Motorcycle training in the DC area - how to get started

January 4, 4:10 PMDC Motorcycle Travel ExaminerMark Poesch

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My wife provided the inspiration to realize my childhood dream of riding.  Friends provided guidance about starting with used bikes.  And eBay provided a ample supply of bikes of all shapes, sizes, ages, and costs.

But all of that still left me with the fundamental dilemma, how do I get a motorcycle license with no experience, and how do I get experience on the road with no license?  How do I even get the bike home, after buying it!?

The answer for the Northern Virginia area seemed to be Virginia's Rider Training Program.  For those who have driven around this area on the weekends during the spring and summer, you've probably seen them: lines of motorcycle riders moving slowly through bright orange cones in the college parking lots.

The problem with that answer in the past has been demand -- far more new riders seeking training, than classes available to teach them.  For me, that all changed while I was at Coleman PowerSports New Rider night.

On New Rider Night, Coleman brought new riders together to learn more about the equipment, technology, opportunities, risks, and rewards associated with riding, and provided the first steps to understanding where to begin.

Folks from the Virginia Rider Training Program were on hand, and had 11 seats open in upcoming Basic Riders Course training available at the NVCC Annandale Campus.  With 20-30 new riders in the audience, the odds of getting a seat were not bad.  Toward the end of the evening, the group held a lottery to hand out the seats.  13 folks stepped forward to take a number.  As it resolved, I was 13th in line!  But, there was still hope....  While filling out paperwork, folks dropped out -- 12th in line took a seat from someone who couldn't work out their schedule -- I was next in line!!  Unlucky for me, the lucky 11 completed their paperwork, and I was left standing only with my numbered slip of paper.

But the evening wasn't over.  Also at the event were the Apex Cycle Education folks.  They were just starting up a new training program in the area, and were taking emails.  I rushed over to give them mine.  They offered that more information would be available in April or May for the first set of classes to be held in June.  And, I was near the top of their waiting list!

In the April / May timeframe they began registration for their first classes in June.  I made it into the second weekend of classes, and felt, at last, that I had the toe-hold on how I would learn to ride, and get my motorcycle license.

Showing up for the Friday night classroom training, I felt like a combination of a kid on Christmas, and a student heading toward final exams.  The next three days turned out to be a lot of both.  On Sunday, we completed the training on the course in the rain, which stopped just in time for the testing.  As an adult, I can remember few times that I felt as nervous as I did while waiting to begin my run.  Ultimately, it was less than perfect, but good enough to secure my VA DMV Skills Test Waiver.  They concluded the class with congratulations all around, saying, "You are now fully qualified to ride... in empty parking lots!"

Everything you should need to get started on your motorcycle license should be here:

Virginia: http://www.learn2ride.com/

Maryland: http://mva.state.md.us/MVAProg/MOTO/default.htm

DC: http://dmv.washingtondc.gov/serv/dlicense/get_motoL.shtm - "Take and pass the DC DMV motorcycle demonstration skills test (by appointment only) or bring your original MD or VA motorcycle certificate of completion in lieu of taking the DC DMV motorcycle demonstration skills test (no appointment required)."

And, Frequently Asked Questions (answered by the folks at Apex Cycle Education): http://www.apexcycleeducation.com/shopcontent.asp?type=FAQ

Ride safe, and stay up!

For more information:
Motorcycling lessons learned: #7 Get training
Video #2: Basic RiderCourse Highlights