Community Education

Welcome Motorcycle Safety Program

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2013 SEASON BEGINs February 4, 2013

2013 Schedule for Motorcycle Safety Classes Now Posted!

Section Numbers to be assigned prior to registration

Students registered for the Basic Rider Course (BRC) and Personalized Basic Rider Course are REQUIRED to pick up their course materials in advance at either:

1. La Plata Campus Building CS 106/107 during regular office hours (8:00 am - 4:00 pm) or
2. 5825 Radio Station Road, La Plata, MD, 20646 - hours 5:00 - 6:00 PM when classroom is scheduled, normally Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu (see course schedule to ensure class is in session for a particular date)
   GPS Coordinates of 5825 Radio Station Road (N 38 33.168, W 76 57.001)

MAP TO MOTORCYCLE RANGE 

2012 COSTS
TRA 8000 Basic Rider Course - $295
TRA 8100 Alternate Basic Rider Course - $295
TRA 8200 Basic Rider Course II (Formally Experienced Rider Course) - $150
TRA 8300 Personalized Basic Rider Course - $350

Register for Classes at CSM!

Ensure you have all the information required to make a good decision about the right course for you, please review and print:

2013 Student Information Sheet

Riding a motorcycle requires special skills and concentration. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers motorcycle rider training courses for new and experienced riders. The courses teach the participants the special skills and mental strategies necessary for responsible motorcycle operation. Statistics show that more than 90 percent of riders involved in crashes had no formal training, were self-taught or learned from family and friends.

For more information about how to register for the motorcycle safety program courses, please view the ways to register for courses at CSM. Registration for the 2013 season begins Monday February 4, 2013 with courses running continuously until all sections are filled. The first class will start March 4th and the last class will be November 21st, 2013. Sign up early to obtain a seat in the class of your desired date.

MAP TO MOTORCYCLE RANGE

Note:  All classes meet directly at 5825 Radio Station Road La Plata MD 20646 (Center for Transportation Training). Show up 30 minutes before the scheduled start time to handle administrative matters. For Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC) participants, ensure that you show up prepared to ride in the proper riding gear as described in the 2013 Student Information Sheet or you will not be allowed to participate.

The following Motorcycle Safety Classes are offered:

The Basic Rider Course (BRC)

This 17-hour course is designed for the true novice rider who has little or no riding experience. It includes classroom and riding instruction on the basic riding skills and strategies necessary for an individual to begin to practice street riding. Courses are taught by Motor Vehicle Administration and Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified instructors. You should be able to ride a bicycle to participate in this course.

During the seven hours of classroom time participants will discuss topics that include responsible riding, selecting proper riding gear and the basic riding skills. Other topics include defensive riding strategies and how to handle a variety of riding situations. Participants receive approximately 10 hours of riding on a training motorcycle practicing clutch-throttle control, stopping, turning, shifting and basic crash avoidance skills. Throughout the course the instructors evaluate and coach each rider’s performance. Participants who do not achieve the minimum performance standards will not be allowed to continue in the course. To complete the course, riders must pass a knowledge and skill test administered at the end of the course. Riders who pass will receive a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Card. There is no guarantee that an individual enrolling in this course will pass, or get their license.

Participants in a BRC should not ride their personal motorcycle to class unless done so legally. Please see the Program's policy about riding a motorcycle to class.

Enrollment Requirements

Individuals who possess a valid driver’s license, a Class “M” (motorcycle) learner’s permit or individuals that are eligible for a learner’s permit may enroll in the basic course. Parents or guardians of individuals under the age of 18 enrolling in the course must sign a consent/release form.

Wear protective clothing (eye protection, suitable jacket, long pants, full-fingered gloves and over-the-ankle footwear) during the riding portion. Students are encouraged to bring their own helmets, but loan helmets are available at the centers. All helmets must be DOT certified, fit properly and in good condition with labeling intact. Course participants are to bring their riding gear to the first class session for evaluation by the course Instructor.

Pay the course registration fee to be officially enrolled in a course.

You may attempt to enroll in a course as a stand-by student by reporting to the center on the first day of the course and if selected paying the fee by credit or check card.

Course Completion Requirements

To pass the course, you must participate in all the course sessions and pass a knowledge test and the on-cycle test.

Participate in all course sessions

Pass a written knowledge test

Pass a riding skills test

Riders who pass the course will receive a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Card.

