Trama’s Auto School

I’d been riding a motorcycle and have a bike in NY but decided it was time to get a license. We were part of a 2-​full-​day weekend course. The instructor showed up 30 minutes late the first time then gave everyone a hard time for being a second late after each break. We then had afternoon practicals that were delayed over an hour due to the morning class delays meaning we didn’t finish our classes until 8pm. The classes were supposed to finish at 6pm and there was no indication from instructors that we’d be there late. Communication was horrible and when we asked them for updates they evaded the question time and time again. On to the practical course it self. If you’ve taken the course before it’s easier to see where the marks on the course are. But if it’s your first time, looking at a parking lot with parking lines, and a full array of dots, circles, markings in different colors etc means it’s impossible to know where the course is the first time around. Instructors were very condescending asking why we couldn’t possibly understand where the course was. They were rude, and one made several condescending remarks to women in the course. On day 2 we were delayed again and again and this time had to take the rider test in the dark — no headlights on bikes, dim streetlamps on the parking lot. It was past 7pm, we were hungry, tired and annoyed at the instructors. More than half of us failed including many of us with prior riding experience. Regardless of how well you do during the practice, if you fail during the exam, you’ve failed. That said, you’re given only one month to take a second retake exam. Schedule it early and ask to be able to take the day 2 class again so you get accustomed to the bike. If you don’t get accustomed to it you’ll likely fail again. I was able to take day 2 for free, while another student had to pay $ 75 for one hour of practice time before the exam. He passed too, but had to pay. On the exam — you’ll have to do a figure 8 so nail it. When they say you have to stop the bike with the front wheel in the box it has to be IN the box, not on the line of the box, etc. And whatever you do, be sure you’re in first gear before you start each test. You often have some space to walk or drive your bike before the starting point. Take this opportunity to drive in first gear otherwise you’ll stall. Stall 3 times and you fail. Overall feelings? If you have no other choice, go with them since they have a monopoly in Queens. But don’t expect to be nurtured. Practice during the practical and practice hard. It’s far harder to drive at slow speeds than fast — so if you’re an experienced driver, try to do a tight figure eight and see how well you do. Good luck.
PROS — decent bikes, only provider in Queens, good price, if you fail they might let you take day 2 for free
CONS — cocky instructors, poor instructions, failure to stay on time, poor communcation

This class is an absolute must for anyone looking to learn how to ride a motorcycle, safely and properly. I just completed the course and passed the skills evaluation and came into the course having never ridden a manual transmission motorcycle before. My only previous experience was a couple of days on a moped in the Keys and mountain and road biking (bicycle) experience. I left the class feeling much more confident while also understanding how seriously riding a motorcycle must be taken and how much more I’ll need to practice and gain experience to handle all on road situations. If you’re taking the class in Massapequa/​Nassau Coliseum I recommend asking for the class lead by Eric Trama. He was an amazing classroom and range instructor. JP was also out on the range and made sure that you were aware of any details you might be missing as you practiced each skill they taught. Both for myself as well as everyone else in the class there was a huge noticeable difference in everyone in the class. I took the course over 2 days, from 8:30am until about 7pm split between the classroom and the range. It may sound like a lot but both sessions are fun and interesting and time moves pretty quickly. I plan on taking the Basic Course 2 once I get some experience under my belt. I highly recommend this course for any beginner no matter how little experience you have.

I passed the Basic RiderCourse on Tuesday night, under the instruction of Eric and JP. I decided to take the course to sort out if motorcycling was for me, to feel more comfortable on the back of a bike, and be able to ride small bikes while on vacation.
The classroom section of the course allows for a great deal of discussion and questions, while giving each new rider all the knowledge necessary to ride safely as a beginner.
The range section of the course was very fun. Well, initially for me, it was quite challenging. This is because I never manipulated a clutch or gear shift before, not even in a car. The first day I was on a huge learning curve and felt like I was behind most of the other riders. I am so grateful for Eric, who got me on the bike the second day 20 minutes before the second range section to review clutch, throttle, and gear shift control. Those twenty minutes supported my learning for the entire second day and I grew significantly as a rider.
JP helped me become more confident on the bike by giving me little pep talks during and after the exercise. I really believe the reason I was successful on the skill evaluation was because of Eric and JP’s coaching. I had a great time and am excited to take some lessons with these great coaches!
PS. In the front of the classroom location, there is a Gear Shop that makes you feel like you are in Brooklyn. They sell a bunch of Revit gear, which is such an awesome brand AND students who take a course with Trama’s get 15% off anything they buy! Plus, Beatriz, the owner is super sweet and makes sure everyone is having fun and learning!

