Classroom
Range

Classroom

• If you are under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the Roll Call of the first classroom session to sign documents. This person must provide identification (driver license, court papers, etc.) establishing his or her relation to you.
• You must bring one of the following documents to the first session (only one is necessary):
• a driver license from any U.S. State or territory which is valid (unexpired and unrestricted, see FAQ) through the ENTIRE course.
• a CALIFORNIA DMV identification card.
• If you are over 21, a CALIFORNIA DMV car or motorcycle learner permit which is valid (unexpired and unrestricted, see FAQ) through the ENTIRE course.
• If you are under 21, a CALIFORNIA DMV car learner permit which is valid (unexpired and unrestricted, see FAQ) through the ENTIRE course. (You can not get a motorcycle learner permit until after taking this course.)
  
  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.
   
• Please bring a pen to the classroom session! Registration forms and the written knowledge evaluation must be completed in ink. You may also wish to bring paper for taking notes in the classroom.
• Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted in the classroom. Vending may not be available. Breaks may not be long enough for you to leave the facility, so bring it with you.

     We provide a student workbook which contains all the material covered in the multi-media presentations. You can download a copy of the workbook. (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the copy. Please note: You can VIEW this copy, but it is not printable.)

Range

     If you are uncertain about the suitability of your riding gear (see below), bring it to the Classroom session. DO NOT wait until the Range. If your gear is unacceptable, you will not have time to go change, and you will not ride. Remember, there are no refunds for your failure to provide required gear.

     You must provide:

• Over-the-ankle sturdy footwear.

Leather boots are preferred, but other equivalent durable material may be acceptable - check with your RiderCoach before the Range session. Cloth or canvas running shoes or tennis sneakers are not acceptable. The ankle bone must be fully covered. Open toe or other holes are not acceptable. Platform soles are not allowed if they interfere with the safe operation of the motorcycle. The RiderCoach's decision is final.
 
• Long non-flare denim pants or material of equivalent durability.

Pants must not have holes, tears, or shredded cuffs, and should not be so baggy as to catch on foot pegs. Sweatpants, leotards, or spandex (bicycle gear) are not allowed.
 
• Long-sleeved shirt or jacket to below the waist.

Sleeves must reach to the wrists. Shirts must reach to the waist. We strongly recommend you wear several layers of lighter shirts or jackets rather than a single heavy one so you can adjust as the heat of the day changes. Leather jackets are good, but not necessary. You must never ride with exposed skin on the arms or the midriff. When you reach for the handlebars, if your shirt rides up you may not be allowed to continue. No matter how hot it gets, you can not ride with an uncovered short sleeve shirt!
 
• Full-fingered gloves, preferably leather, but at least with leather palms.

The gloves should close around your wrist (zipper, elastic, velcro, etc.). Open back gloves are not allowed. Cut finger gloves are not acceptable.
 
• Rain gear. We ride rain or shine.
   
• WATER!

There are no vending facilities at the range and breaks are short. Even in cool weather, it is easy to become dehydrated after several hours outside. Bring water!
 
• If you have your own helmet, it must be DOT approved and in good condition.

If the RiderCoach determines your helmet is not sufficient for any reason, you will be asked to use one of our loaner helmets. The RiderCoach's decision is final.
 
• Your eyes must be protected at all times.

If your helmet does not have a face shield, you must wear glasses, sunglasses, or goggles. Prescription glasses which cover the entire eye (i.e. not half-glasses) are acceptable.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A HELMET, bring glasses to protect your eyes ... not all of our loaner helmets have face shields. You must never ride with exposed eyes.

Where can I get the necessary safety gear, like helmet, gloves, goggles?

     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 provide:

• Loaner helmets for students who do not have one, or do not have an acceptable one.

We have sizes to accommodate most people.
 
• Motorcycles!

All training motorcycles are less than 500cc. They are capable of safely handling students up to about 300 pounds. If you weigh significantly more, please call the office to discuss this before starting the course. We cannot accept students for whom there is no CMSP approved equipment within safety standards. Click here for photos of the bikes we use.

We have a limited number of scooters which may be requested when you make your reservation, but you must call the office to request a scooter. There is no way to request a scooter in online reservations.

Is there a minimum height limit for riders?

     California law CVC27801(a) requires motorcycle riders to be able to touch the ground with both feet at the same time. Some of our motorcycles have lowered seats for shorter riders. There is no minimum height for riders, but if your inseam is less than about 26 inches, please call the office to discuss this before starting the course. We cannot accept students for whom there is no CMSP approved equipment within safety standards. How tall you are does not matter - your leg length (inseam with riding boots on) is significant.