Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    PA Motorcycle Safety Program

    Riding Gear

    Students participating in a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program training course must wear the appropriate riding gear outlined below.

    Gear list

    • Helmet: Full-face and 3/4 helmets are acceptable provided they meet minimum DOT certification. Personal helmets are subject to inspection for the DOT certification and that they are in good working condition. Please note that due to COVID-19 mitigation concerns, not all sites will be loaning helmets for use during a class.  If you need to borrow a helmet, please check with the individual third-party motorcycle training provider before attending your class to determine availability.
    • Eye protection: Face shield, goggles, or some form of sunglasses or eyeglasses. They may be tinted or clear. Ordinary prescription glasses may be worn.
    • Full-fingered gloves: Closed-back with no holes in them. They must be street-motorcycle specific and/or durable leather. Mechanics gloves, batting gloves, etc. are NOT acceptable.
    • Pants: You must wear pants! No exceptions. Denim or leather jeans are preferred. All pants are required to have NO holes in them and must come down to the foot. Spandex or cotton leggings are NOT acceptable.
    • Shirt: Long-sleeve T-shirt or dress shirt that reaches the wrist or jacket are all acceptable.
    • Shoes/Boots: Over the ankle with little to no heel. Shoes can be an athletic or hiking shoe that provides reinforced ankle support. Boots are preferred. Your footwear should have a good rubber sole for traction and the heel shouldn't be higher than what is commonly on a "workman's boot." Thin fabric shoes made of canvas or other fabrics that do not provide support are not acceptable.The classic Converse
      • All Star "Chuck Taylor" or dress shoe are examples of shoes that DO NOT meet the requirements.

    Frequently asked questions about riding gear

    Yes, you may use your riding gear providing it meets the requirements.

    Due to COVID-19 concerns, individuals should provide all riding gear outlined above.  Training locations MAY provide helmets.  You should check with the third-party motorcycle training provider for availability. 

    If you are not able to meet the riding gear requirements and are missing items other than those the training location may provide you, YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO RIDE! The basic riding gear requirements are for your protection in the learning environment.

    There are no exceptions to the riding gear requirements. It is mandated that all riders be sufficiently protected at all times in the training environment. You will be asked to have all your gear on whenever you are on a motorcycle.