Excellent class! I had Marty as an instructor and he was very helpful. It was a two day course, but I successfully passed both motorcycle tests. I took the class in the winter. Kinda funny when we had some snow flakes come down. Thankfully they didn’t stick and we continued our course.

Amazing class, although I passed, it would of been well worth it even if I did not.
I had the opportunity to take the class with the founder’s son, Eric Trama. He really really cares about our safety and learning good habits. He tries to get as much as he can in, within the two day allotted time and I thought that I learned so much that I’m even a better driver now.
I highly recommend the school, and try to take your lesson’s with Eric if you could.

Awesome experience, beginning to end. If you want to ride a motorcycle and get your license, Trama’s is the place.
Safety is rule 1. And 21. And everything in between. Motorcycling is dangerous.
The Basic Rider Course is three sessions. One five hour class in the classroom in Massapequa, then two five hour on-​motorcycle riding sessions, at the end of which is the ‘evaluation’ — Trama-​speak for ‘road test.‘
I used to ride. Started at 11 with a mini bike, and escalated through bikes until I was 25. Never bothered to get a license. Married, kids, no bike. Kids are out of the house, and I’m a grown-​up now, so new bike, and license it is.
I’m tied up in the mornings, so PM it is for me. But the timing of the classes offered were mixed — that is, they offered a morning classroom session linked with two afternoon riding sessions. Or the other way around. As I said, this wouldn’t work for me, so I called and asked if I had any options. Wanda was great — she said ‘no problem’ and signed me right up. I took an afternoon classroom session with Marty, then two afternoon riding sessions with John Paul and Jerry. I thought (unfairly, I guess) that my request would be met with resistance. I was very happy that they made that accommodation so easily.
The classroom in Massapequa was a little squishy. Twelve participants and the instructor in a small room. Probably would have been less uncomfortable had it not been so hot out. But no deduction of stars for this — just a minor inconvenience.
The session was very informative. Much of the material is common sense, much is common to driving a car, but the stuff specific to knowing about riding a motorcycle is vast and detailed, helped along very well by the dry-​humored, very personable Marty.
At the end of the classroom session, you must take a New York State mandated written test. Fifty questions, I think (don’t quote me on this) you need to score 80 percent. If you don’t pass, you probably shouldn’t be on a bike. If you do fail however, they’ll give you a do-​over, just not on the same day (again, New York State.)
Jerry and JP met us at the riding location — in my case, the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, promptly at 1PM. Sign in, choose a helmet, greet your assigned bike, and pay attention.
There has been talk in previous reviews regarding promptness. I was on time, and everyone in my class was on time, so I never saw any consequences of showing up late, so I can’t speak to that. Hey — we’re grownups. Be on time in life. It’s disrespectful to everyone around you if you’re not.
Our class consisted of teenagers, and people right up into their fifties. All levels of experience were represented. Some had never been on a motorcycle before, some had experience, and some were actively riding their own bikes but needed to earn their license. We all did the same exercises and evaluations. Safety issues were constantly on the forefront. They’re serious, as they should be.
We went through oh, 18 exercises (?) in two days. The courses are clearly laid out, and the rider coaches describe what is expected, then they show you. They take as much time as you need to understand their expectations.
JP was on my case to turn my head more than I was. «Turn your head!» Every pass I made, «Turn your head!» He must have told me that 30 times. But this is not a complaint, rather, a tip of my hat (helmet?) to his tenacity. See, he wasn’t busting my chops or trying to make me feel bad, he was being patient and tenacious in his instructions. As soon as I started following his «Turn your head!,» I started riding better!
And Jerry was the Yang to JP’s Yin. Patient and mellow, she gave clear instructions and advice. Whatever experience level you’re at, there are some parts of the sessions that make your nerves begin to jingle. She has a great way to soothe without coddling.
Again, the name of the game on the course is ‘safety.’ Follow the directions, don’t be cocky, but don’t be afraid, and I think that the Tramas people will meet your goals.
So this was a pretty long-​winded review, and I don’t know that I accomplished what I set out to do. I wanted to speak to the quality of the program and the rider coaches (top notch,) but I did more describing than I meant to. The bottom line is that I would recommend this course to anyone interested in riding a bike. It’s a serious business — not to be taken lightly. You must match the seriousness of the program, but don’t forget to have fun. That’s why we’re doing all this, right?
And ‘safety first!’

