What does it cost to take the Basic RiderCourse?
The Basic RiderCourse is FREE to Pennsylvania residents with a valid Pennsylvania
driver's license or motorcycle permit.
The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program is funded through an additional fee that
you pay when you obtain, renew or replace a motorcycle permit or license.
Out-of-state residents pay $250 to take the BRC.
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Is the beginner Basic RiderCourse right for me?
The beginner Basic RiderCourse provides an introduction to the fundamentals of safe,
responsible motorcycling, consists of 15 hours of classroom and riding instruction,
and is suitable for both beginners and intermediate/advanced riders. Students are
provided with a motorcycle and a helmet for use during the training course.
Students with a motorcycle learner's permit who successfully complete the course
will be issued a motorcycle license.
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Are there any prerequisites for the BRC?
Yes, 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 is essential that you practice
before attempting to ride a motorcycle.
We are guests at our training sites. Loud motorcycle pipes jeopardize the use of
the sites for all students. If you are riding your own motorcycle to class, please
respect our site sponsors by being as quiet as possible.
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Do I need to have a motorcycle license or permit for the BRC?
For the BRC you will need either a valid Class M permit or Class M license.
You MUST have a valid permit or license for the entire class.
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Do I need my permit to register for a class?
Yes. You may obtain a Class M permit at your local PennDOT Driver License Exam Center.
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If I am under 18 years of age, can I take the BRC?
Yes, as of August 31st, 2012 the Act 84 law requires all 16-and 17-year olds wishing
to obtain their motorcycle license to first complete the Basic RiderCourse (BRC).
Before taking the licensing test, 16 and 17 year olds must remain on their learner’s
permit for six-months to meet their eligibility date and complete 65 hours of supervised
riding. The 15 hour BRC counts toward the total 65 hour requirement. Persons under
18 years of age must also show the DL-180C form signed by the parent or guardian
that attests to the 65 hours of supervised riding being completed. Those not meeting
these requirements will receive a Motorcycle Safety Foundation completion card only
if they successfully complete the course. Upon returning to the course for licensing
once the requirements have been met, the minor must present their MSF completion
card to the examiner.
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How do I get my motorcycle learner's permit?
Click on the link for information on motorcycle learner's permits:
http://www.dot3.state.pa.us/faq/faq-mcpermit.shtml
NOTE: You MUST have a valid permit for the entire class.
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My motorcycle learner's permit has expired. How do I get an extension?
Click on the link for information on motorcycle learner's permits:
http://www.dot3.state.pa.us/faq/faq-mcpermit.shtml
NOTE: You MUST have a valid permit for the entire class.
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I lost my motorcycle learner's permit. How can I obtain another permit?
Click on the link for information on motorcycle learner's permits:
http://www.dot3.state.pa.us/faq/faq-mcpermit.shtml
NOTE: You MUST have a valid permit for the entire class.
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How can I prepare for the Basic RiderCourse?
Here is a good place to start.
Welcome to the Ride
This 5-minute video introduces the many diverse aspects of street
motorcycling. Welcome to the club...
Welcome to the passion... welcome to the ride!
·
Click Here To Watch Video
Basic RiderCourse Highlights
This 5-minute video is a capsule summary of what you'll experience in our
hands-on, 15 hour, Basic RiderCourse training program.
·
Click Here To Watch Video
1. Preview the Basic RiderCourse Student Handbook. This will help you to
prepare for the class and the knowledge test.
2. There are 126 questions and typically, 69 are covered during the first class.
Note: You can view the Student Handbook but it cannot be
printed or downloaded.
OR
2. Review the PennDOT Motorcycle Operator's Manual or “MOM” at
www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/pa_forms_manuals/pub147.pdf Note:
The MOM can be downloaded for you to print.
3. Take the RiderCourse review and the quiz! Select
• Basic RiderCourse for
the review and quiz.
4. Practice riding a bicycle! Balance is especially important in learning
to ride a motorcycle. If you haven't been on a bicycle in a while, you will
want to practice turning, maneuvering and braking.
5. Observe a Basic RiderCourse. Check the schedule for an upcoming class.
By watching the exercises, you will have a better idea of what to expect.
For safety reasons please do not disturb the class and observe from a safe distance.
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Do I need to bring my own motorcycle or riding gear?
In the BRC, we provide the motorcycle. Helmets are also provided if you do not have
your own. Regardless of your riding experience, you are required to wear a helmet
during the riding portion of your class. You must provide and are required to use
your own eye protection, long sleeved shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves, long
pants and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear. Appropriate clothing for various weather
conditions is your responsibility. Be prepared.
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What should I bring to class?
The course is held rain or shine in varying temperatures. Be prepared with rain
gear, layers of clothing, snacks and water. Bring a pen with black ink and a highlighter
for the classroom portion of the course.
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What common problems can I avoid that might surprise me?
Problem - "It's raining. I didn't think I'd really need
the rain gear!"
Solution - You will need rain gear! Be prepared. The course continues rain
or shine. Only lightning storms result in a cancellation. We rarely cancel.
Most sites do not have indoor shelter. Even in warm weather, you can develop hypothermia
if it rains. Be smart, stay dry.
