The Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC)
This seven-hour course provides another option for an individual to earn their license without having to take the full 17-hour basic course. It is only for individuals that have some riding experience and are seeking a Class "M" license.
Instruction is provided by the Motor Vehicle Administration and Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified instructors. The pre-requisites for this course include the ability to:
- Use the clutch and throttle to get the motorcycle in motion;
- Stop the motorcycle properly in a designated area;
- Execute gradual and tight turns;
- Up and downshift smoothly; and
- Achieve a speed of at least 25 mph.
During the initial riding activities, each rider's ability to operate a motorcycle will be evaluated by the instructors. Riders who cannot demonstrate minimum riding proficiency will not be allowed to continue and will need to consider enrolling in the Basic Rider Course. 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 a Basic Rider Course.
All learning activities are conducted at the riding range. There is no formal classroom, however various topics including preparing to ride, road management and advanced riding techniques are discussed during the course.
Riders can elect to use a program training motorcycle, or they may use their personal motorcycle if it is street legal and they transport it to the training site legally. See the Program's policy regarding riding a motorcycle to class. Personal motorcycles must be in good operating condition and pass a routine pre-ride check given as a part of the course. Riders are to provide their own riding gear, which includes a DOT certified helmet, eye protection, jacket, full-fingered gloves, long pants and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear. 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.
Enrollment Requirements
- Individuals who possess a valid driver's license, a Class "M" (motorcycle) learner's permit or individuals who 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 and in good condition with proper labeling intact.
- 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.
Course Completion Requirements & Getting Your License
To pass the course, you must complete a Precourse assignment, participate in all the entire course and pass a knowledge test and on-cycle test. Riders satisfactorily completing the Basic Rider Course are eligible to receive a Maryland Completion Card and their Class M License.
Special note: For customers registered in a class that starts before April 1, 2013, the Precourse assignment is due at the start of the last session.
A Precourse assignment must be completed and turned in at the start of the first class session. To complete this assignment you must read Motorcycle Safety Foundation Experienced Rider Course Suite Rider Classroom Cards. You can view the cards from this link, but you cannot print them. You will be given a copy of the cards to use during class.
After reading the cards complete the ABRC Precourse assignment. You will not be able to save the form. Click on the Print button to print out a copy. Please put your name, training center and class number on it and bring it with you to class.
The MVA 25-question knowledge test will be administered during the last classroom session. The material on this test is covered during class, but you are encouraged to review the MVA Motorcycle Operator Manual. Individuals with a valid Class M Learner’s Permit will not have to take the MVA knowledge test; however, they must show their valid permit to the training center manager, or course Instructor at the start of class.
Getting Your License
Riders satisfactorily completing the Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC II) are eligible to receive their Class M License.
SPECIAL NOTICE
Customers who do not turn in a Precourse assignment may not be eligible for a retest opportunity should it be necessary. Customers who have not turned in both the Precourse and Homework assignments may complete the course, but will not receive their Maryland Completion Card or their Completion Certificate (for the Class M license) until they have turned in the assignments.
General Information
- A motorcycle learner's permit is not required to participate.
- Training motorcycles are provided but participants may use their personal motorcycle if it is transported legally to the training center. Motorcycles with sidecars, or trikes may not be used.
- Scooters may be used if they have an engine displacement of 51 cubic centimeters or more.
Note: Please contact the Motorcycle Safety Program office or the training center where you are enrolling to make arrangements. - Participants with a valid Class M learner’s permit do not have to take the end-of-course written knowledge test.
- Some insurance companies offer discounts on motorcycle premiums to course graduates.
- 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.
- There are no refunds of the course fee.
- Participants are eligible for one retest of both course tests.