I would give no stars if I could. I paid $ 350 for my course and I was aware of their no refund policy. But there was nothing mentioned for if there was emergency arises. On the week of the course, I had a family emergency and I was the only one in town. I had to be there for my mother and she was in the hospital. I was so occupied with work and this matter that I couldn’t and didn’t have the time to notify the school. I called and called, trying to reschedule my course because i really wanted to do it. I wasn’t even asking for full refund. I spoke to Wanda or Rhonda about my situation and she said to have a doctor’s note ready (which I have) and she’ll speak to the boss. I don’t even have the «boss» full name.
Their customer service was bad. I had to wait for days and nobody called me regarding this matter. In the end I called and «Bea» the boss, apparently, answered the phone. I told her about my situation and she started raising her voice on the phone. That’s not how you speak to your customer who spent $ 350 and asking to reschedule. I understand their position but at the same time she didn’t compromise as well. Their policy is incredibly flawed. If there is a chance at all, that emergencies would come up in your life before or on the day of the course, there will be no refund or reschedule. So stay FAR away from this particular school. I’m going to file a complaint at Better Business Bureau. This school is flawed, go somewhere further to take the course.

I will NEVER recommend anyone to this school. On the range «JP» talks to u like ur stupid. god forbid u dont hear him say something (ex. «Keys off») a.k.a. turn the key off, he makes u look like a jackass in front of everyone and makes a motion turning his hand and shouts «KEEEYYY OFFFF» talking to u like as if ur a 2 year old… i felt like smacking the helmet off his head but they u got by the balls because u have to kiss their ass because theyve got the certificate for u to bring to the dmv to get ur license. In the classroom Marty the instructor wasnt a bad guy he was just too sarcastic and u dont know if hes kidding or not, on the range he was pretty cool though. William (Bill) is a great guy all around and very helpful in both classroom and range.
Now lets go on to what i experienced on the range. first day went fine, ended later than 4:30 which doesnt make sense to me. The second day on the other hand, well lets see they told us in the class to meet at the range at 10:30 we get there n theres another class «finishing up». 2 HOURS LATER THEY CALL US FROM OUR CARS… it is now past 12:30 and the schedule says the class ends at 4:30. We start the final evaluation around 5. We got up to the second step of the evaluation (now 5:30) and they claim it is too dark and we have to come back another day and WE have to call the office to see what date it is going to be held. So not only did they make us wait 2 hours but now we have to come back another day and myself being located in mid-​suffolk wouldve really wanted some sort of partial-​refund because i traveled 40 – 50 minutes to get to massapequa/​nassau coliseum to not only be told to come back another day but also be held there AFTER 4:30 which is the time the range class should end. SO DONT MAKE ANY PLANS FOR CLOSE TO 4:30 BECAUSE CHANCES R THE CLASS IS GOING TO GO ON LATER THAN 4:30. Next day i call Tramas office and they tell me im going to have to travel even further and go to QUEENSBORO COLLEGE to do the make-​up class.
I arrive at the make-​up day and they always tell u dont be late so i got there 30min early, i see people on the range with the bikes (the same people from my previous classes) thinking they got there early and the instructor is letting them warm up. I hang out in my car for a bit then i walk over to the instructor he gives me the same papers i filled out the first day in the classroom and tells he’ll call me from my car when their done. AGAIN i wait an HOUR to start my make-​up evaluation… the evaluation started and i quickly told bill that didnt need to warm up or anything, showing him i wanted to get the show on the road and get out of there. Evaulation went quick and i passed. IMO the office people at Trama’s needs to get way more organized. Cant blame the instructors really for the delays, but «JP» on the other hand, needs the lighten the f**k up.

