How to prepare for the Basic RiderCourse
It is not essential to have any riding experience to enroll in the Basic RiderCourse (BRC). However you must have the ability to balance and stabilize a two-wheeled vehicle. If you have not ridden a bicycle in a long time, it would be a good idea to practice before attempting to ride a motorcycle. Riding a motorcycle safely requires good balance, quick reflexes, good coordination, and physical conditioning.
Get a good night's sleep
Learning to ride a motorcycle safely demands an alert mind. Please get a good night's rest and be sure you have eaten prior to each session.
Driving directions
Please plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get to each session. You will be provided with maps and complete driving directions in your enrollment confirmation packet prior to the start of your class. If you have any questions regarding directions to the classroom or range sessions, please call our office Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (805) 226-8015. (You may also print maps and driving directions by going to our Basic RiderCourse page.)
What to wear
A long sleeve shirt and/or jacket (all shirts must cover your midriff.) Long non-flare denim pants or material of equivalent durability (no sweat pants or loose fitting pants.) Leather gloves that cover the fingers and wrist (no skin showing.) Leather or cordura shoes or boots with sturdy soles, and tops that are high enough to completely cover the ankle (no spike heels or cloth shoes.) Glasses or sunglasses.
Helmets
If you own a DOT approved helmet, less than 5 years old, in good condition and it is 3/4 or full face (no 1/2 helmets) you may bring it with you. You are responsible for any damages to it. If you do not own a helmet, we will supply you with one to wear in the course.
Riding range clothing, boots & gloves
If you are uncertain about the suitability of your riding clothing, boots, and gloves, please bring them to the first classroom session. Please don't wait until the first range session. If they are unacceptable, you will not have time to go change, and you will not be able to ride. There are no refunds if you fail to wear the required safety clothing, boots, and gloves.
Minors
If you are a minor, under age 18, your parent or legal guardian must attend the first day of class with you to sign the required Waiver Form.
No spectators please
Some students are uncomfortable having people watch them learn new skills. For this reason, no one except students are allowed in the classrooms or to observe the riding ranges.
Cancellations & rescheduling
Please be sure to clear your schedule so you can attend the entire course. We will be happy to reschedule or cancel your course enrollment up to five (5) business days before the first day that your course meets. (Example: if your first classroom session begins on Tuesday, June 8, the last day to reschedule or cancel is Tuesday, June 1.) All cancellations are subject to a $50 processing fee.
Attendance
Each classroom session and range exercise is designed to build your knowledge and riding skills one step at a time. To be successful in the courses, you must attend all sessions in the order they are given. The RiderCourses are all group classes. There will be a maximum of 36 students and one instructor in each classroom session and a maximum of 12 students and two instructors in each riding range session.
Be punctual
Please bring a pen and your current & valid driver's license to your classroom and range sessions. In order to award the DMV DL389 certificate and Graduation Card to Basic RiderCourse graduates, we are required by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program to ensure that you attend every minute of the entire course. Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before all sessions. Classes start promptly. If you arrive late and the class has already started, we cannot allow you to join in a class already in progress. You will lose your reserved seat in the course and there will be no refunds as all instructional expenses have already been incurred on your behalf. You will need to re-enroll in another course and repay the full tuition.
What to expect in the Basic RiderCourse
All students are considered to be at the same beginner skill level regardless of any prior experience. Even if everyone in a course has ridden before, no part of the course may be shortened or skipped. The course is conducted according to a precise schedule designed for eager but inexperienced learners. Students who show real promise, but may not meet the objectives of an exercise in the allowable time, will be asked to repeat the riding session (see Repeat Students). Two things no one can teach are balance and good coordination. Occasionally we do have to ask some students to withdraw from the course for their own and other students' safety (see Excused Students).
Weather conditions
Class sessions are subject to rescheduling due to conditions beyond our control. In the event of rain, you must show up for your riding sessions. The instructor will decide if the riding sessions will continue at the scheduled time or will be rescheduled. All classroom sessions will be held even if it is raining.
Graduation
The majority of our students pass our RiderCourses the first time through. However there is no guarantee that you will master the safe riding skills presented in our courses and graduate. The courses will provide you with opportunities and experiences to acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable you to continue to practice and develop your safe riding habits.
Repeat students
Your RiderCoach may advise you to repeat one or more of the riding sessions again. If so, you may return on a space available basis at no additional charge. It is your responsibility to contact the office at (805) 226-8015 within 30 days after the end date of your course. You will be placed on a space available list and contacted as soon as an opening occurs.
Retesting
If you fail the knowledge test at the end of the second classroom session, you may retest once more on another day at no additional charge (usually prior to your second riding session.) If you fail the riding skill test, administered at the end of the class, you may return to retest once more at no additional charge. It is your responsibility to contact the office at (805) 226-8015 within 30 days after the end date of your course to make an appointment to re-take the skill test. The entire test must be retaken not just the unsuccessful exercises. For your safety, retesting must be done within 90 days of the end date of your original course. If you fail either the knowledge test or the skill riding test a second time, you will need to re-enroll in another course and start the course from the beginning.
Excused students
Our number one priority in the riding sessions is your safety and the safety of your fellow students. You must meet the objectives of each riding exercise, at the normal rate of progression, in order to continue in the course. If your RiderCoach determines that you pose a safety hazard to yourself or others in the course, you will be excused from the course. Your RiderCoach may recommend that you continue to develop your skills by riding an off-road dirt bike for several months. After you have improved your skills, you may re-register in a later course and start from the beginning. If you are excused from the course, there are no refunds. We excuse students reluctantly, but must do so for your own and your fellow students' safety.
Self-drop students
A self-drop student is a student who participates in part of a course, but voluntarily withdraws before completion. If you drop out of the course, you will need to re-register in a later course and start from the beginning. There are no refunds.
DL389 & Graduation cards
Upon successful completion of the Basic RiderCourse, you will be mailed a DMV DL389 certificate waiving the DMV riding test. (The DMV requires you to take their written test.) For both the Basic RiderCourse and Experienced RiderCourse you will receive a Graduation Card. Please note that the DL389 certificate will be mailed within 10 business days of your successful completion of the course. Please allow for mail delivery time before planning to visit the DMV to get your license.
Tuition incentives and rebates
Dealers, manufacturers, and some rider clubs offer incentive programs to encourage you to take a RiderCourse. The Graduation Card you receive after completing the courses is proof of your achievement. Some rebate programs require an additional proof of payment receipt. If you need one, please contact our office at (805) 226-8015.
Insurance discounts
Many insurance companies offer discounts to RiderCourse graduates. In some cases, the savings can be as much as the course tuition itself. Check with your insurance agent. The card you receive after completing the course is proof of your graduation.
Stand by and walk-in students
We maintain a standby wait list for each class. If you wish to be placed on the this list for an earlier class, please call our office first to make arrangements regarding dates, times, and procedures. While we do accept walk-ins, it is on a space available basis only. Since most classes fill several weeks in advance, we recommend that you call us at (805) 226-8015 prior to the class to check on availability. Pre-registration is recommended so you can have a guaranteed space in the class.
More questions
If you have any additional questions, please call the Central Coast Motorcycle Training office at (805) 226-8015 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday PST.
