RICHMOND – Spring is just around the corner, and as the weather gets warmer we will see more motorcyclists enjoying the ride. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) Highway Safety Office is reminding riders to ensure they have a motorcycle endorsement and proper training before they put their bike on the road. 

“As a fellow rider I know that the thrill of riding a motorcycle is unmatched, but I also know the importance of proper training,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Whether you are just taking up riding or you’ve been riding for years, a certified training course will make you a better rider and it could save your life.”  

In 2023, there were 2,127 crashes involving motorcyclists on Virginia’s roadways and 127 motorcyclists lost their lives. But this isn’t all because drivers aren’t paying attention. In Virginia, one-in-four motorcyclists are riding without a motorcycle endorsement and 76% of riders involved in a motorcycle crash had not completed a training course. To encourage riders to get the necessary training and prevent crashes, DMV is debunking some common motorcycle myths.  

Motorcycle Myths: 

  • I don’t need a special endorsement on my license to ride a motorcycle.  
  • In Virginia operating a motorcycle without the proper license or endorsement could result in penalties that may include fines or even jail time.  
  • I’ve been riding for years. I don’t need a training course.  
  • Training courses are about so much more than learning to ride. Certified training courses can help correct unsafe habits, remind you how to safely react when faced with an unexpected danger and brush up on your skills. Best of all, a Virginia Rider Training Program makes getting your motorcycle endorsement from DMV even easier.  
  • I wear all my gear when I ride so training is just unnecessary.  
  • While safety gear such as helmets, eye protection, proper clothing and gloves can save your life in the event of a crash, proper training can help prevent you from getting into that crash. Gear and training are a team that helps ensure you arrive alive. 
  • I don’t ride on interstates, so I’m way less likely to crash. 
  • In 2023 87% of motorcycle crashes occurred on non-interstate roads. Where you drive doesn’t matter if you aren’t driving safely and aren’t properly prepared for the unexpected. 

Learn more about the facts of motorcycle safety and about Virginia Rider Training Programs on our website.