The Advanced Rider Course (ARC) is the civilian version of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation military sport bike course but it can be taken on any stock street legal motorcycle.  It is a course designed for experienced riders.  For the purposes of this course, an experienced rider is one who has the basic skills and is a current rider with a motorcycle license.  The ARC is designed to compliment and build on the skills learned and practiced in other rider courses.  Special emphasis is given to self-assessment, risk management, rider behavior, riding strategies and overall skill development, particularly in braking, cornering and swerving techniques.

The ARC is taught by Motor Vehicle Administration and Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified Instructors specially trained on the ARC.  It is an all-day class consisting of approximately three hours of classroom activities and five hours of riding time.

Participants are expected to use their personal motorcycle.  Personal motorcycles must be street legal, must be in good operating condition and must pass a routine pre-ride check given as a part of the course. Riders must assume all liability for the use of their motorcycle in the course.  The Program will not be responsible for any damage to a rider’s motorcycle as a result of their participation.  Riders are to provide their own riding gear, which includes:

• A helmet that is compliant with USDOT standards, either open-face (3/4) or full-face style.  Partial coverage helmets, also known as half-helmets, may not be worn;
• Eye protection;
• Riding jacket, one that is motorcycle-specific is preferred;
• Full-fingered gloves;
• Long pants of a durable fabric.  Riding jeans are preferred but heavy weight denim is acceptable; and
• Sturdy footwear, such as riding boots, that over-the-ankle.  Athletic footwear may NOT be worn.

Because of the high level of traction required, riding activities will NOT be conducted if the riding surface is wet.  The classroom activities will be conducted and the riding portion rescheduled for another time.

During the riding activities, each rider will be evaluated by the instructors on their ability to accomplish the objectives of the activity. Riders that cannot demonstrate minimum riding proficiency will not be allowed to continue. Riders who are not allowed to continue will not be eligible for a refund and may have to pay an additional fee to be enrolled in the BRC2.

To complete the course riders must pass a 20-question knowledge test administered at the end of the classroom activities.  Riders must also meet the objectives of the riding activities.  Riders completing the course will receive a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Card.

General Information

Participants are expected to ride their own motorcycles. Motorcycles with sidecars, or trikes may not be used.

• Course participants are required to report to the scheduled session regardless of the weather.
• The course is conducted by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and meets or exceeds the standards established by the National Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
• Because of the requirements of the riding activities this course will only be offered at the following training centers:

Glen Burnie MVA
Harford Community College
Wor-Wic Community College
Harley-Davidson of Maryland
Old Glory Harley-Davidson (Laurel Mall)

Student Requirements

• Must be a licensed motorcycle operator.
• Must wear protective clothing (eye protection, suitable jacket, long pants, full-fingered gloves, and over-the-ankle footwear) during the riding portion. Participants are encouraged to bring their own helmets, but program helmets are available at the centers. All helmets must be compliant with USDOT standards with proper labeling intact, must fit properly and must be in good condition.
• Personal motorcycles must be in good mechanical condition, and must be properly tagged and insured.
• Must attend the entire course, pass the knowledge test and satisfactorily complete the riding activities.
• Must 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 credit or check card only.
• How to Register