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 rider 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 check or money order.

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.

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)