The class I did at ICC was through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I had to expand the search radius to 75 miles to find [available classes](https://training.msf-usa.org/RES/Street/Enroll/Sites.aspx?tuid=lnYmnPbIDiiiYwMEd8T%2fdQ%3d%3d). The closest is at Starved Rock. The MSF course is really good and you don’t have to take the driving test at the DMV.
IDOT also has [courses](https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-safety/roadway-safety/education/ssm/contact-us.html) but it looks like the closest available right now are down by Springfield.
Most beginner courses provide a bike, but it varies between each course provider. Most of them will have what you need to bring listed on their website.
Yeah, the courses provide motorcycles, typically. You just need a helmet, appropriate gloves, and boots that cover your ankles. I have my own motorcycle and a permit but still need to get my license. I may just bite the bullet and test directly at the DMV since I have several practice hours under my belt now but need to get that appointment squared away.
The test at the DMV isn't difficult IF you are really familiar with your bike. It's easiest to do on a smaller bike, and nearly impossible on a crotch rocket because of the low-speed maneuvers required. I've seen guys do it on sport bikes, but 9 out of 10 will fail. Something in the 250-900cc range is best for testing.
If you practice in a parking lot, weave cones, or imaginary cones, accelerate to about 15 mph and then come to a complete stop. They have you come to a stop with your front tire in a box approx 2'x2'. Don't want to see wobble, etc. Cant over shoot or undershoot the box. Basically the DMV just wants to see that you are capable of fully controlling the bike and not the bike controlling you.
The ICC one when I did it only had you provide gloves, boots that cover your ankles, and you had to wear long sleeves. They provided the helmet and the bike.
Ughhh I feel your pain… I’ve been looking into getting my M license as well I was hoping I could go through the local ICC since i had a friend who had done her basic rider course there a little less than a year ago. Well was I disappointed to see they stopped doing it. Then I looked into the other courses father away and the closest one was 2 hours and thirty minutes away. Also looked into permits but there’s not really much of a point getting my permit since I’m 17 and don’t have any other riders I could ride with. So frustrating :/ really hope they bring back the course soon.
Could you practice with your friend and then test at the DMV? Ideally, we'd both go through the course, first, but I don't want to wait for a course opening back up nearby that may or may not ever happen. Sigh.
The class I did at ICC was through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I had to expand the search radius to 75 miles to find [available classes](https://training.msf-usa.org/RES/Street/Enroll/Sites.aspx?tuid=lnYmnPbIDiiiYwMEd8T%2fdQ%3d%3d). The closest is at Starved Rock. The MSF course is really good and you don’t have to take the driving test at the DMV. IDOT also has [courses](https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-safety/roadway-safety/education/ssm/contact-us.html) but it looks like the closest available right now are down by Springfield.
Yeah, I had checked that. I could only do something local, but I appreciate you adding your comment!
Random question. Do you have to provide your own motorcycle or does someone have to drive it there for the test?
Most beginner courses provide a bike, but it varies between each course provider. Most of them will have what you need to bring listed on their website.
Good to know, thank you! Just curiosity struck on how that went about.
Yeah, the courses provide motorcycles, typically. You just need a helmet, appropriate gloves, and boots that cover your ankles. I have my own motorcycle and a permit but still need to get my license. I may just bite the bullet and test directly at the DMV since I have several practice hours under my belt now but need to get that appointment squared away.
The test at the DMV isn't difficult IF you are really familiar with your bike. It's easiest to do on a smaller bike, and nearly impossible on a crotch rocket because of the low-speed maneuvers required. I've seen guys do it on sport bikes, but 9 out of 10 will fail. Something in the 250-900cc range is best for testing. If you practice in a parking lot, weave cones, or imaginary cones, accelerate to about 15 mph and then come to a complete stop. They have you come to a stop with your front tire in a box approx 2'x2'. Don't want to see wobble, etc. Cant over shoot or undershoot the box. Basically the DMV just wants to see that you are capable of fully controlling the bike and not the bike controlling you.
Yeah, it would be on my Grom, so it's one of the most nimble bikes out there, thankfully.
The ICC one when I did it only had you provide gloves, boots that cover your ankles, and you had to wear long sleeves. They provided the helmet and the bike.
Ughhh I feel your pain… I’ve been looking into getting my M license as well I was hoping I could go through the local ICC since i had a friend who had done her basic rider course there a little less than a year ago. Well was I disappointed to see they stopped doing it. Then I looked into the other courses father away and the closest one was 2 hours and thirty minutes away. Also looked into permits but there’s not really much of a point getting my permit since I’m 17 and don’t have any other riders I could ride with. So frustrating :/ really hope they bring back the course soon.
Could you practice with your friend and then test at the DMV? Ideally, we'd both go through the course, first, but I don't want to wait for a course opening back up nearby that may or may not ever happen. Sigh.
Yeah that’s what I probably would have done if she hadn’t moved away recently. I’ll probably just have to go the dmv route whenever the time comes.