MSF VS State police department

Smallxmac · February 17th, 2014, 08:53 PM

Well I have been looking into starting my "motorcycle life". I was looking at which place to take a riding course at and from what I read MSF does not waiver the DMV test. I was then looking into the State police department for a civilian riding course. They offer one that will waiver both test for about the same price, but the real question is that if I will pass

. From what I hear due to the fact the police department does it, it is much harder. I'm not sure if this is true. I have rode dirtbikes and I surely know it will not be the same but it would be a nice foundation. I'm basically asking if anyone here has took a riding course with there local police department, if so how was it. I personally will be doing it with the LSP.

DEFY · February 17th, 2014, 09:01 PM

MSF waives the road test, you still have to get your permit before hand at the DMV. Simple 20 question test. Don't hear that cops offer any opportunity except jail time and tickets, where I was from.

Sirref · February 17th, 2014, 09:05 PM

Must be different where you're from. I took the msf without a bike learners permit and walked right into the mva with the msf certificate to get my license updated the next day.

I just realized thinking about it that I paid $300 for the course and am about to break even with the insurance savings (% drop for taking a safety course as I got the license) after 2 or so years.

flitecontrol · February 17th, 2014, 09:42 PM

I'm in Monroe, LA. Unless things have changed, the MSF course cancels the need for the Office of Motor Vehicles rider test. I took the rider test before enrolling in the MSF course. More on the rider test below, but I recommend you take the course first, and don't "practice" beforehand. That way, you won't have to unlearn any bad habits you may pick up "teaching" yourself to ride. The MSF course begins with the assumption that you know how to ride a bicycle and nothing more. It teaches you how to ride in easy, progressive steps. My instructors were great (they were from south Louisiana) and made learning easy. I rode my own bike and the cost was very low.

I'm pretty sure the State Police took over management of the MSF course after it was dropped by the state department of education. So other than the agency that is coordinating things, the course itself hasn't changed.

The rider test consisted of riding the bike around a circular course of less than a mile. No cones to maneuver through, no U turns, no quick stopping, etc. The test observer stays in the OMV parking lot. I was out of sight of the observer for over 80% of the time. I guess if you take too long they assume you have wrecked. If you return with the bike intact and you're not bleeding, you qualify for the M endorsement on your license. No wonder the accident rate for riders in Louisiana is so high.

NevadaWolf · February 17th, 2014, 11:13 PM

Here in Nevada, the MSF offers courses through the local college and Harley offers their own version. Hadn't heard if the SO or PD offers courses - though now i want to ask.

If it is geared for absolute beginners then it should not be too hard but see if you can talk to one of the instructors or find someone who has taken it to get the specifics. If they waive the DMV test then its a good thing to really consider it.

Definitely agree with @flitecontrol on not trying to teach yourself beforehand (though with dirt bike experience that shouldn't be necessary). Again, if geared towards beginners they should cover basic operation and handling.

Smallxmac · February 18th, 2014, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flitecontrol

I'm in Monroe, LA. Unless things have changed, the MSF course cancels the need for the Office of Motor Vehicles rider test. I took the rider test before enrolling in the MSF course. More on the rider test below, but I recommend you take the course first, and don't "practice" beforehand. That way, you won't have to unlearn any bad habits you may pick up "teaching" yourself to ride. The MSF course begins with the assumption that you know how to ride a bicycle and nothing more. It teaches you how to ride in easy, progressive steps. My instructors were great (they were from south Louisiana) and made learning easy. I rode my own bike and the cost was very low.

I'm pretty sure the State Police took over management of the MSF course after it was dropped by the state department of education. So other than the agency that is coordinating things, the course itself hasn't changed.

The rider test consisted of riding the bike around a circular course of less than a mile. No cones to maneuver through, no U turns, no quick stopping, etc. The test observer stays in the OMV parking lot. I was out of sight of the observer for over 80% of the time. I guess if you take too long they assume you have wrecked. If you return with the bike intact and you're not bleeding, you qualify for the M endorsement on your license. No wonder the accident rate for riders in Louisiana is so high.

