Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual Online 2024

The state of Massachusetts’ Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is especially concerned about the safety of motorcycles on its roads.

As such, it offers numerous study resources to ensure the highest quality rider education, improved licensing processes and public awareness. Prospective motorcyclists are required to check out both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Driver’s Manual. These are available from your local RMV, or as a free PDF online.

Massachusetts Rider Education Program

The state RMV coordinates the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP), which offers quality education to both beginner and expert riders. The basic course is 15 hours long. It teaches beginners the skills of motorcycling, combining both on-cycle training and classroom instruction. After completing the course, individuals should know about the following:

Preparing to ride
Control of the vehicle
Turning and braking
Street awareness
Special riding situations
Riding impaired

First Things First

Before getting on a motorcycle, the Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual recommends that riders perform the following checks:

Tires – air pressure, general wear, tread
Fluids – oil and fluid levels
Lighting – properly functioning
Clutch and throttle – properly functioning
Mirrors – clean and properly adjusted
Brakes – each one should be properly functioning
Horn – ensure it works

Avoiding Collisions

Safe and responsible riders use defensive riding techniques to avoid accidents, or reduce the risk of injury should they be involved in a collision. Defensive riding incorporates elements of preparation, communication and caution. Some characteristics of defensive riding include:

Increased visibility – consider appropriate clothing, strategic lane positioning, headlights
Communication – use signals, brake light, lane position
Space cushions – must be maintained when following, being followed, sharing a lane, passing and being passed
Scan 10-15 seconds ahead on the road
Identify potential hazards and/or conflicts
Planning escape options in advance
Preparedness to act – staying alert and being ready to carry out accident avoidance actions

The SPIDER Strategy

Defensive riding can be summed up through the SPIDER acronym, as illustrated below:

SCAN for potential hazards on the road and plan to get out of dangerous situations.
PREDICT the distance, speed and direction of a hazard.
IDENTIFY other vehicles, animals, pedestrians, stationary objects in the road.
DECIDE how to act, based on the types of obstacles in your path. Communicate with other motorists and safely adjust vehicle speed and position.
EXECUTE the decision you have made.
RELY on the SPIDER process to create a safe riding environment for yourself and other motorists.

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual discusses these and other useful techniques for staying safe on the road. Get one step closer to being a licensed motorcyclist by studying the MA Manual provided below. See you on the road!