()
May is Motorcycle Safety Month, and Installation Management Command offers motorcycle safety courses to keep riders safe while enjoying the open road.
"Active-duty service members, civilian employees, contractors and family members are required to have a U.S. state-issued motorcycle license or endorsement on a current U.S. state driver's license to operate a motorcycle in Europe," said Herbert Nold, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Safety specialist. "Additionally, riders are required to complete a four-hour approved U.S. Army in Europe motorcycle orientation course and pass a 30-question written test to receive a USAREUR motorcycle license."
According to Army in Europe Regulation 190-1 (Jan. 11, 2019), once those requirements are met, civilian employees, contractors and family members can take their paperwork to their local vehicle processing center to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their U.S. Forces Certificate of License or obtain a U.S. Forces Motorcycle Certificate of License.
"Active-duty service members have a few more requirements than civilians to complete before obtaining their motorcycle license," Nold said.
Military applicants who don't have a current Motorcycle Safety Foundation card, but do have a current state or country motorcycle license or endorsement to their driver's license, will receive an eight-day temporary motorcycle license that will be issued three duty days before the beginning of a MSF course.
MSF training is for active-duty service members only and takes place on Kapaun Air Station across from the Kapaun Vehicle Processing Center.
People can visit the Army IMCOM Registration System link at https://imc.army.mil/airs (Common Access Card is required) to view available classes in their area.
When attending the initial MSF Basic Riders Course in Kaiserslautern, loaner bikes are provided, Nold said. Students must wear protective gear to include a helmet, gloves, motorcycle jacket (if available), long-sleeve shirt, long pants or jeans and sturdy boots.
Service members must have a valid MSF card to attend the Basic Rider Course, which is only valid for 12 months. Within that 12-month time frame, they must attend the MSF Experienced Rider Course or Motorcycle Sport Rider Course (the course depends on the type of motorcycle owned). Both courses are valid for five years.
"Driving a motorcycle to and from work or recreationally can be a lot of fun," Nold said. "Just ensure you have the right qualifications, training and protective equipment to make for safe and enjoyable rides."
