Been riding since I was 7 and I swallowed my pride taking a few MSF (motorcycle Safety Foundation) courses in the early 1990's.(and I should take more now, thinking about it)
I HIGHLY recommend taking a certified course even if you have been riding for decades. I un-learned bad habits and some instinctual behaviour that would have lead to my injury or death on several occasions since....even on the way home from one of the courses.
There are enough risks out there coming from all directions. The best thing you can do is to minimize those risks that you yourself have control over. By all means, learn and become a good rider. You will thank yourself and meet good people while you do.