I was fortunate enough to take the Basic Rider Course motorcycle class with Marty and JP this weekend. I had planned to simply start riding a scooter to work, but figured I should take this class first. Wow, this class is so extremely helpful — even for me as one who cycles most places in NYC now. You will learn so much from these guys and you will feel far more confident and safer on the road for the rest of your life. This course is a life-​saver as I learned so many strategies that will help me mitigate risk going forward.
Also, FYI, to properly prepare yourself for this course:
1. Arrive on time.
2. Be prepared with boots, long sleeves, pants, and full-​fingered gloves.

Just passed the course yesterday. My classroom instructor was Michael and he was great. We got through the workbook questions in groups and then headed to the range where both Michael and Marty taught us. The past reviews dont lie, Marty is tough but not «mean». He values your safety and while he is strict, he wants you to learn. Overall, the exercises were helpful and i feel confident i can succeed on a bike with more practice

I just returned from my basic rider course. It was an amazing experience. I read the reviews below and the two negative reviews (at the time of writing) made me worried. I had no previous experience on a motorcycle. I would like to make clear that I my experience with Trama’s has been awesome and I was pleasantly surprised to find that my experience was nothing like theirs.
Firstly, I would like to clear John Paul’s name. He was great, certainly more on the sterner side but he struck me as well seasoned pro who without a doubt rides to the standards that he teaches. His partnered instructor was Marty. Marty’s approach is slightly more playful, however; in the end it is clear that both Marty and JP accept to watch you jerk and wobble (possibly fall) but dedicate themselves fully to making sure you are as prepared as you can be as a novice rider. Marty was also our classroom instructor and he is gifted at mentally preparing you for the responsibility and sheer joy we accept and expect when riding a motorcycle. Put simply, the classroom portion was fun and I learned more than I expected.
To be as unbiased as possible, I will speak to the cons. Yes their site is dated (I noticed they were making updates to the site as I was preparing to sign up for the course) and the sign up process may also be dated but it still works. Communication was made and received on both ends when needed so in the end, trust the folks at Trama’s and if you need something from them, make a phone call.
Also, I can see how someone, who is sensitive to having a stern instructor take it personally and feel hurt or offended if they feel they are a target. If this happens, remember this: you’re considering taking up a hobby where you sit and travel at high velocity on top of a small missile where everything in the world around you can potentially harm and or kill you, especially yourself.
Of course that is an extreme thing to say so in other words, toughen up, be confident, admit fault, look to your instructors for help and guidance and you will see this entire experience as fun, enriching, exciting and rewarding.

I never got to the Motorcycle safety school portion of the program (which is actually taught by Queensborough College — NOT Trama’s, Firstly, They offered no driving directions from Manhattan and when I got lost, there was no telephone number to call to provide any help. NOR do they have an answering machine (this is definitely on purpose as Beatriz Trama was very clear that they have NEVER had an answering machine). My guess is, that they just really don’t want to call you back. Because they don’t respond to faxes, and you have to call several times before anyone will return your calls if you have a problem. I should have realized when they wanted the full $ 350 up front in a money order that there were problems. A reminder, always listen to your red flags! Find another place.

I thought to myself… oh I rode a motorcycle upstate I don’t need this… but I want to pass my road test fer sure… so I’ll take this class…
Honestly I don’t like riding motorcycles… they are dangerous and much less comfortable then riding a car. No air conditiioning, bugs be biting you… and one mistake can = death.
But this class really surpassed my expectations. I also had JP and Marty, and JP does play the tough cop, but honestly if you want to survive on your bike you need a reality check and JP makes sure that you leave the class a competent driver. He’s got a sense of humor, but there’s nothing funny when it comes to making sure you got the skills down. And that’s the way it should be.
Marty really wowed me. He’s the type of teacher that is amiable and teaches in a way that both shows true mastery of the material, and a real concern for students welfare. He is a obvious master of how to manage risk, and it shows. One time our class had done the drill and allotted time but was struggling with the drill. Rather than ending the drill and TAKING A REST, Marty got us on the bikes and we got to try it again. That to me is a sign of greatness… when someone puts their own comfort and convenience aside for the greater good.
I enjoyed every part of the Tramas experience even though I didn’t go into it with a real positive attitude or expectation, and that says a lot.
Every part of the class and administration was handled professionally and just about as well as you could expect… 5 stars all around. Great job Tramas!

