stephanotis
Well-known member
I just finished the California Motorcyclist Safety Program on Sunday as a total beginner. I had an absolute fucking blast, it was rightfully grueling and a wonderful experience all around. I learned TONS.
I wound up failing the skills test by one point, which really made sense to me. I'm not roadworthy at all, even though they and I did our best. There was fear, confusion, heat, new gear, not enough opportunities to practice (most of the time was spent waiting in a line of 10 bikes to try things for a few seconds or minutes)...you see what I mean.
BUT...I did start wondering about their validity as a qualifying body. Help me here, because I was very obviously trained by PROS. Students were talking about taking that test so they wouldn't have to take the DMV test, which is MUCH harder. My whole test maybe lasted 20 seconds of riding to test five skills (quick stop, swerving, 90-degree turn, weave, half-curve/stop).
I don't think this is enough to get us newbies on the road. I know we can then practice on our own, but some may not.
Can some experienced riders weigh in, maybe some teachers? Trying to figure out my next steps but also wondering if I'm alone in thinking this. And if I'm talking out of my ass, I'll listen! Thanks much.
I wound up failing the skills test by one point, which really made sense to me. I'm not roadworthy at all, even though they and I did our best. There was fear, confusion, heat, new gear, not enough opportunities to practice (most of the time was spent waiting in a line of 10 bikes to try things for a few seconds or minutes)...you see what I mean.
BUT...I did start wondering about their validity as a qualifying body. Help me here, because I was very obviously trained by PROS. Students were talking about taking that test so they wouldn't have to take the DMV test, which is MUCH harder. My whole test maybe lasted 20 seconds of riding to test five skills (quick stop, swerving, 90-degree turn, weave, half-curve/stop).
I don't think this is enough to get us newbies on the road. I know we can then practice on our own, but some may not.
Can some experienced riders weigh in, maybe some teachers? Trying to figure out my next steps but also wondering if I'm alone in thinking this. And if I'm talking out of my ass, I'll listen! Thanks much.
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