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ratzuki
 Starting Member
2 Posts
oceanside, ca
USA
Suzuki
800 inruder
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 Posted - 08/20/2009 : 8:36 AM
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Saw somewhere that as of 9-1-09 Texas is joining the number of states where the only way to get your motorcycle license is to take the MSF class? I am appalled by that as I see large numbers of riders here in California who get their license through MSF and cannot do a figure eight in a lot the size of a football field. No wonder we have so many accidents around here. I had been riding for many years when I decided to take the MSF class to see what went on there. IN my class there were several riders who shoud not have been given their license. WE were actually told that unless you dropped your bike on test day- you would pass! Scary indeed.
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Edited by - ratzuki on 08/20/2009 9:24 AM |
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cooldadof4
 Junior Member
41 Posts
Houston, Texas
USA
Honda
1994 GL1500 SE
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Posted - 08/20/2009 : 9:22 AM
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Yes, it is true.
Senate Bill 1967 requires that applicants for an original class M license provide evidence of completion of an "approved" motorcycle training course.
The law also increases the penalty for failure to yield right off way if there is a crash that results in an injury to a person other than the motorcycle operator.
It also appeals the helmet exemption sticker program. My understanding on this is that you only need to have your training certificate if you do not want to wear a helmet, and no longer need the sticker. |
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Night Train
Moderator
1335 Posts
[Mentor]
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Canada
Harley-Davidson
03 Electra Glide Std
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Posted - 08/20/2009 : 10:20 AM
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This topic should really be in the Riding Training Forum and I will see if I can get it moved so that it will generate the proper responses that it deserves.
I don't know if I agree entirely with making the completion of the MSF course mandatory to obtain one's license but I do concur whole heartedly, that it is a far better system than presently exists for licensing in most areas through the Motor Vehicle departments. |
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ratzuki
Starting Member
2 Posts
oceanside, ca
USA
Suzuki
800 inruder
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Posted - 08/20/2009 : 10:57 AM
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| I don't think any company should have a monopoly which is what the MSF seemingly is accomplishing.I agree that some sort of training is better than new riders "learning" on their own and getting hurt or killed. I was talking to a CHP officer at DMV the other day and he says CHP officers devised the Calif test to show a rider truly does have balance and steering capabilities on their bike. Most riders who got their icense through MSF cannot pass the Calif skills test on a small bike much less on whatever monster machine they are riding.I wish the MSF would pay attention to motors officers- who by the way are some of the finest riders in the world and begin teachig riders true basics like balance and how to really steer. |
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SkootchNC
Advanced Member
603 Posts
[Mentor]
raleigh, north carolina
USA
Harley-Davidson
road glide
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Posted - 08/20/2009 : 11:07 AM
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I believe the MSF program, while flawed, is a great improvement over folks just hopping on a bike, and hoping for the best (the way I was "trained" in 1972)
My concerns are,
1) If there aren't enough training spots available now..... how will they accommodate the rather large increase in students?
2) Will there be a push to certify "rider coaches" before they are fully trained? Where will the additional R/C's come from?
3) Given that, currently students attend because they WANT to, how will the mandatory status effect the class make up? Students who are "forced" to take a class, rarely do as well as the ones who are there freely.
Frankly students who can not do a U-turn, are less scarey than the stunters who blast through city traffic, or the cruiser crowds who park in front of the local "biker bar" all day, and then ride home |
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cooldadof4
Junior Member
41 Posts
Houston, Texas
USA
Honda
1994 GL1500 SE
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Posted - 08/20/2009 : 1:01 PM
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+1 Skootch
In further review of the bill, it also calls for Motorcycle Awareness training as part of any Defensive Driving courses or New Drivers Ed. Programs. This is a big plus.
As far as I can tell, Tx. DOT is not required to contract with MSF, but the Director will establish rules and set up requirements. Being the Government, I am sure it will be half A**.
None the less, it is better than nothing.
Regards |
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bindersmokdat
New Member
10 Posts
Roebling, NJ
USA
Triumph
Rocket 3
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Posted - 09/01/2009 : 6:44 PM
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I think a basic rider course should be mandatory in every state.
I have a friend who rented a scooter and passed the course without ever practicing any techniques or learning a lick of road craft. He subsequently went out and crashed badly, now he won't even get on a bike. He puts the blame squarely on "all the idiots" out there, instead of himself.
It's just too easy to get a motorcycle license, easier than a car license. At least at 17 our culture emphasizes practicing with parents, drivers ed classes, driving schools, etc. Since most people get bikes later in life, people forget that there is a learning curve to every thing and they don't know bikes are so much different from cars.
Heck, I'd make a motorcycle course mandatory for EVERY driver so cagers know what we deal with. |
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