The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminds residents that free Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) training opportunities are available to motorcycle riders across the state. Prospective, experienced, and new riders who have a motorcycle learner's permit or motorcycle license can develop and refresh operator proficiency through the trainings.

PennDOT's third-party training providers offer many classes. A full list of providers and their locations can be found by visiting http://www.dmv.pa.gov and looking under Driver Services for Motorcyclists and then Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program.

Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT Driver License Center for those over age 18 and automatically earns the permit holder a motorcycle license. Motorcycle permit holders who complete a three-wheel basic course will earn a motorcycle license with a restriction prohibiting the operation of a two-wheel motorcycle.

Classes can be scheduled at locations throughout Pennsylvania, and class schedules are coordinated by each third-party training provider at each location. Individuals interested in training should contact the training providers directly or check their websites for class availability, as additional courses may be offered, and providers may offer additional walk-in or waitlist opportunities.

The 16-hour Basic Riding Course (BRC), which consists of in-class or virtual instruction and practical riding, provides training for new riders and gives experienced riders the opportunity to polish their skills and correct any unsafe riding habits they may have developed. Students are responsible for providing all protective gear. Act 84 of 2012 established the requirement that all permit holders under age 18 must successfully complete the BRC to receive a motorcycle license.

The eight-hour Intermediate Riding Course allows skilled riders to refresh their safety knowledge and hone their on-road skills. Students taking this clinic must provide their own motorcycle and protective gear and provide proof of insurance, current registration, and inspection for their motorcycle.

During the 3-Wheel Riding Course, riders learn the same skills and safety strategies taught in the BRC, except on a three-wheeled motorcycle. The clinic consists of classroom instruction and riding exercises. The majority of students must provide their own motorcycle and all of their own protective gear and provide proof of insurance, current registration, and inspection for their motorcycle. However, select locations offering the course have three-wheeled motorcycles on hand for student use. Individuals should check with the location before signing up for a course.

The Advanced Riding Course, a one-day clinic for experienced riders who want to enhance their safety skills through attitude and awareness, rounds out the PAMSP offerings. The clinic is designed to enhance a rider's ability to avoid a crash by honing his or her decision-making abilities, riding strategies, risk management, and rider behavior and choices. Students taking this clinic must provide their own motorcycle and protective gear and provide proof of insurance, current registration, and inspection for their motorcycle.

Classes and locations will continue to be added throughout the riding season. Registration for the 2023 training season is ongoing.