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ERC General Questions: Is the Experienced RiderCourse right for me? How much does the ERC cost? What are the requirements to become licensed through the ERC? Do I need to take the BRC before I take the ERC? What are the requirements to participate in an ERC? Am I required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle in the ERC? May I have a passenger during the ERC?
ERC Permit Questions How do I get my motorcycle learner’s permit? My motorcycle permit has expired. How do I get an extension? I lost my motorcycle permit. How can I obtain another permit? What You’ll Need To Be Prepared What common problems can I avoid that might surprise me? ERC Participation Questions What if I fail the skills test? If I need more practice, can I take the BRC or ERC more than one time? 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? If I pass the ERC, what do I receive? If I pass the ERC, will I automatically become a licensed rider? After I pass the course, how long does it take to receive my updated motorcycle license? I lost my course completion card. How do I get a replacement card? Is the Experienced RiderCourse right for me? The Experienced RiderCourse addresses critical skills and knowledge and can be completed in one day. The course is ideal for graduates of the Basic RiderCourse. Students with a motorcycle learner’s permit who successfully complete the course will be issued a motorcycle license. Participants use their own motorcycle.
The Experienced RiderCourse is designed for “experienced” motorcyclists. Students should be competent and comfortable with basic street riding skills such as starting, stopping, straight-line riding and turning.
Students who lack adequate skills and experience during the first exercise will be asked to STOP and will be referred to the Basic RiderCourse. Our RiderCoaches will determine your ability to safely continue with the course. Please respect their assessment. Your safety is our concern.
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How much does the ERC cost? The Experienced RiderCourse is FREE to Pennsylvania residents with a valid 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 $150 to take the ERC.
What are the requirements to become licensed through the ERC?
What are the requirements to participate in an ERC?
Valid Class “C” driver’s license with Class “M” endorsement OR with a Class “M” motorcycle permit.
Motorcycle Requirements:
Required Riding Gear:
Loud Pipes Lose Sites! Please note: We are guests at our training sites. Loud motorcycle pipes jeopardize the use of the sites for all students. When you ride your own motorcycle to class, please respect our site sponsors by being as quiet as possible.
Do I need to take the BRC before I take the ERC?
No, it is not required, but it is highly recommended to take the BRC before the ERC.
Am I required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle in the ERC?
Yes. Important – Regardless of age and whether you are licensed or operating with a permit, you MUST wear a helmet during the ERC and all Motorcycle Safety Program courses.
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.
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.
I lost my motorcycle learner’s permit. How can I obtain another permit?
What if I fail the ERC skills test?
1. Re-register for another Experienced RiderCourse (ERC).
2. Visit a PennDOT Driver License Exam Center to test with them.
3. Register for the Basic RiderCourse (BRC)
4. Arrange to take Level 2 range exercises through the Basic RiderCourse (BRC)
If I need more practice, can I take the BRC or ERC 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. Consider taking the ERC every year to maintain your skills. If you don’t practice them, you lose them.
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
Do I need to bring my own motorcycle or riding gear?
For the ERC you will need to furnish your own motorcycle. You will also need to provide proof of current registration, inspection and insurance. NOTE: We are guests at our training sites. Loud motorcycle pipes jeopardize the use of the sites for all students and may be prohibited. When you ride your own motorcycle to class, please respect our site sponsors by being as quiet as possible.
You will need to provide your own riding gear including:
IMPORTANT: Appropriate clothing for various weather conditions is your responsibility. Be prepared.
If I pass the ERC, what do I receive?
Motorcycle Permit holders who have completed the PennDOT knowledge test and who successfully complete the ERC skills test, will be licensed. All successful students will receive a completion card from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Some insurance companies give a reduced rate for successful completion of the ERC. Contact your insurance provider for details. EXCEPTION: If a student is under the age of 18, they are ineligible to be licensed in an ERC.
If I pass the ERC, will I automatically become a licensed rider? Yes. Upon successful completion of the ERC, 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 Center is waived.
The Department of Transportation will issue a motorcycle license within 120 days of successful completion of the ERC. 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 ERC. You may need to provide a copy of your Motorcycle Safety Foundation completion card. Contact your insurance provider for further details. EXCEPTION: If a student is under the age of 18, they are ineligible to be licensed in an ERC.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that you laminate your completion card and keep it in a safe place. The Motorcycle Safety Program maintains records for class completion cards for only 5 years.
May I have a passenger during the ERC?
Yes, if you take the course with a Class M license. A passenger must be at least 16 years of age and you must have insurance that covers a passenger.
No, if you have a Class M permit when you take the course, no passengers are permitted.
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.
Problem - I ran out of gas and could not complete the course.
Solution – Check your fuel level before class and fill it up.
Problem - My tires have excessive wear and my traction is reduced in the rain.
Solution – Check tire tread before class and install new tires, if needed.
Problem - My motorcycle is encountering mechanical problems.
Solution - Have your motorcycle inspected and tuned by an authorized mechanic prior to class.
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 ERC. 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.
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.