoach Preparation Course

Give something back to the sport that has given you so much. Take up the challenge of helping to save lives by becoming certified to teach the Motorcycle safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCourse.

After successful completion of the RiderCoach Preparation Course and student teaching, you’ll be certified by both MSF and MANYS to teach the RiderCourse. While you’ll get paid, you won’t get rich in this field. The real rewards come from helping to make motorcycling safer for all riding enthusiasts on the road.

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