Bay Area Motorcycle Training, Inc.®

You must register and pay for a course before attending the first session. "Walk in" students are not accepted. Everything you want to know is covered on the page: What is required to take the course

Is there a standby list to get into an earlier course?

Photo: student signals 'in neutral' at end of exercise Yes, but it is not automatic. When you register and pay for a course, you must ask to be put on the standby list. When an opening occurs in an earlier course, the office will call students on the standby list in the order which they registered. Each will be offered a transfer to the earlier seat. The first person to respond will get the transfer. Seats can not be held open until everyone checks messages ... it is first come first serve, just like registration. "Walk in" students are not accepted in any session unless they have a Class Pass issued by the office. Class Pass students (who are trying to complete a previously started course) have priority over Standby students (who already have a confirmed seat in a later course).

Do I need to have my own motorcycle?

No, we provide the training motorcycle. No prior riding experience is expected or required. Unless you are absolutely certain which bike you want to own, we encourage you to wait until after the course to choose one. In the classroom, we discuss the things you might want to consider in choosing a motorcycle to fit your needs.

What kinds of motorcycles are provided?

We try to have a mixture of styles and models from major manufacturers, but all training motorcycles are required to be less than 500cc. Our fleet includes standards, cruisers, and dual sports. Click here for photos of the bikes we use.

Do you have scooters to ride?

We have a limited number of scooters which may be reserved when you make your reservation, but you must call the office to reserve a scooter. We strongly suggest you learn on one of our motorcycles unless you already have your own scooter. Learning a motorcycle teaches you clutch operation, which is difficult to learn on your own. A motorcycle rider can ride any scooter ... but if you only learn a scooter and you ever need - or want to try - to ride a motorcycle, you may need that skill. (Also note, State rules require you to use the same type of vehicle for the entire course. You can not switch from motorcycle or scooter to the other mid-course.)

If I do have one, can I ride my own motorcycle or scooter?

If you are over 21, you may use your own motorcycle or scooter in the course with the following restrictions:

It must be a street legal vehicle.
You must have a MOTORCYCLE learner permit which is valid (unexpired and unrestricted, see "restricted") through the ENTIRE course. (If you are under 21, you can not get a motorcycle learner permit until after taking this course, so you can not use your own vehicle.)
You must show proof of insurance for the vehicle.
The engine size must be 500cc or LESS.
The vehicle must be inspected by one of our RiderCoaches.
The RiderCoach's decision is final over the suitability of the vehicle for use in the planned exercises.

(Also note, State rules require you to use the same type of vehicle for the entire course. You can not switch from motorcycle or scooter to the other mid-course.)

What if I don't have a helmet?

Photo: Coach Alisha coaches the starting technique We provide loaner full face or 3/4 helmets for students who do not have one. We have sizes to accommodate most people. Please see the What to bring, What is provided page for more complete information.

Where can I get the riding gear for the course?

Any motorcycle dealer and most motorcycle accessory stores carry a full range of these items at varying prices. We do not sell any riding gear. We do not loan any riding gear other than helmets.

Do I still have to go to the DMV after passing the course?

Yes. You get your license from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. We only give you the DMV form DL389, which allows you to waive the riding portion of your license test. You still have to take the DMV written test. If it has been more than a year since you received your car license, they may also ask you to take the car written test. If you never had a car license and are applying for only a motorcycle license, they may also ask you to take an on road riding test at an intersection near the DMV office. (The DMV DL389 is mailed to you within 10 business days after you complete the course. Be sure to allow time for the mail delivery when you make plans to visit the DMV.)

Note: Students showing a non-U.S. driver license are not eligible for a DMV DL-389 to waive the DMV riding test. Such students are strongly encouraged to apply for a DMV learner permit before taking the course.

How long can I wait before getting my license?

Licensing questions should be directed to the DMV. We can not answer licensing questions because we are not authorized to speak for the DMV and different DMV offices may enforce the policy differently. However we can say THE DL389 CERTIFICATE EXPIRES ONE YEAR AFTER THE DATE IT IS ISSUED and cannot then be reissued. You must take (and pay) the entire course again to get another.

