Motorcycle clases for almost 18
Hello Parents, please help. My older kid is pushing the issue of him having a motorcycle for his 18th birthday, I personally don't like the idea, I think it is too dangerous, I have seen many accidents where motorcycles where involved, but that is just my opinion and it seem like he already make his minds. Now I would like to know if there is a motorcycle's driving schools that take under 18 students? Please help
Aug 22, 2024
Parent Replies
I love the idea of you saying you will pay for the motorcycle driving school and you insist/highly recommend he take it prior to getting his motorcycle license, but no way would I buy him a motorcycle. A friend died riding his motorcycle, blocks from home, had ridden for years, felt he was a safe rider. It is incredibly dangerous. I get it that at that point there isn't much you can do except try to support as best you can. My teen also wants one and it's terrifying for me.
Hi, the CHP has motorcycle safety classes and they provide helmet and bike if you're new and are unsure if motorcycle riding is for you. It's a requirement for riders under 21. My son and husband went together (the class was in Alameda) and they both got a lot out of it, even my husband who has been riding for years. Website is motorcyclesafetyca.com.
My father was an oral surgeon and he said he would NEVER let us ride a motorcycle. He was adamant. I know you think he has already made up his mind but if he lives with you and you are supporting him in any way I would not allow it. There are some hard NO’s and this would be mine.
I am speaking as both a mother of adult children and as an RN with a 44 year career spent in pediatric intensive care and surgery: There is NO WAY in the world I would EVER buy my kid (or anyone I loved) a motorcycle! They are horribly dangerous; are you aware that they are also known as “donorcycles”? I am sure safety classes exist, but no amount of skill or knowledge can prevent an accident caused by another driver. A person on a motorcycle is unprotected. A helmet does not prevent serious injury and permanent disability. Just say no PERIOD.
If you do cave and aid this plan, in addition to paying for a class you can take him to visit a rehab facility (I know someone who did this as a deterrent for their son who wanted a motorcycle) or (together) watch some documentaries and learn what it’s like to live with a severe head injury from a motor cycle accident.
I apologize if I sound harsh, but after what I’ve seen I feel very strongly about this.
Is he asking for a motorcycle for his birthday present? Because obviously the answer is no. I like the idea of paying for the motorcycle driving school as his present though. Beyond that, once he's 18, he's an adult and can do stupid things like buy his own motorcycle if he has the money. I'd make him pay for his own insurance and the increase in your umbrella insurance, too.
It's not "just an opinion" that motorcycles are dangerous, it's demonstrable fact. Is he going to become financially independent on his 18th birthday? If not, then you don't need to cave on this. As long as you continue to support him, fully or partially, no motorcycle. Once he's an adult and is financially independent then at that point you really can't stop him (though you can still let him know how you feel about it). And even if he does eventually get one, there's a big difference between an 18yo brain and a 20-something year old brain.
I had a motorcycle for a few years, and I would not help my kids get a motorcycle at all. They are just extremely dangerous, and even at 30 as a very defensive driver I had too many close calls. My suggestion is to advise against him getting his license and do everything you can to keep him off a motorcycle.