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Okay. I'll go into some MORE detail. I took the MSF Basic Riders Course and DID NOT pass the first time (couldn't get the cornering eval).

I did not pass on my retest the following weekend. BUT I had my learners permit, and it being the end of October and the end of the riding season approaching, I found a deal on an 18 year old 250cc bike. I had a friend test ride it, to make sure it worked okay. Then spent some money to get it to pass a safety inspection so it could be tagged and insured.

I rode that bike around our somewhat isolated neighborhood (a small loop with nearly NO traffic) to lock in my newly acquired skills. It snowed... come spring, I putted about on the 250. Never on highway.

The following December, I got a deal on the sales demo 650cc single cylinder. On that bike, I TRIED to pass the DMV riding test and FAILED miserably. That test focuses on SLOW speed stuff and following the instructions to the letter. Not really a very good evaluation of actual road riding ability.

So, the next spring, I signed up for the BRC AGAIN. Took it and passed/got my license.

P

Lion_Lady wrote:Okay. I'll go into some MORE detail. I took the MSF Basic Riders Course and DID NOT pass the first time (couldn't get the cornering eval).

I did not pass on my retest the following weekend. BUT I had my learners permit, and it being the end of October and the end of the riding season approaching, I found a deal on an 18 year old 250cc bike. I had a friend test ride it, to make sure it worked okay. Then spent some money to get it to pass a safety inspection so it could be tagged and insured.

I rode that bike around our somewhat isolated neighborhood (a small loop with nearly NO traffic) to lock in my newly acquired skills. It snowed... come spring, I putted about on the 250. Never on highway.

The following December, I got a deal on the sales demo 650cc single cylinder. On that bike, I TRIED to pass the DMV riding test and FAILED miserably. That test focuses on SLOW speed stuff and following the instructions to the letter. Not really a very good evaluation of actual road riding ability.

So, the next spring, I signed up for the BRC AGAIN. Took it and passed/got my license.

P

Thank you that is the type of info I am looking for.I managed to find a layout (unofficial) for skills test in Kalifornia and it is 2 cone weaves and 4 circles. Great test if I'm going to only do ues. Think I'll take the class. What Is the test like for the class? After you failed the first time did you have to pay to take the retest?

Retests are done differently all over. Some places allow you to retake the test immediately. Some places schedule a couple fixed dates and only do retests those days. Other places want you to call the site and schedule a retest.

Most sites do not charge for a retest, so long as you take it within a specified time frame. The riding evaluation skills include: Slow speed maneuvers (the Box), a swerve, quick stopping, and cornering.

P

You can ride on the road with NO training? This side of the water we have to pass CBT (compulsory basic training) before we hit the road. It's some classroom stuff (roundabouts,junctions etc), then an enclosed area for some manouvering (emergency stops, road positioning, figure of eight) If you get that bit right you get to ride out with an instructor for around an hour. And you have to pass before you're allowed to ride- even a 125

joolz wrote:You can ride on the road with NO training? This side of the water we have to pass CBT (compulsory basic training) before we hit the road. It's some classroom stuff (roundabouts,junctions etc), then an enclosed area for some manouvering (emergency stops, road positioning, figure of eight) If you get that bit right you get to ride out with an instructor for around an hour. And you have to pass before you're allowed to ride- even a 125

I'd love it if we had a similar system here

Just to say a few words:

Statistics show that 5% of riders who are licensed to ride motorcycles take the MSF course... as opposed to the other 95% who just got their license and learned it on their own.

Lion_Lady wrote: The riding evaluation skills include: Slow speed maneuvers (the Box), a swerve, quick stopping, and cornering.

P

That sounds just like the Florida DMV Skills test. If I read right they require you to take their skill test if you haven't taken the BRC even if you have a M licence from another state.(when switching to a Florida licence). I guess I should take it. It seems to be pretty universal