I took the Basic Motorcycle Course at Queensboro Community College on July 20 – 21, 2013. It was GRUELING because we were in the height of the heatwave (90+ temps, midday, in long pants, long-​sleeve shirts, gloves and helmets.) The instructors, Bill & Peter, were super nice. Yes, tough, but nice.
I really felt nervous about this class and was so thrilled I was able to get on the bike and ride very quickly. I was not so thrilled that I was not picking up the nuances of braking and clutching as fast as I wanted to. My nerves kept getting in the way. The heat did not help! But the instructors were very patient and understanding.
I learned enough in two days that I feel confident to buy a small bike now and go out and practice with someone more experienced.
Two comments: 1) I felt the class was too large and caused us to go over the expected end time by a couple hours (this was also due to another class not being done on the range in time for us to start); 2) I wished we could have had a LOT more time practicing the tight U-​turns, or maybe an exercise where we started with a loose u-​turn and gradually got tighter and tighter. But there is only so much time in two days and the finer techniques will simply take more practice time on my own. I passed the class so I can get my license now without taking the DMV road test, and I’m a happy girl.
I definitely recommend this class. If you are thinking about it, schedule it for the fall when it’s a little cooler.

I just recently passed the beginner rider course given by Trama’s at QCC… It is everything you could expect and more. I had JP and Marty. They both give expert advice and are extremely attentive to what the rider is doing. They both are able to dwell out their advice in ways that everyone can understand and make gel in their mind. JP is more of the «fun cop» but cracks the whip when safety is involved. Marty, who calls himself «Bad Santa», plays both good cop and bad cop.
At the end of the course, I felt like I learned a ton about riding and now have to pay attention to the other idiots on the road. Also… no braking on turns, ever! Also… don’t cover the brakes as when that moment arises when you go «oh snap!» you will grab the front brake out of fear and then drop the bike on yourself.
Be forewarned that you will need snacks, and lunch. Bring plenty of water to the course. Most importantly, have fun and pay attention as this will teach you how to ride in a parking lot under adult supervision and it’s up to you to transfer it to the streets.

I literally just came home from the two day Basic Rider Course held at Queensborough Community College. WHEW. What a weekend.
MOST IMPORTANT:
Do NOT be late. Under any circumstances. At all. Forever. You can be ten seconds late and you will be kicked out of the class, NO REFUNDS, no make-​ups. This didn’t happen in my class, but I know that has happened to other people.
Next: Where the hell is the damn place? (Ties into «don’t be late» because it was impossible to find without direction).
When you are on the corner of 226^th Street and 56^th avenue facing QCC, turn left. See those two ghetto white little one floor «buildings?» Well, «annexes,» whatever. Yeah, it’s the further, left one of the two; it’s the door next to the «Shadowbox Theater.»
The good stuff:
I had Michael Friedle and Marty as my instructors. They are both old guys who look like Santa. And they both know bikes like you wouldn’t believe. Michael is the sweetest grandpa-​type ever. All you want to do is give him a hug and eat milk and cookies with him on Christmas. Marty is the tough-​love type who strictly enforces the rules but still wants you to have a good, safe, responsible time. Michael does the same, but with a softer touch.
Day 1 consisted of almost 3 hours of classroom lesson, going through the book and answering some of the 120 questions in the book. After that, we had a break and walked to the range (aka, little parking lot).
Where is the range? When you exit the door of the annex you are in, turn left, then turn left again and enter the running track. Walk down the length of the track and you will see the said parking lot.
On the range, you learn where the various controls/​parts of the bike are, how to turn it on, how to power walk it, how to ride in first gear, how to work the «friction zone» (or ride the clutch, pretty much), how to brake, change gears, weave in and out of cones, and a bunch of other stuff I can’t remember.
Every hour, you get a 10 – 15 minute break to eat/​use the bathroom in the nearby building.
While one instructor talks to you about the exercise you are about to do, the other instructor sets up the cones for that exercise. The two of them were ridiculously efficient and there was no wasted time. By the time you were done hearing about what you had to do and looking at a diagram of it, the range was already set up! Clearly years of experience on how to effectively have a smooth flow to the class.
Day 2 consisted of about the same amount of classroom time, then one written exam. If you paid attention in class (which is really should), you’ll pass the 50 question multiple choice, as long as you get 40 of them correct.
On the range, we did more fun stuff including swerving, driving over obstacles (which are just 2×4 pieces of wood), coming to a quick stop, figure 8’s (which are the bane of my existence), changing lanes/​signaling, and smooth turning. Throw in some weaving, because that was fun, too.
Once that’s all done, you get 20 minutes to practice 3 of the 4 exercises that are on the practical evaluation. This includes a relatively tight figure 8, swerving, and coming to a quick stop. The fourth exercise is doing a 135 degree turn smoothly, but you practiced that earlier on day 2, so you don’t really get a second chance to practice before the evaluation.
Ultimately, the instructors seriously want you to develop good, safe habits. They know what they’re talking about, so listen and don’t take anything personally. Also, do NOT have your cellphone on you AT ALL when on the range. Marty will reprimand you and suggest that you leave the class. Leave it in your bag.
It’s important to remember that you do not pay $ 350 for a motorcycle license here. You paid for a Basic Rider Course. Don’t just assume you have to get through two days and you get a license. You have to learn how to control the bike safely and perform the tasks they ask.
My only criticism was that as a student with zero motorcycle experience, the fact we only did each exercise 3 – 4 times was not enough for me to get a good handle on it. On a positive note, Marty worked this out by saying I could practice during break. On day 1 I had a hard time smoothly changing gears, but the extra practice during break helped a ton.
Actually, the other criticism is the fact that to register for the class you either had to go to the office in person or mail in the application. Come on, it’s 2013, online registration would be awfully convenient. Or even over the phone registration.
Miscellaneous:
Bring food. There’s nothing within walking distance to eat, but there is a Burger King/​general fast food on Northern. There’s a vending machine in the building, but that’s about it. Riding for hours WILL make you starving.
Anyway. Thanks Trama’s, for the awesome experience. I would recommend this school for sure.

