Good idea. At my local community college the Basic Rider Course was very thorough. Pay attention.
Good Luck.

 

On Tuesday I took the riders skill test at my local DMV and paid the $25 and they endorsed my drivers license.

I found the test reasonable, but confirm that it is suitably designed to test your handling skills.

 

I would take the college course, then get on the road. If you are still having problems,
go on to the dealer course. This way you save some money right now, and only spend it if you have to later on.
Of course that's me being a cheapskate..
Back in the 60's they had no courses, we did a few circles in the parking lot, then
the instructor told the group to take a ride around for a couple of blocks and come back.
As soon as we were out of sight, guys were doing wheelies and hot rodding it.

Took my son for the test a couple of years back, and I have never seen such a bunch of idiots in my life! Most of them had NO skills at all, and the was the final test, not a class. Saw one young lady that was, how do I say.. mentally challenged..she dropped her scooter trying to get on it Then when she finally got going, she dumped it on the first turn, tried again, and this time she totally lost control, gunned the throttle, and almost took out 2 cars that were parked near the course.
One guy in his 50's with an old beat up rigid shovel, did almost as bad as the girl on the scooter, he finally quit after falling over 3 times!
I should have taken my video camera!
Sorry, I got off track..
take whatever course you can afford now, to get started..

 

Dealer told me they give the course twice a month and it was a 3 day event. He asked me if i was interested, i told him i wouldn't drive the bike off the lot until i complete the course. you can see by my forum name that its been a few years. lol

He said great attitude and its free. Probably added into the bike, but i don't know where he is cheaper than two other dealers especially with all the other stuff thrown in. Bike is less than but close to msrp.

 

how is there so much variance between prices between states? Last June, I paid $275 for my two day course. some are over $300, and some are $25. I don't get it, but we all get an endoresement!

 

Just do the course. The rider's edge course, at least in Ohio, is the same as the state course. Same certificate. But you learn a lot.

 

I just took the skill test at the DMV. I live in California, and practiced on the course for about 2 hours. It is a moderately challenging course on a Road Glide.

 

Definitely take the riding course. You will be surprised to learn how many bad riding habits you have. I took the MSF course 7 years ago and still recall stuff I learned while I'm riding.

 

besides just being a good idea to do. the course will lower your insurance which will pay for itself fairly quickly.

 

Being military, they gave it to us for free, sans the cost of helmet out of my pocket, but I'm going through it right now. I've learned so much just from the class room day we've had today. I don't think I'd feel confident enough to just get out and ride without some formal training. It's worth it!