Getting Your License

Riders satisfactorily completing the Basic Rider Course are eligible to receive their Class M license.

Out of State License Holders

To be issued a MD Certificate, the participant must present at the beginning of class a MD license. A MD certificate will NOT be issued to out of state license holders. If it is desired to obtain the certificate, it is recommended that the participant go to the MVA before the class to obtain a regular MD drivers license. A completion card will be issued to all participants. A letter of course completion can be drafted for those needing detailed documentation of their course completion which may be helpful in obtaining a license from another state.

General Information

A motorcycle learner’s permit is not required to participate.

Training motorcycles are provided. Personal motorcycles may not be used.

Some insurance companies offer discounts on motorcycle premiums to course graduates.

Course participants get approximately 17 hours of instruction, 7 hours in the classroom, and 10 hours on-cycle.

The curriculum is approved by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and meets or exceeds the standards set by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Course participants are required to report to all scheduled sessions regardless of weather.

Lateness policy.

If things don’t go as planned, there are opportunities to:

Reschedule the motorcycle rider course

Be refunded the course registration fee

Retake the motorcycle rider course test(s)

The Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC)

This seven-hour course provides another option for an individual to earn their license without having to take the full 17-hour basic course. It is only for individuals that have some riding experience and are seeking a Class "M" license.

Instruction is provided by the Motor Vehicle Administration and Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified instructors. The pre-requisites for this course include the ability to:

Use the clutch and throttle to get the motorcycle in motion;

Stop the motorcycle properly in a designated area;

Execute gradual and tight turns;

Up and downshift smoothly; and

Achieve a speed of at least 25 mph.

During the initial riding activities, each rider's ability to operate a motorcycle will be evaluated by the instructors. Riders who cannot demonstrate minimum riding proficiency will not be allowed to continue and will need to consider enrolling in the Basic Rider Course. Riders who are not allowed to continue will not be eligible for a refund and may have to pay an additional fee to be enrolled in a Basic Rider Course.

All learning activities are conducted at the riding range. There is no formal classroom, however various topics including preparing to ride, road management and advanced riding techniques are discussed during the course.

Riders can elect to use a program training motorcycle, or they may use their personal motorcycle if it is street legal and they transport it to the training site legally. See the Program's policy regarding riding a motorcycle to class. Personal motorcycles must be in good operating condition and pass a routine pre-ride check given as a part of the course. Riders are to provide their own riding gear, which includes a DOT certified helmet, eye protection, jacket, full-fingered gloves, long pants and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear. To complete the course riders must pass a knowledge and skill test administered at the end of the course. Riders who pass will receive a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Card. There is no guarantee that an individual enrolling in this course will pass, or get their license.

Enrollment Requirements

Individuals who possess a valid driver's license, a Class "M" (motorcycle) learner's permit or individuals who are eligible for a learner's permit may enroll in the basic course. Parents or guardians of individuals under the age of 18 enrolling in the course must sign a consent/release form.

Wear protective clothing (eye protection, suitable jacket, long pants, full-fingered gloves and over-the-ankle footwear) during the riding portion. Students are encouraged to bring their own helmets, but loan helmets are available at the centers. All helmets must be DOT certified and in good condition with proper labeling intact.

Pay the course registration fee to be officially enrolled in a course. You may attempt to enroll in a course as a stand-by student by reporting to the center on the first day of the course and if selected paying the fee by credit or check card.

Course Completion Requirements

To pass the course, you must participate in all the course sessions and pass a knowledge test and the on-cycle test.

Participate in all course sessions

Pass a written knowledge test

Pass a riding skills test

Riders who pass the course will receive a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program completion card.

Getting Your License

Riders satisfactorily completing the Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC II) are eligible to receive their Class M License.

Out of State License Holders

To be issued a MD Certificate, the participant must present at the beginning of class a MD license. A MD certificate will NOT be issued to out of state license holders. If it is desired to obtain the certificate, it is recommended that the participant go to the MVA before the class to obtain a regular MD drivers license. A completion card will be issued to all participants. A letter of course completion can be drafted for those needing detailed documentation of their course completion which may be helpful in obtaining a license from another state.

General Information

A motorcycle learner's permit is not required to participate.