I have a restricted or punched license. Can I use it for the class?

CMSP Policy states: "Any potential student who possesses a license that has been restricted due to one or more convictions for driving while impaired may not participate in any CMSP RiderCourse until all restrictions to the license have been lifted."
A license with a punched hole is invalidated and can not be used.

Can I get my money back if I change my mind?

Photo: Coach Tony praises a good stop      Tuition fees are not refundable for any reason. You may cancel a reservation and reschedule for another course within six months of the original reservation. Cancellation must be at least 5 business days before your reserved class starts. Cancellation within 5 business days is considered a voluntary withdrawal and you must pay the entire course fee again to reschedule.
     "No Show" Failure to appear on time at a classroom or riding session requires paying 50% of the full course fee to reschedule and no priority is given for the next open class.
     "No Show" Failure to appear at all at a classroom or riding session FORFEITS the course fee. The entire fee must be repaid to take the course again from the beginning.
     The complete Rescheduling Policy is mailed or emailed to every student with the confirmation letter. You can view a copy of the Rescheduling Policy here. (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the copy.)

What happens if I have a conflict after I start a course?

Stuff happens. If you know you will not be able to attend a reserved classroom or range session, please tell us. Call the office and leave a message. All rescheduling is done on a space available basis only. If you have a problem, we will do our best to work with you. An unexplained absence is noted as a no-show and you forfeit the course fee. The entire fee must be repaid to take the course again from the beginning. No-shows are given no priority for seating when rescheduling.

How do I get into another course if I miss or need to repeat a session?

First, remember that ALL course fees are Non-Refundable!
There are six possibilities for repeats:

Failure to appear on time - requires paying 50% of the full course fee to reschedule, rescheduling is done by Class Pass (see below).
Failure to appear with required material (documents or riding gear) - requires paying 50% of the full course fee to reschedule, rescheduling is done by Class Pass (see below).
Failure to appear at all - forfeits the course fee, entire fee must be repaid to reschedule.
Failed written or riding evaluation - allowed only one (1) more attempt at no charge, rescheduling is done by Class Pass (see below). If the one (1) additional attempt is unsuccessful, entire fee must be paid again and restart entire course.
Voluntary withdrawal (student stops self) - requires paying the entire course fee to reschedule.
Involuntary withdrawal (RiderCoach stops student) - allowed only one (1) more attempt at no charge, rescheduling is done by Class Pass (see below). If the one (1) additional attempt is unsuccessful, entire fee must be paid again and restart entire course.

Class Pass: To reschedule, call the office for a Class Pass. We will send you a Class Pass which allows you to attend classroom or riding sessions, as needed, as a standby student for a specified period of time. You should arrive at least 45 minutes before the session Roll Call. When you arrive, contact a RiderCoach to find your name on the "Carryover List". Please Do Not interrupt the RiderCoaches if they are instructing a session already in progress. If space is available, the RiderCoach will add you into the session on a first come, first serve basis, and you stay with that group for the rest of its sessions. If there is no space in the session, the RiderCoach will sign and date your attempt on the list. If you have attempted at least three sessions and were unable to get a seat, contact the office and we will work with you to try to find space in the schedule. (During times of high demand it may not be possible to find open space. You may have to keep trying.)
If you are added into a session, you must fill out and sign a new waiver form and show a valid driver license, California permit, or California identification card. (If you are under 18, you will need to bring a parent with you again to your first session with the new group to co-sign the new waiver form.)

Does every student pass the course?

Photo: student signals 'ready to start exercise' to RiderCoach across the range About 80% of the students pass the course the first time.
You may repeat the course (only once) at no additional charge if you do not pass the first time or if you are asked to leave for safety reasons. Repeat scheduling must be completed within six months of your original reservation.

Do we ride on the street? What about steep hills?

All of the riding is done on pavement on a closed range. During each range session, you will actually ride a motorcycle 12-15 miles, but there are no hills and no street traffic to worry about. How to ride on the street is covered extensively in the second half of the course by addressing Street Strategies.

