Here in SC, if you take and pass the intermediate class (based on MSF), you are not required to take the DMV driver test.

Not that the DMV test is hard but, I decided before i bought my bike that I'd feel better if I passed the class instead of just taking the DMV riding test.

I bought my Sporty on 3/5 and have ridden over 1,300 miles since. I work downtown and have ridden to work lots of times. I consider myself a fair beginning rider.

The info for the class states that they require persons taking the intermediate class to have been riding for 6 months and/or have ridden 1,000 miles.

My question is, how can I tell if I'm ready to take the class. Though $119 isn't a HUGE amount of money, I'd rather not have to spend it twice.

I took the beginner rider course (BRC) through the MSF and got my license that way. I think the Intermediate class is basically the same thing, except I think they scrunch it down to one day instead of 4. Basically, you just need to know your slow speed stuff. The test will consist of an emergency quick stop, a figure 8 in a box (where you can't cross the lines or put your foot down), a large sweeping turn and a 90 degree turn, and also may include an emergency swerve and sometimes cones (but the cone weaving wase not on our test). They will run you through the exercises before the test.

In Maryland, the test given in the MSF course is EASIER than the test they give you at the DMV....they WANT people to take the MSF course. The DMV test as I understand includes several more elements.

The Wife and I just finished the BRC here in Pa. this Sunday. Sounds like our test was pretty much the same as yours. We both passed. Learned some good stuff. Our class was 6 days 2.5 hours each class. 2 days classroom and 4 riding. Only 1 person out of 11 didn't pass. Our Test included the figure 8 in box, quick swerve, sweeping turn and straight line quick stop at 15 Mph. Took the test in freezing cold and it was snowing.

When I took that lesson from the MSF instructor, at the end he said he wanted me to take the advanced rider class. Said something about it usually being for riders with like 5000 miles or something but that was just because they get so many people trying to get into the class that still can't use a clutch. And like Kath said, they have a hard time with low speed manuevers.

I say take it.

Hmmm.. Here you get your endorsement for the BRC and the Intermediate course is for higher speed manuvering.

Hmmmm....I guess in MD they call it something different. They call it the BRCII instead of Intermediate. Then after this one, there's just the ERC:

BRCII-This seven-hour course provides another option for an individual to earn their license without having to take the full 17-hour basic course. It is only for individuals that have some riding experience and are seeking a Class “M” license.

Instruction is provided by the Motor Vehicle Administration and Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified instructors. The pre-requisites for this course include the ability to:

Use the clutch and throttle to get the motorcycle in motion;
Stop the motorcycle properly in a designated area;
Execute gradual and tight turns;
Up and downshift smoothly; and
Achieve a speed of at least 25 mph.
During the initial riding activities, each rider’s ability to operate a motorcycle will be evaluated by the instructors. Rider’s that cannot demonstrate minimum riding proficiency will not be allowed to continue and will need to consider enrolling in the Basic Rider Course. Riders who are not allowed to continue will not be eligible for a refund and may have to pay an additional fee to be enrolled in a Basic Rider Course.

All learning activities are conducted at the riding range. There is no formal classroom, however various topics including preparing to ride, road management and advanced riding techniques are discussed during the course.

Riders can elect to use a program training motorcycle, or they may use their personal motorcycle if it is street legal and they transport it to the training site legally. Personal motorcycles must be in good operating condition and pass a routine pre-ride check given as a part of the course. Riders are to provide their own riding gear, which includes a DOT certified helmet, eye protection, jacket, full-fingered gloves, long pants and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear. To complete the course riders must pass a knowledge and skill test administered at the end of the course. Riders who pass will receive a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Card. There is no guarantee that an individual enrolling in this course will pass, or get their license.

In SC, there are three classes:

Beginning Motorcycle Class (BC)
Intermediate Motorcycle Class (IC)
Experienced Motorcycle Class (EC)

The BC provides a motorcycle and graduation does NOT get you a Class M license.

The IC does not provide motorcycles, you must provide your own. The SC DMV accepts the completion certificate in place of the DMV's own rider test.

The EC is for riders who are, well, experienced.

SC issues a motorcycle learner's permit. All you have to do to get one is pass a written exam.

This may not answer your question, but my basic class in 95' involved all of the cone weaving, emergency stops, sliding rear tire stops, emergency swerves at the last second (they picked the direction). I think the person who said to know your slow stuff hit the nail on the head, during our cone weave we were not even allowed to look down! Good practice for you is being able to EASILY do a 180 degree turn (without putting your feet down) in the width of a lane and a half, that is about the kind of balance they want to see. Downshifts and upshifts which do not show excessive fork plunging etc as well.

Here in SC, if you take and pass the intermediate class (based on MSF), you are not required to take the DMV driver test.

Not that the DMV test is hard but, I decided before i bought my bike that I'd feel better if I passed the class instead of just taking the DMV riding test.

I bought my Sporty on 3/5 and have ridden over 1,300 miles since. I work downtown and have ridden to work lots of times. I consider myself a fair beginning rider.

The info for the class states that they require persons taking the intermediate class to have been riding for 6 months and/or have ridden 1,000 miles.

My question is, how can I tell if I'm ready to take the class. Though $119 isn't a HUGE amount of money, I'd rather not have to spend it twice.

The answer to your question is...if you feel you're ready for it...you are...

Truly, all you need is the desire to learn, and the ability to ride....

Here in NY, you take the BRC, and get a road test waiver.....the ERC is taken with your own bike, and is similar in training....

Just do it... :)