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Completing a Virginia motorcycle safety course is one of the best ways to learn how to ride.
You’ll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to build a foundation of safe-riding techniques that are designed to keep you out-of-trouble when you ride.
That’s not the only reason to take a course though, completing an approved motorcycle safety program may have other benefits as well, including:
- Waiving your motorcycle endorsement tests.
- Earning a discount on your motorcycle insurance.
Learn more about the Virginia motorcycle safety course requirements and benefits below.
Virginia Motorcycle Training Course Details
Motorcycle safety courses are required for motorcycle license applicants who have failed the skills test twice so far.
Completing a course will waive your DMV written test and skills test requirements. You’ll be issued a temporary 30-day M2 endorsement, which you’ll need to bring to the DMV to officially add the motorcycle license to your driver’s license.
Riders under 18 years old are required to hold a learners permit for at least 9 months before they can ride with an M2 license.
Motorcycles with engine sizes of 250cc or less will be provided for you.
When you arrive for your skills portion of the course, you’ll need to wear:
- A DOT-approved motorcycle helmet.
- Eye protection.
- A long-sleeve shirt or protective jacket.
- Long pants made of durable material with snug-fitting cuffs.
- Sturdy boots that cover your ankles.
- Full finger protective gloves.
For more details about motorcycle training courses in Virginia, please contact your local training provider or the Virginia DMV.
How long is the Virginia motorcycle safety course?
The Virginia motorcycle safety course typically consists of a total of 15 hours, including:
- 5 hours of classroom instruction.
- 10 hours of hands-on skill training.
Depending on the course provider, you may be able to complete the program over 2 or 3 days.
How much is the Virginia motorcycle safety course?
A VA motorcycle class typically costs around $150 to $350+.
Find a Motorcycle Training Course Near You in Virginia
In order to find a motorcycle training course that will satisfy the Virginia motorcycle endorsement and testing requirements, you’ll need to enroll in a course that is approved by the DMV.
To find a course near you, visit: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#m_course.asp
You can find approved courses in the following locations throughout the state:
- Ashland
- Abingdon
- Bluefield West Virginia
- Bristol
- Broadway/Harrisonburg
- Charlottesville
- Colonial Heights
- Chesapeake
- Danville
- Dublin
- Fairfax
- Franklin
- Fredericksburg
- Hampton
- Lynchburg
- Manassas
- Martinsville
- Newport News
- Portsmouth
- Prince George
- Richmond
- Richlands
- Roanoke
- Virginia Beach
- Winchester
- Woodbridge
What is covered in the rider training course?
The curriculum and exercises for your motorcycle safety course are developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), the Virginia motorcycle safety and training coordinator and its administering agency.
During your course, you’ll gain hands-on riding experience along with classroom instruction.
The classroom portion will generally consist of 5 hours, including a motorcycle knowledge exam.
The hands-on training will typically last for 10 hours over 2 days, and end with a skills evaluation.
The classroom portion of the course will cover topics including:
- Virginia motorcycle license requirements.
- Virginia motorcycle laws.
- Basic motorcycle safety.
- Motorcycle riding gear.
- Motorcycle helmet laws.
- Assessing risks and avoiding hazards.
The hands-on training will cover:
- Basic operation of a motorcycle.
- Motorcycle start up procedures.
- Using the clutch and shifting.
- Starting and stopping.
- Low-speed maneuvers.
- Turning, curves, and leaning.
- Quick stops.
- Multiple curves and changing lanes.
- Swerving and crossing obstacles.
A Virginia-approved course is one of the best ways to learn to ride a motorcycle.
The Virginia motorcycle safety course will conclude with a knowledge test based on the classroom instruction and a skills test where you’ll need to demonstrate a combination of the maneuvers and exercises you’ve practiced during the hands-on training.
Once you complete each test for the program, you’ll receive your course completion card.
Insurance Discounts for Completing a Motorcycle Safety Course in Virginia
Completing a Virginia motorcycle safety course is not only a great way to develop safe riding techniques, it can also help you earn a discount on your motorcycle insurance premiums.
Since riders who complete a training course are less likely to cause a crash, many insurance providers will offer those riders lower rates.
After you complete your course, be sure to check with your current motorcycle insurance agent or compare a few different quotes to see how much you can save after completing a safety course.
Start comparing quotes for free here at MotorcycleZombies.com!
Learn more about the motorcycle insurance requirements in Virginia.
Get Your Motorcycle Endorsement in Virginia
Now that you know the details for the Virginia motorcycle safety program, you’re ready to apply for your motorcycle endorsement.
MotorcycleZombies.com has the information you need to get started! Check out our related articles at the links below: