Day 1: Motorcycle Safety Course In Pa.

On my first training day, I am finally taking my motorcycle safety class.

Yay! The Basic Rider’s course, provided by Total Control Training, is the motorcycle safety course in Pa that is also recognized as the road test.

Pennsylvania prepays this motorcycle safety course, so technically ‘free’ to students with a Pa Motorcycle Learner’s Permit.

Now from feedback, older riders keep asking me about “MSF,” but that is a different safety course provider. I did find a MSF course in NJ, that I might take in the future.

However, today, I will stick with this motorcycle safety course for obvious reasons, ‘free’ and accessible.

Motorcycle Safety Course Day 1 format.

Due to continued Pa lock-downs, the safety course’s classroom steps are done remotely. In this case, we are using a Zoom session to facilitate the learning process.

The instructor was, of course, early and there to help us with the technical issues, but the teleconferencing app appeared to have no problems with everyone.

I could see most people were using their phones (by how the backgrounds moved in the images). I used a webcam and desktop version of the teleconferencing application.

Motorcycle Safety Course Remote Classroom Requirements:

We had to dress appropriately and be viewable on screen. “viewable” means, of course, everything working correctly, and the instructor can see your face.

Motorcycle Safety Course Technical Problems:

So we had no technical issues, I could tell. In contrast, other states have lifted many restrictions; Pennsylvania remains in lock-down.

So as a Pa resident, I understand how to use the desktop version of this remote classroom application. I’m sure the rest of my Pa classmates are experienced too, as evident by no obvious technical problems.

Motorcycle Safety Course Start:

The instructor opened up the class by introducing himself than then having the rest of us take turns introducing ourselves.

In those introductions were our names, motorcycle experience levels, and why we were taking the course. I found out much of my class was made up of various experience levels.

One student had his Pa Motorcycle License but hadn’t ridden in so long and wanted to take the safety course before riding again.

Many others had used their learner’s permits for street riding or had dirt-bike riding experience. I was the only one with no motorcycle driving experience, and I pointed out that I was putting their teaching skills to the test.

I have tossed down the gauntlet; I was going to pass this motorcycle safety course in one try. Even with no motorcycle riding experience.

Motorcycle Safety Course Material Covered:

In our class registration, there was a course workbook we had to review.

The workbook was a ‘fill in the blank’ type of book, covering safety rules for motorcycle riding. Nothing was new in the course, and most safety information was already covered in the Pa Motorcycle Operator’s Manual.

Considering there is risk associated with motorcycle riding and why we were taking the course, it was nice to review it. Also, the instructor answered any outstanding questions we had. Face it; sometimes we only read information to pass tests, now was a chance to ask questions about the information from our instructor.

Speaking about better understanding the safety rules, in Pa, a Motorcycle Learner’s permit holder can only ride when accompanied by a licensed rider. I thought I had to find a buddy with Motorcycle License to ride with, but I was wrong.

I have reservations about this information, so research this yourself, but we counted as the licensed driver accompaniment requirement because we were all Pa Licensed Drivers.

Meaning we(already automobile license holders) could ride alone. Not this information didn’t help me, I had no bike, and since we all were planning on passing the Safety Course to get our full License, it was just an FYI moment for us.

Pa Motorcycle Safety Course, Wrap Up Of Day 1:

The instructor reviewed the requirements for the riding course portion. Helmet(loaners were available if absolutely needed), gloves, clothing, boots, Permit/Licenses, and NO personal motorcycles.

The no personal motorcycles rule was no loss to me since I still didn’t have a motorcycle, yet.

My Take Away From The Motorcycle Safety Course:

It was a remote class. I was excited at the prospect of riding motorcycles and, even more so, doing it safely. I valued the opportunity to learn from an experienced rider who was focused on my safety.

Truth being, I drank coffee to focus since I was more interested in just getting through it to the next step in the course.

I was daydreaming too much about just riding the motorcycles. I’ll tell you about my Safety Course Day 2 real soon. Thanks for reading!!!!