Why take a riding course?
What does the course cover? How big is each class?
How long does it take? What are the sessions like?
Is there a test? When do I get my certificate?

Why take a riding course?

     If you are under 21 years old it is required by the State to get a California motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on your California driver license [ref. CVC12408.9(i)]. Also, many insurance companies offer significant discounts for riders who complete the course. But beyond that, it is as important to learn what not to do as it is to learn the basics of motorcycling.
     No one wants to have an accident on a motorcycle, but more than half of all motorcycle accidents involve riders with less than five months experience. More than 90% of the riders involved in accidents are "self taught"! (Source: "Findings from the Hurt Study")

     Taking this course gives you an opportunity to learn proper methods at a measured pace in non-threatening, controlled conditions, guided by experienced RiderCoaches who have been trained and certified specifically to teach this curriculum.
     Increasing your skills through training and practice will increase your riding enjoyment and decrease your chance of a mishap. But successfully completing the Basic Rider Course is not a guarantee that you will be safe on the road. Only you can choose the level of safety you wish to maintain.
     The course will provide you with the opportunities and experiences to acquire the basic knowledge and skills that enable you to continue to practice and develop your safe riding habits. Safe riding is also a matter of attitude, and only you can provide that.

What does the course cover? How big is each class?

     The Basic Rider Course is intended for new riders who have never been on a motorcycle, for recently new riders who have some experience but no training, and for long time (or long since) riders who want to refresh their basic riding skills. Scooter and moped riders are also encouraged to take the course.
     The course covers everything you need to know to get started riding a motorcycle from the most simple skills, like how to properly mount it, through the difficulties of handling dangerous road situations - and everything in between.
     Each class consists of no more than 12 students on motorcycles, so everyone can get individual coaching and direction. Classroom sessions usually have 24 to 36 students to foster more robust discussions and interaction.

How long does it take? What are the sessions like?

     Watch this 5 minute video, provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, which shows scenes from a real classroom and riding exercises. (Windows Media, 15 meg)
http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/BRC_Highlights_20051218.wmv

     The entire course takes approximately 15 hours in 3 sessions:
     (See the Course Format page for more information on days and times.)

• Classroom (about 4½-5 hours)

Creates an awareness of fundamental safety information. Prepares for the initial experience of riding a motorcycle by reviewing personal protective gear, learning a pre-ride inspection procedure, and learning about the controls of a motorcycle. Presents street strategies for becoming a safe, responsible motorcyclist, including RiderRadar, the SEE strategy, maximum braking and swerving techniques, tips for surface features and carrying cargo, and information about impairments and riding.


• Range 1 (about 4½ hours)

Puts into practice the lessons discussed about basic riding skills. You will actually ride a motorcycle 12-15 miles on the range during the session, and you will become comfortable with using the basic skills. Specific exercises cover motorcycle familiarization, using the friction zone, starting and stopping, shifting and stopping, adjusting speed and turning, refining control skills, cornering, matching gears to speed, and stopping quickly.


• Range 2 (about 5½ hours)

Extends the basic skills into more advanced techniques for street strategies. Specific exercises cover limited-space maneuvers, pressing to initiate lean, cornering judgment, negotiating curves, stopping quickly on a curve, obstacles and lane changes, avoiding hazards, and all inclusive skills practice.

Is there a test? When do I get my certificate?

     There are two evaluations which must be passed to complete the course. At the end of the Classroom session there is a (multiple choice) written evaluation to ensure each student has cognitive understanding of the lessons covered. At the end of Range 2 there is a riding evaluation where each student demonstrates the skills learned and practiced in the 10 hours of riding.
     After passing both evaluations, you will receive a graduation card and later in the mail a California DMV certificate DL389 which can be used to waive the motorcycle license riding test at the DMV. (The DMV still requires you to take their 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.)
     Please note: The certificate will be mailed within 10 business days of your successful completion of the class, but you should allow time for mail delivery before planning to visit the DMV to get your license.