How many students are there per RiderCoach on the range?

The maximum riding session is 12 students working with 2 RiderCoaches. More than 12 students are never allowed, but often there are fewer due to no-show or drop out. Both RiderCoaches coach all students at various times - you do not work with just one of the two.

Can I take a course with a particular RiderCoach?

We have men and women RiderCoaches certified by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program to teach all sessions of the course, but we can not guarantee any particular RiderCoach will teach a specific course. It takes at least two RiderCoaches to teach a full course, and you could have as many as five different RiderCoaches in one course.

Is there a separate course for people with no experience?

" I've been contemplating this course for a while. But I'm scared I'll be left way behind because I have NO experience while others will have some. "

Photo: Coach Sam demonstrates scooters CAN lean

     The curriculum is designed to be taught to students who have never even sat on a motorcycle. All students are considered to be at the same skill level regardless of any prior experience. Even if everyone in a course is experienced, not one part of the course may be shortened or skipped. The RiderCoach is required to see that every student has sufficient time and the proper personal attention to meet each objective in each lesson. Students will not be left behind ... the course is not run at the speed of the fastest learners (dragging others along), nor is it run at the speed of the slowest learners (pushing them to hurry) - it is run according to a precise schedule designed for the eager but inexperienced learner. However, students who simply can not meet the objective of a lesson in the allowable time will be asked to withdraw and may consider repeating the session or the entire course. (See Does every student pass the course?)
     The one thing no one can teach is balance. Students who have never ridden a bicycle or anything that requires balance may or may not get their sense of balance in the time allowed. We can't separate those students and let them keep trying. Occasionally we do have to ask students to come back after they have practiced balancing.
     The average mix of students in a course is a few who have never had any contact with motorcycles, the majority who have had some contact but are not really "experienced", and a few who know how to ride but are getting back into it. RiderCoaches often say it is the "never had" who are the best learners.

Do dealers reimburse for courses?

Dealers and manufacturers occasionally offer rebate programs to encourage you to take a safe riding course. The Basic Rider Course usually meets all requirements for reimbursable training, but the rules are established by the dealer or manufacturer. The Graduate Card (and the DMV DL389 form) you receive after completing the course is proof of your achievement. Some rebate programs require an additional proof of payment receipt. If you need one, contact the office.

What about insurance discounts?

Some insurance companies offer discounts of 10% or more for completing a safe riding course. The Basic Rider Course usually meets all requirements for discounts. Check with your insurance agent. The Graduate Card you receive after completing the course is proof of your achievement.

I lost my certificate. How do I get another?

DL389 CERTIFICATES EXPIRE ONE YEAR AFTER DATE OF ISSUE.
If your certificate is expired, you can not receive a replacement. You must take the entire course again to receive a new certificate.

CMSP logo      The DMV DL389 certificate is a legal document strictly controlled by the State. Issuance of every single certificate is recorded by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program for the California Highway Patrol. Their rules for reissuing must be followed exactly.
     First, be certain where and when you took the course. Only the school which issued the original can issue a replacement. We teach in San Francisco and Benicia only (previously in Napa and Vallejo). If you took the course anywhere else, contact that school.
     Next, you must send to the office a postal letter with the following information.
(You may not fax or email the information. It must be a paper letter with a hand written signature. You may write your own letter or use and print the Request For Replacement DL-389 form.)

a request to reissue the certificate
a reason why the reissue is necessary (lost, stolen, destroyed, ...)
the exact location where you took the course
the date of your original course first session (even if you repeated, give the original)
the date of your final (riding evaluation) session
the address you used when you registered for the original course if different from your current address
your current address where the new certificate should be sent
a photo copy of your current, non-expired driver license
your printed name as it appeared on the original course registration
your hand written signature
(If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must sign and provide proof of relationship.)

     All of the above must be received by us within one year of the date of issue, otherwise your certificate is expired and can not be replaced.
     If your original registration can be found, your letter signature will be compared to your waiver signature. Your request will be filed with your original form. You may not be allowed more than one replacement.
     The State does not allow requests by any method other than paper letter with a hand written signature.

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