The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers training for motorcyclists of all skill levels through the Virginia Rider Training Program.
“Protecting yourself for the ride ahead – with the right gear and the right training – is the best way to make sure you get home safely,” said acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford. “Motorists need to look out for motorcyclists, but motorcyclists must also look out for themselves. Safety is a shared responsibility, one we all value and must take seriously.”
Courses are taught by certified motorcycle-safety instructors and provide the opportunity to learn new techniques and practice skills in a controlled, safe environment. Classes are offered at community colleges and other locations throughout the commonwealth.
Last year in Virginia, there were 2,048 crashes involving motorcycles, resulting in 102 motorcyclist deaths and 1,682 motorcyclist injuries, 737 of which were serious injuries.
From 2014-20, more than 75 percent of motorcyclists killed in crashes in Virginia were not properly licensed, state officials said.
In Virginia, the law requires that motorcyclists and their passengers wear helmets. A rider without a helmet is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury than a helmeted rider.
To learn more about the Rider Training Program, see the Website at https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#m_course.asp.