This is how to sign up for MMDA’s motorcycle riding academy

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has announced the enrollment process for its recently opened Motorcycle Riding Academy located at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) along Julia Vargas Avenue, corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. 

The MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy's course is free of charge [Photo: MMDA]

To refresh your memories, this facility aims to impart basic knowledge and safe operation of motorcycles. Done via theoretical and practical lessons, the academy is open to everyone for free as a part of the MMDA’s initiative to reduce fatalities among two-wheeler users. 

The facility can operate for free thanks to the donations of several personages and companies. Former MMDA chief Benhur Abalos for starters, donated 10 motorcycles for the academy. Honda Philippines, Inc. meanwhile, handed over 21 motorcycle units to the MMDA, with more to follow in the near future. 

So how does one join the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy? To start, one has to fill up this form (link). After submitting a form, a would-be student will then receive an email indicating their schedule for the course. 

The second day will involve an eight-hour practice session [Photo: MMDA]

Do note that an enrollee must at least be 17 years old, and those within that age will need to supply a consent letter from their parent or guardian. 

Next, an enrollee has to pay the academy a visit to present the following documents: 

-Photocopies of driver’s license or student’s permit, if available
-Parent’s consent (if an applicant is below 18 years of age)
-Barangay clearance and certificate of employment (if employed)
-Medical certificate
-Waiver/health declaration (provided by Motorcycle Riding Academy)

The course will take up to two days to complete. It will likewise require participants to bring their own motorcycle riding safety gear. This includes a proper helmet, jacket, pants, shoes or boots, gloves, elbow guards, and knee guards. 

Under the course, participants will undergo a two-hour basic road emergency response course, a two-hour road traffic rules and regulations course, and a four-hour motorcycle orientation course. The latter covers motorcycle parts and the basic operation of motorcycles. All of these are covered under the first day.

The MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy will help in promoting road safety and proper motorcycle riding practices [Photo: MMDA]

The second day meanwhile, is an eight-hour motorcycle skills practice session, followed by skills evaluation and assessment. Once all of those are completed, a participant will then receive his/her certificate of completion. 

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