Just completed my 2 day Basic Riders Course at queens borough community college and I must say it really was a great experience. The instructors were strict but also had a fun side. All in all they want you to be safe. I highly recommend this course of you are looking to learn how to ride a motorcycle and get your license

Some students may complaint that one or two instructors may be too «mean» at times.
My advice to them is not to take anything personal. I’ve heard my name called once or twice for not following directions.
My attitude is to learn your mistake and move rather than being angry. You’ll lose your focus by being upset. You’ll also realize that almost everyone in the group be verbally «corrected» as well.

My experience at Trama was horrible!!! I took one private lesson and because I had never ridden a motorcycle before, I was discouraged from taking the course because, «I would be holding everyone else back.» I didn’t know Trama only gave lessons to people who have some motorcycle knowledge. If the instructors are so great then they should have been able to teach someone like me, who has never been on a bike. I drove all the way out to Long Island to be told not to sign up for the classes or I would be dropped if I held everyone else back. Maybe this was a ploy to get me to take private lessons. Who knows? Then the instructor told me to call the office and tell them to cancel my classes so I could get my money back. That’s all well and good, but my lesson was Friday evening around 5 and when I called the office it was closed. Funny their policy is you must cancel before 24 hrs to get your money back. When I called the next day I was given the run around and told I couldn’t get my money. After several calls and talking to «someone in charge» I was given my refund minus a $ 10 processing fee. So all in all, Trama sucks eggs!!! My advicve if you’ve never been on a motorcycle, go to another school where they’re not so damned elitist and have the patience to teach you. TRAMA GETS A BIG THUMBS DOWN FROM ME!!!

I can’t speak to the Auto portion of the business, but I took my Motorcycle Safety course there. (they also have a scooter school for the mods out there)
The place is top notch. I hesitated at first for a couple reasons:
1. their website seems dated
2. everything was done through snail mail (sending check for class, waiting for confirmation, etc.)
After reading on many forums how great they were, i took the plunge. I’m glad I did.
They have many locations where you can take your motorcycle class. I took it in SUNY Farmingdale in LI. The course is 3 days and if you pass, the state waives your road test.
The school was easy to deal with, the class was very helpful in my motorcycle development and the instructors were a pleasure. If you are thinking about getting into riding, i would highly recommend reaching out to Tramas.
Ride Safe!