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.

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What are the requirements to become licensed through the ERC?

• You MUST be at least 18 years of age to be licensed through the ERC.
• You need a valid Class “C” driver’s license.
• You will also need a valid Class “M” (motorcycle) permit.

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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:

• Your own motorcycle and enough gas for the entire class. Please note: If you are using someone else's motorcycle, you will need to have written permission from the registered owner. Current registration, proof of insurance, and inspection required.

Required Riding Gear:

• Long pants and long-sleeved shirt or jacket. Note: To adjust to changing temperatures, layers are your best bet. Try a jacket with a long-sleeved shirt underneath. Layers, layers, layers. 
• Over-the-ankle sturdy shoes or boots and full-fingered gloves.
• Eye protection.
• Helmet that meets D.O.T. standards. *You are required to wear a helmet during the safety course. (Regardless of your riding experience.)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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What if I fail the ERC skills test?

1. Re-register for another Experienced RiderCourse (ERC).

• For the quickest scheduling, register online at pamsp.com

2. Visit a PennDOT Driver License Exam Center to test with them.

• Contact the Driver License Exam Center nearest to you for details.

3. Register for the Basic RiderCourse (BRC)

• For the quickest scheduling, register online at pamsp.com
• To increase your skills, you can take the entire 15 hour course

4. Arrange to take Level 2 range exercises through the Basic RiderCourse (BRC)

• You are required to complete 5 hours of training which includes the skills test
• We recommend that you use a motorcycle provided through the program instead of your own motorcycle. The exercises will not be modified to accommodate larger motorcycles.
• You may contact a RiderCoach with a copy of your name and phone number. Have your information ready to hand to the RiderCoach. They may be coaching a class and may not be available to speak with you.
• If there are openings available, the RiderCoach or Site Coordinator will schedule you for the Level 2 exercises. You may have to wait a while for this to be arranged. Also, depending on the time of year, there may not be openings to schedule you before the end of the season.

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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.

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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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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:

• DOT approved helmet (Regardless of your riding experience, you are required to wear a helmet during the riding portion of your class.)
• eye protection
• long-sleeved shirt or jacket
• long pants
• full-fingered gloves
• sturdy over-the-ankle footwear (not canvas)

IMPORTANT: Appropriate clothing for various weather conditions is your responsibility. Be prepared.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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 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.

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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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