the msf is designed for people with ZERO experience. it'd be a MUCH better idea to take the course with instructors there to help you in the early stages than to just go get a permit and attempt to learn on your own, on the street, with no one there really to tell you what you're doing wrong, or right.

and besides, you get to ride thier bikes and risk dropping them while you learn, rather than your own. and just for the record, if you do happen to drop a bike during the msf, that doesn't mean you automatically fail. i've seen many a person drop a bike during the course, and still walk out with a passing grade.