Safe driving skills can mean the difference between a mundane morning commute and a potentially serious accident. It’s especially true for motorcyclists, as riding a motorcycle is one of the most dangerous forms of transportation on the road. Taking a motorcycle safety course is a good idea, and many U.S. states, including California, offer such a program. The California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) is available at a cost of up to $425 for riders 21 and over, and up to $395 for those riders 20 and under.

Built around the R.I.D.E. philosophy (Responsible, Informed, Disciplined, and Equipped), the program’s fee covers student training, including classroom instruction and riding practice on a closed course. Training takes place at one of 87 different locations in the state, and an approved helmet is supplied beforehand. The program even provides motorcycles for training, though students can ride their own, as long as they meet predetermined requirements. Students are encouraged to wear motorcycle gear that makes riding safer, including pants, boots, a jacket, and gloves. Eye protection is also advised.

Expert instructors guide students through real-world situations, helping them to develop their skills along the way. Riders get comprehensive instruction based on the latest safety research. Students may receive insurance breaks once the course is completed, which could help offset the cost. Additionally, riders can get a DMV skills test waiver, saving time in the long run.

There are some things riders should know before enrolling in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). First, the minimum age is 15 ½, and students need a valid driver’s license, learner’s permit, or DMV ID card. Though self-balancing bikes do exist, you’re required to maintain your balance while sitting on a bike. Of the two courses offered, the 1-Day Premier Course is the shortest and is completed in around eight hours.

The Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) runs for about 15 hours over a three-day period. Unlike the Premier Course, the MTC is actually mandatory for all riders under the age of 21. This means that even if you do have some experience and want to go straight to the DMV for your motorcycle license, you won’t be able to get it. That’s because the MTC is California’s primary safety and training program, and all eligible riders must successfully complete it to move forward.

But while the CMSP has trained over 1,500,000 motorcyclists since 1987, some online reports seem to contradict the effectiveness of such programs. According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rider education programs yield mixed results. Skill improvement and rider behavior often don’t translate into real-world scenarios, and don’t necessarily reduce the number of motorcycle-related crashes over time. This means that even though the CMSP seeks to prepare students for the road, it’s the experience and knowledge accumulated afterward that makes all the difference.