In my very first post, I teased that my motorcycle safety course story had an epilogue that occurred nine months after the end of the class. Bet you’re on pins and needles waiting to find out what happened. (Really, the tease is far better than the actual story.) Here goes…
So after I passed the range test portion of the class last June, I got this nifty blue card that I could then take to the Michigan Secretary of State which would waive the 3rd party skills test. All I would have to do is pass the State’s written test and pay for my endorsement and new license. I noticed the fine print that said it would be valid for a one year after the issue date. Since I would be having one of those “need to get a new license” birthdays in March, I choose to wait, and tackle both the Motorcycle test and renewing my license in one trip. Trying to be money-conscious, I didn’t want to pay for two licenses in one year.
The downside to choosing that route was that come February, I had to study again, because a lot of that material didn’t stick with me completely. I retained more than I thought I would (a testament to the engaging instruction, perhaps), but I still spent about a week walking around the track at my gym with the M.O.M. (Michigan Motorcycle Operator’s Manual), brushing up.
No need to worry, I passed. That’s easy for me to say now, but I was very nervous going in. I’m now endorsed to drive a motorcycle in my fine state — not that I have since taking the class. Truth be told, if I were to get on a motorcycle again, I would first enroll in another Motorcycle Safety Course.
I don’t have plans to buy a bike, but that little scooter at the motorcycle dealership around the corner from my house has caught my eye. It’d be perfect for those quick errands I run around the city (and amazing on gas mileage). In Michigan, I need a Motorcycle Endorsement to drive that particular model. I’ve done my research, so I’m all set. I just need to start saving — and perhaps enroll in a Scooter School.
Stay safe this summer on your motorcycle. Your safety is number one to us. For peace of mind on the road, contact a Foremost agency to talk about a motorcycle insurance policy.
