Q. What do I do first?

A. Obtain your Motorcycle Learner’s Permit from the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.

Q. How many lessons will I need?

A. That will depend on your individual skill and ability. Most people are road-test ready with between four and seven lessons. Students are welcome to take as many lessons as they wish to increase proficiency. As you learn, your instructors will give you honest on-going assessment of your progress.

Q. How long will it take to get my license?

A. Your instructor will determine at your first or second lesson if your road test should be scheduled. It takes five to six weeks to get a road test appointment. For most people, this generally coincides with their last scheduled lesson.

Q. What is the road test like?

A. The NYS Motorcycle License Road Test has two parts. The first consists of tight, slow-speed maneuvers, and the second consists of riding on the road. The DMV examiner rides as a passenger in our chase vehicle that follows the student on the motorcycle. In order to pass the road test, the student must demonstrate proficient handling of the motorcycle and observant, defensive driving in a light traffic situation.

Q. Can I take the road test on my own bike?

A. We offer the road test on our school motorcycles only. Our bikes are easy to handle. Road test motorcycles must be street-legal, which disqualifies some custom bikes. Also, it is against the law for a permit holder to ride at/to the road test site, except for when actually performing the test. This precludes someone from riding their own motorcycle to the site.

Q. Where are the lessons conducted?

A. Our new location for Spring 2008 is at the Ammerman Campus of Suffolk County Community College, in Selden, NY. Lessons are given in a large parking lot, which is exclusively for our use.

Q. When are lessons offered?

A. Lessons are presently offered on weekends only, year-round. Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Q. What kind of motorcycle will I be riding?

A. We have two models to choose from; the Honda Rebel and the Honda Nighthawk. Both are light and easy to ride with 250cc engines. Both models are very rider-friendly and forgiving to the new student. Your instructor will help you decide which model suits your particular needs. Shorter riders are generally more comfortable on the Rebel, taller riders on the Nighthawk.

Q. What are the physical requirements for taking lessons?

A. Students should not have any medical conditions that would affect balance or muscle control. Full control of both arms and both legs and adequate range of motion to turn your head from side to side is essential for operating the motorcycle.