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 become eligible for a motorcycle license or endorsement.

Participants in a BRC should not ride 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 credit or check card.

Course Completion Requirements and Getting Your License

To pass the course you must complete a Precourse and Homework assignment, participate in all the course sessions 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 read pages 5 through 24, Unit II, Risk Awareness through all of Unit III in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation BRC Rider Handbook.  You can view the book from this link, but you cannot print it.  You will get a copy of the book in class.

After reading the material complete the 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.

You must also complete a Homework assignment.  To complete this assignment read pages 25 through 47, Unit IV, in the BRC Rider Handbook.

After reading the material complete the Homework 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.

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.

Getting Your License

Riders satisfactorily completing the Basic Rider Course to the licensing standard are eligible to receive their Class M license.

General Information

• A motorcycle learner’s permit is not required to participate.
• Individuals applying for a motorcycle license as a first license will still have to complete the requirements of the Graduated Licensing System and must be eligible to be issued a full license before their Class M License Certificate expires.
• Training motorcycles are provided.
• A participant may use their personal scooter in a BRC if it has an engine displacement of 51 cubic centimeters or more.  Personal scooters must be in good operating condition and be transported to the training center legally.  A personal scooter must be insured and the owner must assume all liability for its use in the course.  The Program will not be responsible for any damage to a personal scooter as a result of participation.
  Note: Please contact the Program office or the training center where 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.
• 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.
• Participants are eligible for one retest of both tests.