do u need a motorcycle permit to take the class? do they just teach how to ride safe?

 

..you need the permit when you take the class.

 

In CA, you do not need a motorcycle permit to take the class (unless it's changed in the past two years). However, you do need at least a California Driver's License. If it's been more than a year since you've taken the driver's license permit test, then you'll need to take that again, before you take the motorcycle permit test (I think it's like, what, $12 for the whole year?). I'm not sure how much it currently costs (for the MSF class), but when I took it I paid $72 because I was under 21. My friend is taking it soon, and he's paying close to $200.

I don't know how the Sacramento DMVs are, but if Davis isn't too far from you, you could take the permit tests there. The employees are actually polite (surprise!) and one of the ladies let me take and retake both permit tests the same day (hey, it's been awhile since my permit test).

The MSF class spends half the time in a classroom and the other half on a motorcycle (usually a 125cc). The classroom stuff is ok, the videos are kinda boring, but you do learn a lot. The fun stuff is when you're actually on the bike. And it's practically impossible to fail the final riding test at the end.

All you need is the money, the time (it's the whole weekend), and some gear (good heavyweight jacket, non-baggy jeans, and gloves...they provide helmets). Of course, later on when you get a bike you'll want good $hit, but it's not critical for the class.

Good luck!