CSM - Driver Training - Motorcycle Safety

Driver Training

Driver Training Courses

Motorcycle Safety

For more information about how to register for the motorcycle safety program courses, please view the ways to register for courses at CSM. Registration began February 4th, 2008 with courses running continuously until all sections are filled. First class starts March 10th and the last class is November 18th, 2008. Sign up early to obtain a seat in the class of your desired date.

Minimum age requirement to participate in the BRC/BRC II:
The MVA requires that the person participating in the BRC/BRC II 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" endorsement is 16 years 3 months. The certificate issued after successful completion of the BRC/BRC II 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.

Note: All classes meet directly at the range (5825 Radio Station Road, La Plata MD). Show up at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time to handle administrative matters. For BRC II participants, ensure that you show prepared to ride in the proper riding gear as described in the Student Information Sheet or you will not be allowed to participate.

Please check the Motorcycle Safety Course Schedule (prints best on legal size paper) for course offerings.

The 2008 schedule is NOW posted!
Registration for 2008 has begun and continues through November.

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.

To assure you have all the information required to make a decision about registration, please review the Student Information Sheet before registering.

Interested in becoming an Instructor?

In conjunction with the MVA, CSM offers the following courses:

OCC-5080 Basic Rider Course
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO RIDE A BICYCLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COURSE.
This 17-hour course is approved by the MVA for the Class "M" licensing waiver. Designed for the beginning rider who has little or no riding experience this course includes classroom and riding instruction.

During the seven hours of classroom participants, discuss topics that include responsible riding, selecting proper riding gear, basic riding skills, 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, and shifting and basic crash avoidance skills. Throughout the course, the Instructors evaluate and coach each rider's performance. Participants failing to achieve the minimum performance standards at any point will not be allowed to continue in the course. To receive a license student must the must pass a knowledge and skill test based on MVA criteria. There is no guarantee that an individual enrolling in this course will pass, or get their license.

Tuition Cost:

. $270

• $275 for non-Charles, Calvert, St. Mary's residents

• $280 for non-Maryland residents

OCC-5820 Basic Rider Course II

This seven-hour course is approved by the MVA for the Class "M" licensing waiver. Individuals with some riding experience that are seeking a Class 'M' license may choose to take this course. If you have an M endorsement on your license, you are encouraged to take the ERC. Prerequisites for this course include:

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 down shift smoothly; and
Achieve a speed of at least 25 mph.

During the initial riding activities, each rider's ability to operate a motorcycle is evaluated by the Instructors. Rider's that cannot demonstrate minimum riding proficiency will not be allowed to continue and will need to consider enrolling in the Basic Rider Course.

All activities are conducted at the riding range. here is no formal classroom instruction. However, various topics including preparing to ride, road management and advanced riding techniques are discussed during 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.

Tuition Cost:

. $270

• $275 for non-Charles, Calvert, St. Mary's residents

• $280 for non-Maryland residents

OCC-5830 Experienced Rider Course
This six-hour course is for the licensed motorcyclist who wants to improve or refresh their skills. Each rider's ability to operate a motorcycle is evaluated by the Instructors. Rider's that cannot demonstrate minimum riding proficiency are encouraged to consider enrolling in the Basic Rider Course.

Riders typically use their own motorcycles, but may request the use of a program training motorcycle. Instructors inspect personal motorcycles to assure they are street legal, in good operating condition and pass a routine pre-ride check. 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.

Tuition Cost:

. $150

• $155 for non-Charles, Calvert, St. Mary's residents

• $160 for non-Maryland residents

OCC-5890 Personalized Basic Rider Course
This 17-hour course is offered in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Transportation and is intended for persons that may need more personalized instruction. The class schedule and curriculum is the same as the BRC, but the size is limited to six participants who are coached by two RiderCoaches intensifying interaction between student and instructor. Classroom topics will include driving strategies and defensive driving techniques. On the riding range, participants will practice turning, shifting, braking, and emergency maneuvers. Successful course completion is rewarded by issuance of a MD motorcycle safety course completion card and certificate that upon presentation to the MVA will result in obtaining the class M license endorsement.

Objectives:
- cover basic fundamentals to develop capabilities to become a safe and responsible motorcyclist.
- learn the physical and mental skills important for operating a motorcycle.|
- learn ways to minimize risk and handle special riding situations.
- develop the physical skills of basic control that include: clutch/throttle control, straight line riding, stopping, turning, and shifting, and then move on to more advanced skills in stopping quickly, cornering, and swerving.
- obtain completion card and certificate to obtain class M license endorsement.

Tuition Cost:

. $350

• $355 for non-Charles, Calvert, St. Mary's residents

• $360 for non-Maryland residents

Course Cancellation
The college reserves the right to cancel any course due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. However, effort will be made to minimize undue hardships on students. Students enrolled in courses canceled by the college will automatically receive full refund of tuition and fees.

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