Researching Georgia Motorcycle Instruction

Motorcycles can be dangerous. Add the wonderfully pleasant Atlanta traffic into the mix and well ...it can be a recipe for disaster. I have asked around and one of the most important exercises in the quest to become a responsible "biker" is proper instruction from qualified and experienced motorcycle instructors.

In Georgia, the two most evident and popular methods for instruction are:

• Motorcycle Safety Program - the Georgia Department of Driver Services
• State Approved Public Facilities - Private companies offering State certified instruction
• Atlanta Motorcycle Schools - offers private motorcycle safety and handling instruction

There are benefits to both motorcycle training programs and selection should be based on individual preference.

Motorcycle Safety Program - $250

The Georgia Department of Driver Services offers two levels of the Motorcycle Safety Program, the Basic Rider Course [acronym: BRC] and the Experienced Rider Course [acronym: ERC]. For our purposes, we will focus on the Basic Rider Course.

The Basic Rider Course, developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, is a fifteen (15) hour course consisting of eight (8) hours of classroom instruction and seven (7) hours of on-cycle training. Newbie motorcyclists will be taught how to start, steer, shift and brake under normal conditions; how to maneuver in traffic and even how to control the motorcycle during emergency situations. These courses fill up quickly; And especially in the spring and fall. One can expect to wait 2 weeks to three months for a confirmed motorcycle training class reservation.

One the best aspects of this training is the fact that successful completion of the basic course will make you eligible to obtain a Georgia motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license; waiving the written examination and the road test that are conducted at the licensing agency.

State Approved Public Facilities - $350

This option provides the exact same level of motorcycle training and curriculum; however, the actual instruction is presented by private companies - usually motorcycle shops that see the association with the state program as a great way to build their motorcycle sales. Many times, these shops will offer a discount on motorcycles and merchandise after successful completion of the course ...or, if you buy a motorcycle from the shop, they will sometimes throw in the training class for free. Moral of the story in this example - negotiate.

Atlanta Motorcycle Schools - $380 and up

Located in North Georgia, Atlanta Motorcycle Schools is private, one-on-one instruction with an experienced motorcycle instructor. The school offers different levels of training from the the beginner motorcyclist, on up to the experienced racer. The school practices real-world instruction with basic riding skills training and on-road coaching with your personal motorcycle instructor.

You are not guaranteed a license with this training, nor is the training "officially" sanctioned by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. This is training that you take because you want to become a better cyclist, not just obtain a license to ride.

Note: All courses mention above do provide a motorcycle and DOT certified motorcycle helmet for training. Atlanta Motorcycle School requires that the student secure a motorcycle permit prior to taking it's motorcycle training courses.

My Selection for Motorcycle Training

I opted for the SB 111—Introduction to Motorcycle/Scooter Riding & Street Skills coupled with the SB 201—Intermediate Rider Skills combination package offered by Atlanta Motorcycle Schools. After thorough research, I believe that Atlanta Motorcycle Schools offers the kind of training in which I would benefit most. Here's why:

More on-cycle, on-road instruction
The school requires the student to pass the written portion of the motorcycle license exam and get it out of the way before attendance. This allows more time and instruction on the bike, and eliminates the need for a mind-numbing, government-style classroom training scenario.

One-on-one training
This style of training will suit me best so that I am free to ask as many questions as I'd like and move at a pace that best suits my abilities. I am confident that will grasp the concepts quickly and will get the most out training without worrying about other motorcycle training students "keeping up"

The Intermediate Class
I like the idea of pushing my training to the next level with the 201 class. It's important to me to learn as much motorcycle safety and technique as possible as my goal is buy a very big, fast bike and control and confidence are mandatory.

I signed up for the 2 Course Discount Package (SB111 & SB201) at a cost of $780.00 - The owner called me the same day that I submitted my Atlanta Motorcycle Schools online application and scheduled me for one-on-one training with him that would take place within three weeks.

That's the kind of service I appreciate and not something you'll get from the government sponsored program. Yes, it costs a little more, but to me it's worth it.