I've riden 250's and 500CC dirt bikes all my life out in the desert, but have NEVER riden a street bike

MOST of my friends and family have bikes, but I've always tried to keep myself from getting one because of all the deaths/injuries contibuted to them by unaware automobile drivers. I've been ani-bikes for soooooo long for myself, I think I should stop fearing them and learn about them. Ranging from new Ducati's and Triumphs to some old school Nortons and Triumphs.....I am starting to love motorcycles!
What direction should I pursue to learn as much as I can on street riding and so on? I want to just show up at one of my friends meets for shock value

All in good time though....
Are the DMV courses good enough, or should I look at other sources aswell for good info?