Problem - "I'm too hot." The heavy jacket that was "just
right" in the morning is now too hot in the afternoon sun.
Solution - Wear layers. Temperatures can vary greatly as the day wears on.
Be comfortable.
A long-sleeved shirt under a jacket or sweat shirt can be the perfect combo.
Avoid heat exhaustion and dehydration, layer-up. You want to be comfortable throughout
the day!
Problem - "I'm too cold." It was freezing in the morning. I
couldn't concentrate I was shaking so badly.
Solution - Wear layers. Temperatures can vary greatly as the day wears on.
Be comfortable.
A long-sleeved shirt under a jacket or sweat shirt can be the perfect combo.
Avoid hypothermia by layering your clothing. You want to be comfortable throughout
the day! To avoid dehydration, bring plenty of fluids.
Problem - "I'm feeling shaky and weak."
Solution - Bring snacks and plenty of fluids. Hunger and dehydration can
work against you. You want to be your best throughout the day. Ten minute breaks
are provided. There are no lunch breaks or time to run out and get something.
Problem - "I feel exhausted."
Solution - Get plenty of rest before the class. The course is physically
demanding. Depending on your schedule, you may be active for as much as 5 or 6 hours
at a time.
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What types of motorcycles will be provided?
We have various brands and styles of entry-level motorcycles. Our RiderCoaches will
help you with the selection process.
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Can I take the BRC on a scooter?
Yes, you will be required to provide proof of current registration, insurance, and
inspection. Your motorcycle or scooter must be over 50cc. Let your RiderCoach know
on the first day of class that you will be using your own motorcycle or scooter.
Scooters and small motorcycles are both single-track vehicles and have comparable
weights. With a few adjustments, scooter riders can be easily incorporated into
a regular BRC class. Note that scooters and motor-driven cycles under 50cc do not
require a class M and are typically not trained through the MSP. For more information
on scooters, please click on the link: http://www.dot3.state.pa.us/registration/scooters.shtml.
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Are there any sites where the dealers provide a scooter for the class?
Yes, there is currently one site located in Lebanon where the dealer provides a
scooter for every student who wishes to learn on a scooter. See schedules.
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What should I bring with me the day of the skills test? Do I need to bring a
licensed driver?
You will need to bring the following: your valid PA motorcycle (Class M) learner's
permit and valid PA driver's license. You will not need to be accompanied by
a driver with a motorcycle license.
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If I pass the BRC, will I automatically become a licensed rider?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the BRC, your learner's permit will be stamped
as a valid PA motorcycle license and the requirement for you to test at the PennDOT
Driver License Exam Center is waived.
The Department of Transportation will issue a motorcycle license within 120 days
of successful completion of the BRC. You will also receive a completion card from
the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at the time you complete the course. Some insurance
companies offer a reduced rate for successful completion of our BRC. You may need
to provide a copy of your Motorcycle Safety Foundation completion card. Contact
your insurance provider for further details.
EXCEPTION: In addition to completing the BRC, 16-and 17-year-old
riders must complete a six-month motorcycle skill building period to meet their
eligibility date (6 months from the date of issue) and provide a 65 hour certification
form (DL-180C) to receive a motorcycle license. Those not meeting these requirements
will receive an MSF completion card only. Upon returning to the course for licensing
once the requirements have been met, the minor must present their MSF completion
card to the examiner.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that you laminate your completion card and keep it in a
safe place. Our policy is to issue a new completion card ONLY if you have completed
the course since 2002.
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What if I fail the BRC skills test?
You will be required to repeat all of the Level 2 range exercises before taking
the skills test again. If you are unable to schedule a "re-ride" in the same season
that you completed the classroom and range exercises, you must re-take the entire
course (classroom and range exercises) in order to take the skills test.
To schedule a re-ride, you must make arrangements with RiderCoach staff at the location
where you took the skills test. They will fit you into an upcoming class when openings
become available. To get scheduled promptly and before the end of the season, contact
your RiderCoach or the Site Coordinator as soon as possible. Do not register for
another class.
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If I passed the motorcycle knowledge test but failed the skills test three times,
do I need to apply for another motorcycle learner's permit?
Click on the link for information on motorcycle learner's permits:
http://www.dot3.state.pa.us/faq/faq-mcpermit.shtml
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If I need more practice, can I take the BRC or BRC2 more than one time?
Yes! We encourage students who wish to improve their skills to take either course
again. More practice helps both novice and experienced riders. Motorcycling is a
perishable skill. Ongoing practice and skill building are essential for safe street
riding.
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After I pass the course, how long does it take to receive my updated motorcycle
license?
The Department of Transportation will issue a motorcycle license within 120 days
of successful completion of the BRC. Please be patient and wait until close to the
120 days to contact our office. If you do not receive an "update card" for your
motorcycle license, contact the Motorcycle Safety Program by email at
info@pamsp.com.
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I lost my course completion card. How do I get a replacement card?
Our policy is to issue a new card ONLY if you completed the course since 2002. You
may request a replacement card by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope with
your name, address, phone number, email address, driver license number, date of
birth and the location where you took the class to:
PAMSP
56 Grumbacher Road Suite A
York, PA 17406
IMPORTANT: We recommend that you laminate your completion card and keep it in a
safe place.
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