As a former Ontario CSC motorcycle safety course instructor, I think that is a GOOD thing. The MTO is set up only to test, not to instruct, so if you're a newbie all you have is a pretty vague book to learn by... or the "advice" of a rider who is probably not as skilled as they'd like to think they are.Sandibeach wrote:They try to make it as hard as possible, so you'll go with a school.
By taking the course you are given specific and detailed instructions on how to ride properly and defensively, so that when they test you at the end of the course you (usually) pass with no trouble. Also, because of the skill sets you learn, a lot of insurance companies in Ontario (not sure if it's the same in other provinces) will give you a discount on your policy - often for more than the cost of the course itself. I recall instructing a course in Belleville where a young male with a 600cc sportbike was thrilled to find out that he was saving $1,500 per year, every year, simply by taking the course. More than made up for the $350 one-time course fee!