Training motorcycles are provided but participants may use their personal motorcycle if it is transported legally to the training center. Motorcycles with sidecars, trikes or scooters may not be used.

Some insurance companies offer discounts on motorcycle premiums to course graduates.

The curriculum is approved by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and meets or exceeds the standards set by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Course participants are required to report to all scheduled sessions regardless of weather.

Lateness policy.

If things don't go as planned, there are opportunities to:

Reschedule the motorcycle rider course

Be refunded the course registration fee

Retake the motorcycle rider course test(s)

Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2)

Formally known as the Experienced Rider Course (ERC) this six-hour course is for the licensed rider who wants to improve or refresh their skills, or who has recently completed the Basic Rider Course and wants additional practice on their personal motorcycle . The class consists of nine riding exercises. Eight of the exercises are borrowed from the Basic Rider Course (BRC) with some minor enhancements for the more experienced rider and one completely new exercise.

Instruction is provided by Motor Vehicle Administration and Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified Instructors. Individuals enrolling in this course must have a valid Class M motorcycle license.

During the initial riding activities, each rider’s ability to operate a motorcycle will be evaluated by the instructors. Riders that cannot demonstrate minimum riding proficiency will not be allowed to continue and will need to consider enrolling in the Basic Rider Course. Riders who are not allowed to continue will not be eligible for a refund and may have to pay an additional fee to be enrolled in the Basic Rider Course.

Riders are expected to use their own motorcycle. Personal motorcycles must be street legal, in good operating condition and pass a routine pre-ride check given as a part of the course. Riders are to provide their own riding gear, which includes a DOT certified helmet, eye protection, jacket, full-fingered gloves, long pants and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear.

To complete the course riders must pass a skill test administered at the end of the course. Riders who pass will receive a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Card.

General Information

Participants are expected to ride their own motorcycles. Motorcycles with sidecars, trikes or scooters may not be used.

Course participants are required to report to the scheduled session regardless of the weather.

The course is conducted by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and meets or exceeds the standards established by the National Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Student Requirements

Must be a licensed motorcycle operator.

Wear protective clothing (eye protection, suitable jacket, long pants, full-fingered gloves, and over-the-ankle footwear) during the riding portion. Participants are encouraged to bring their own helmets, but program helmets are available at the centers. All helmets must be DOT certified, fit properly and in good condition with proper labeling intact.

Personal motorcycles must be in good mechanical condition, properly tagged and insured.

Attend the entire course and pass the “on-cycle” skill test.

Pay the course registration fee to be officially enrolled in a course. You may attempt to enroll in a course as a stand-by student by reporting to the center on the first day of the course and if selected paying the fee by credit or check card.

Minimum age requirement to participate in the Basic Rider Course and Alternate Basic Rider Course:

The MVA has changed the age requirement for teenagers, "A Class M license will not be issued to anyone under 16 years and 6 months of age and if a "first" license proof of satisfactory completion of a driver education course must also be presented". A Motorcycle permit can be issued at 15 years 9 months. The Rider Course Completion Certificate is valid for 6-months from issue. Teenagers should not participate in the Rider Course until they are 16 years old due to, if taken earlier than that, the issued certificate will expire before being able to obtain a license.

The MVA requires that the person participating in the BRC/ABRC be eligible for a Learner's Permit (don't necessarily have to have one). The earliest one could obtain a permit is 15 years 9 months and the earliest one could obtain their license with a Class “M” license is 16 years 6 months. The certificate issued after successful completion of the BRC/ABRC is valid for 6-months from completion of the course. Persons under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a “Motorcycle Rider Course FERPA Waiver, Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement” form allowing them to participate in the range activities.

2012 COSTS
TRA 8000 Basic Rider Course - $295
TRA 8100 Alternate Basic Rider Course - $295
TRA 8200 Basic Rider Course II (Formally Experienced Rider Course) - $150
TRA 8300 Personalized Basic Rider Course - $350

Interested in becoming an instructor?

Share your knowledge, skill and experience in helping others learn to ride a motorcycle safely. If you have lots of energy and patience, possess good communication skills, and are willing to work in an outside environment in a variety of weather conditions, then you may have what it takes to become an instructor. Select this link for complete eligibility requirements. For more information, contact Ken Bonek (kpbonek@csmd.edu), Motorcycle Safety Training Center Manager, at 301-870-3008, enter 1, then extension 7209.