I think the safety course is a very good idea for anyone who has little or no experience same with wearing gear. Safety course is even a good idea for an experienced dirt rider going for their lic., you get a break on insurance and your lic. test is part of the course. In PA if you take the safety course you can go without a helmet right away.

I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!