No kidding! I think the lsp did take over for us. I was unsure if they did or not, I was really glad to hear from someone in the south. But like you said I don't want to practice before bc I know my habits are bad. I'm currently used to dominating the throttle from racing. Thanks for all the advise everyone! I will be sure to contact people

kg4kpg · February 18th, 2014, 07:59 AM

South Carolina doesn't waive it either. When I tool the MSF course the instructors said they have argued it with the state but no luck. SC likes all of its revenue sources to stay intact.

Smallxmac · February 18th, 2014, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kg4kpg

South Carolina doesn't waive it either. When I tool the MSF course the instructors said they have argued it with the state but no luck. SC likes all of its revenue sources to stay intact.

Yeah I would rather the OMV be ran privately and have competition, but I don't see that happening soon.

February 17th, 2014, 08:53 PM	#1
Smallxmac ninjette.org member Name: Michael Location: Opelousas, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 37	MSF VS State police department Well I have been looking into starting my "motorcycle life". I was looking at which place to take a riding course at and from what I read MSF does not waiver the DMV test. I was then looking into the State police department for a civilian riding course. They offer one that will waiver both test for about the same price, but the real question is that if I will pass . From what I hear due to the fact the police department does it, it is much harder. I'm not sure if this is true. I have rode dirtbikes and I surely know it will not be the same but it would be a nice foundation. I'm basically asking if anyone here has took a riding course with there local police department, if so how was it. I personally will be doing it with the LSP.

February 17th, 2014, 09:42 PM	#4
flitecontrol ninjette.org guru Name: Lee Location: Monroe, LA Join Date: Feb 2014 Motorcycle(s): Rebel 250s, Ninja 250s VN750s (currently nine total) Posts: 465	I'm in Monroe, LA. Unless things have changed, the MSF course cancels the need for the Office of Motor Vehicles rider test. I took the rider test before enrolling in the MSF course. More on the rider test below, but I recommend you take the course first, and don't "practice" beforehand. That way, you won't have to unlearn any bad habits you may pick up "teaching" yourself to ride. The MSF course begins with the assumption that you know how to ride a bicycle and nothing more. It teaches you how to ride in easy, progressive steps. My instructors were great (they were from south Louisiana) and made learning easy. I rode my own bike and the cost was very low. I'm pretty sure the State Police took over management of the MSF course after it was dropped by the state department of education. So other than the agency that is coordinating things, the course itself hasn't changed. The rider test consisted of riding the bike around a circular course of less than a mile. No cones to maneuver through, no U turns, no quick stopping, etc. The test observer stays in the OMV parking lot. I was out of sight of the observer for over 80% of the time. I guess if you take too long they assume you have wrecked. If you return with the bike intact and you're not bleeding, you qualify for the M endorsement on your license. No wonder the accident rate for riders in Louisiana is so high. Last futzed with by flitecontrol; February 18th, 2014 at 05:59 AM.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

February 17th, 2014, 11:13 PM	#5
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Here in Nevada, the MSF offers courses through the local college and Harley offers their own version. Hadn't heard if the SO or PD offers courses - though now i want to ask. If it is geared for absolute beginners then it should not be too hard but see if you can talk to one of the instructors or find someone who has taken it to get the specifics. If they waive the DMV test then its a good thing to really consider it. Definitely agree with @flitecontrol on not trying to teach yourself beforehand (though with dirt bike experience that shouldn't be necessary). Again, if geared towards beginners they should cover basic operation and handling. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

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February 17th, 2014, 09:01 PM	#2
DEFY ᗧ•••ᗣ•ᗣᗣ•••ᗣ Name: Nick Location: NY Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R and 2014 Triumph 675R Posts: A lot.	MSF waives the road test, you still have to get your permit before hand at the DMV. Simple 20 question test. Don't hear that cops offer any opportunity except jail time and tickets, where I was from.

February 17th, 2014, 09:05 PM	#3
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	Must be different where you're from. I took the msf without a bike learners permit and walked right into the mva with the msf certificate to get my license updated the next day. I just realized thinking about it that I paid $300 for the course and am about to break even with the insurance savings (% drop for taking a safety course as I got the license) after 2 or so years.

February 18th, 2014, 07:59 AM	#7
kg4kpg Disavowed Name: Chris Location: Charleston, SC Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): '07 EX250 Posts: 22	South Carolina doesn't waive it either. When I tool the MSF course the instructors said they have argued it with the state but no luck. SC likes all of its revenue sources to stay intact.