Our classes are seriously fun.

LEARNING TO RIDE

Our Learning-to-Ride RiderCourses are a good starting point for most people who have already made the decision that motorcycling may enhance the quality of their life and want to get started the best possible way. This series provides the basic mental and physical skills for riding. In some states, these courses, either alone or in combination, provide a waiver of the written and/or riding licensing tests. Prerequisites: A person should be able to balance/ride a bicycle, and should possess either a driver's license or motorcycle learner's permit. Prerequisites may vary by jurisdiction.

Basic RiderCourse (BRC)
The best place for a new rider to start once they've made the decision to ride. Successful completion of this course and its knowledge and skill tests, which consists of approximately five hours of classroom and 10 hours of on-cycle instruction (conducted over two or three sessions), may serve as a license test waiver program in some states. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for your use during the course. Also, a course completion card may provide a rider an insurance discount. (In some states, this course may lead to only a motorcycle permit and require completion of the BRC2 to obtain full licensure.)

Basic RiderCourse 2 - License Waiver (BRC2-LW) [formerly ERC Suite]
For riders who already have basic skills. It is similar to the BRC except the speeds are higher and riders should be riding their own motorcycle. It is an excellent refresher course for practicing and renewing basic riding skills. There is an informal classroom component that discusses safety concepts based on past riding experiences and current knowledge. For a BRC2 minus the license waiver component (no classroom activities and no knowledge or skill test), there is a skills practice offering:

Basic RiderCourse 2 - Skills Practice (BRC2-SP) [formerly ERC Suite]
Similar to BRC2 - License Waiver RiderCourse, but consists of only the riding exercises. It is a perfect way to reinforce basic skills on one's personal motorcycle. Passengers are permitted with a licensed operator on a personal motorcycle.

Street RiderCourse 1 (SRC1)
For newly licensed riders. It is designed to be the first street riding experience under the supervision and guidance of a RiderCoach. SRC1 is a partial day program that includes classroom activities to improve perception, has practice time on basic riding skills, and includes several miles of actual street riding in a local area.

Returning Rider Basic RiderCourse (RRBRC)
Program combining elements of the BRC and BRC2 and includes a knowledge test and skill tests. It is designed for riders who have a permit and possess basic skills, but who have not been riding for several years. May lead to license waiver.

3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse (3WBRC)
The best place for a new rider to start once they've made the decision to ride a 3-wheel motorcycle. This course includes four hours of classroom activities and up to eight hours of on-cycle riding exercises. Successful completion may lead to an insurance discount. A person must pass a knowledge and skill test for successful completion. May lead to license waiver.

Scooter Basic RiderCourse (SBRC)
Best place for a new rider to start once they've made the decision to ride a scooter. This course includes five hours of classroom activities and up to 10 hours of on-scooter riding exercises. Successful completion may lead to an insurance discount. A person must pass a knowledge and skill test for successful completion. May lead to license waiver.

IMPROVING THE RIDE

Improving-the-Ride RiderCourses were designed to build on basic riding skills. These courses provide a variety of exercises and can be used to renew basic skills as well as expand the finer procedures and techniques of riding.

Street RiderCourse 2 (SRC2)
A program that enhances the basic skills and strategies that are provided in SRC1 and adds time and mileage to the on-cycle experiences in a local area. This program is for riders who wish to delve deeper into the perceptual strategies of street riding.

Advanced RiderCourse (ARC) [formerly ARC-ST]
A one-day course that complements a rider's basic skills and helps with personal risk assessment. It includes a fast-paced classroom segment with several interactive activities to improve perception and hazard awareness. Range exercises enhance both basic skills and crash avoidance skills. Improving braking and cornering finesse is emphasized. The course is beneficial for riders on any type of street motorcycle.

Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainer (SMARTrainer)
A computer-based tool that will enhance hazard recognition and help the rider be able to respond earlier to a variety of roadway and environmental factors. Offers traffic simulation for one-on-one coaching in several different riding scenarios.

SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS

Introductory Motorcycle Experience (IME)
A two-hour, first-touch experience with a motorcycle and not designed to teach a person to ride. As a familiarization program that points out the primary parts and controls of a typical motorcycle, it helps a potential rider determine whether motorcycling is a good personal choice. A person is given the option to manipulate the controls while astride a motorcycle, and is led into a BRC as a formal way to learn to ride. Also embedded in the experience is a self-assessment component to ensure a person is aware of the risks and requirements for being a good, safe and responsible rider.

ScooterSchool: Introduction to Scooters RiderCourse (ISRC) [formerly SS1]
A half-day riding course that familiarizes a person with the operation of a motor scooter. It is not a license waiver program, but rather a learn-to-ride course that prepares a person to operate a scooter. An off-street riding area is used for practice and 10 riding exercises are performed using small motor scooters. There is no knowledge or skill test, and participants are provided with a take-away booklet about safe scooter riding and how to continue to practice. A prerequisite is to be able to ride a bicycle.

Military SportBike RiderCourse (MSRC)
Nearly identical to the ARC, this course adds specific language for sport bikes, includes military references, and has a video introduction and summary by Nick Ienatsch who is the author of Sport Riding Techniques. Riders receive the MSF booklet: SportBike Survival Guide.

DirtBike School: DirtBike Basic RiderCourse (DBS:CRE)
A learn-to-ride course. Though focused on learning to ride a dirt bike, this course is a good way to learn how to physically operate a motorcycle in general. This course is conducted entirely outdoors in an off-highway area. It is not a license waiver course.

DirtBike School: Trail Riding RiderCourse (DBS:ITR)
An extension of the DirtBike School, and for riders who already possess basic riding skills and are ready to ride off-highway trails. Lessons may include riding in sand and mud, through creek crossings and ruts, and over rocks, hills, and whoop-de-doos. A certified Coach supervises all riding activities.

MSF CORE: A New Pathway to Excellence

MSF Essential, Expanded and Recommended Core Programs help a novice rider develop into an excellent rider. These courses and programs are taken from the comprehensive MSF Rider Education and Training System (RETS).

The MSF encourages a comprehensive core of courses beyond simply learning to operate the controls, start out, turn and stop. Because the riding task is a skill of the eyes and mind as well as of the hands and feet, and because safety requires proper perceptual orientation, cognitive abilities, and psychomotor skills, it is important to take safety seriously. Skills are perishable and need renewal and lifelong commitment.

While each core set of courses listed provides the knowledge, skill, attitudes and habits associated with quality riding, the Recommended Core is the most comprehensive. It not only provides a solid foundational start for a lifetime of safe riding, it extends training over a longer period of time for the most complete approach for personal development in risk management techniques. There is not a time or mileage requirement between courses; that is, each course can be completed right after a previous one.

Additional Resources

RiderCourse Benefits
Besides increasing confidence and honing riding skills, there are many other important benefits for graduates. Click here for more.

RiderCourse Student FAQ
Frequently asked questions by RiderCourse Students.

I Learned About Riding From...
Experience can be the best teacher. These personal stories show how motorcyclists have learned from adversity. After reading them, then submit your own.