Your Guide to the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Course: Free Training and Licensing Benefits
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Are you trying to get your motorcycle license in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) provides free safety training courses for all residents.
If you’re ready to master everything from the basics to advanced riding skills, check out the Pennsylvania motorcycle safety course offerings to see which class is best for you and how to get registered. Also learn about finding motorcycle insurance coverage to stay safe when you ride.
Introduction to the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP)
In Pennsylvania, you must complete the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) to qualify for the motorcycle license exam. The PAMSP is a free motorcycle safety course in Pennsylvania that helps both advanced and novice riders gain the skills necessary to get their class M license.
Riders must be at least 16 years old to get their motorcycle license, and they must provide proof of identity and residency. The motorcycle license knowledge exam consists of 60 questions. You must answer at least 48 of them correctly and pass the on-cycle test. The PAMSP is an excellent way to learn the required information for the exam and get hands-on experience.
The Basic Rider Course (BRC)
The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the perfect starting point for entry-level motorcycle riders. You can join this course with absolutely no experience and no previous training. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the basics of motorcycle safety and driving techniques.
The course provides motorcycles, so you can join without owning one. By completing this course, you can skip the skills test at a PennDot location and automatically receive your license. However, you may still want to consider taking more advanced courses to expand your riding skills.
The Intermediate Rider Course (IRC)
The Intermediate Rider Course (IRC) is for more experienced riders who can bring their own street-legal motorcycles. This motorcycle safety training focuses on driving techniques that improve traction control. Similar to the BRC, this licensing course allows you to skip the PennDOT skills test.
The 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course
The 3-Wheel Rider Course (3WRC) is another entry-level course for riders who want to learn three-wheel vehicles, such as trikes, sidecars, and CanAm Spyders. It teaches basic rider safety, such as cornering properly and other foundational driving methods. You can choose to bring your own approved vehicle or use one that is provided.
This is also a licensing course, so you will receive your motorcycle license at the end of the course. If you only take the 3WRC course, your license will be restricted against two-wheel vehicles.
The Advanced Rider Course (ARC)
The Advanced Rider Course (ARC) is for motorcycle license holders with at least 3,000 miles of riding experience. This course aims to teach riders how to maximize mid-corner traction and ground clearance. You must bring your own motorcycle and protective gear.
Unlike the other courses in the PAMSP, the ARC is not a licensing course. You must already have your motorcycle license to register for this course.
Protective Gear Requirements for Courses
The required gear for PAMSP training courses include:
- A helmet – Full-face or ¾ helmets are acceptable. Personal helmets are subject to inspection for DOT certification. Some motorcycle training providers will have helmets to borrow, but you should check with your instructor.
- Eye protection – Face shields, goggles, or clear or tinted glasses are acceptable.
- Full-fingered gloves – Gloves must be closed-back with no holes, specifically made for riding motorcycles or constructed from durable leather. Gloves cannot be mechanics gloves or batting gloves.
- Pants – Participants must wear full-length pants, preferably denim or leather. Spandex and cotton are not acceptable. Pants cannot have holes.
- Shirt – Long-sleeve shirts, dress shirts, and jackets that reach the wrist are all acceptable.
- Shoes or boots – Shoes must come over the ankle with a heel no taller than what is typically found on a work boot. Soles should be rubber for good traction. Athletic and hiking shoes are acceptable if they come above the ankle, although boots are preferred.
How To Register for a PAMSP Course
To register for a motorcycle safety course in PA, start by searching for a location near you. The map will provide contact information for each training provider. You can easily find the provider closest to you, check their class schedule, and see their registration requirements. In many cases, there’s a simple form that you’ll need to fill out with online registration options.
ARC, IRC, and 3WRC courses are for motorcycle permit holders, so you must present either your permit or license to qualify. Learn more about the qualifications for each course on the PennDOT website.
Ride Safely and Secure Your Motorcycle Insurance Today
Once you have your license, do you need motorcycle insurance? Yes, you must show proof of motorcycle insurance to register your vehicle. At the end of your PAMSP course, your instructor will stamp your permit to mark it as a fully legal license and give you a completion card. You’ll need your license, registration, and proof of insurance to drive legally.
Motorcycle insurance rates can vary by ZIP code and driver profile. Compare custom policy options by using EverQuote’s free online quote comparison tool today.