Rider Courses

Motorcycle Safety Program

The West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles offers two rider courses through the Motorcycle Safety Program: The Basic Rider Course (BRC) and the Experienced Rider Course (ERC). The tuition for each course is $100. West Virginia law requires all motorcycle operators to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. Classes offered through our vendor, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), are the only approved Rider Training courses available in the state.

Basic Rider Course (BRC)

Our basic course is designed for riders who have never operated a motorcycle—and we supply the bikes! The Motorcycle Safety Awareness Program, through its vendor, has an agreement that allows for the testing of riders for their endorsements, so you can learn to ride and get your license all in one place.

The BRC is approximately 17 hours long and combines intensive riding practice on a closed-off lot with valuable classroom instruction. Please note that the WVMSP does not guarantee instant success; while many students pass on their first attempt, it is not uncommon to take the class more than once.

General Information for the BRC

• Training motorcycles are provided, all under 300CCs.
• To enhance student learning, class sizes are kept small: 12 students to two RiderCoaches (instructors).
• Graduates may be eligible for motorcycle insurance discounts as well as incentives from manufacturers and dealerships.

Eligibility Requirements for the BRC

• Students are recommended to possess either a valid driver's license or motor vehicle instruction permit for a minimum of 7 days before an F endorsement can be added.
• Students must furnish their own protective clothing: eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, full-fingered gloves, over-the-ankle footwear, and a DOT-approved helmet.
• Students must be able to ride a bicycle, as basic balancing skills are not taught in this course.
• To successfully complete the course, 100 percent attendance is required. Participants must pass an online knowledge test and the in-person, on-cycle skills test.
• All students who possess a valid motorcycle permit and successfully complete the course may utilize the State Skill Test Waiver to receive their motorcycle endorsement.
• Courses run rain or shine. However, the instructor may postpone a session due to severe or dangerous weather conditions.
• Participants must register in advance and pay the $100 course tuition. Early registration is highly recommended as courses fill up quickly.
• Courses begin in April and run through October. The schedule is updated frequently.

The RiderCoaches working with you are highly trained and invested in your success. The BRC is designed to teach beginning riders the fundamentals of safe motorcycle operation. However, many factors affect a student's ability to succeed in the allotted timeframe. If, in the opinion of the RiderCoach, a student becomes a danger to themselves or others, they will be counseled out of the session and invited to return at a later date.

Experienced Rider Course (BRC-2 License Waiver)

If you are already comfortable on your own motorcycle and ready to refine your riding technique, the 5-hour Experienced Rider Course Skills Plus builds directly upon your existing skills and knowledge. Relatively new motorcyclists, returning riders, and seasoned operators can all benefit from this training.

The ERC covers critical mental strategies, traction optimization, risk management, advanced braking, cornering, and emergency swerving techniques. The WVMSP recommends that you have at least one year or 1,000 miles of riding experience before enrolling.

General Information for the BRC2

• Participants must provide their own motorcycle, which must be street-legal, registered, and insured.
• Participants must already be proficient in basic skills: clutch control, straight-line riding, turning, shifting, and stopping.
• This program is accredited by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and licensed by the State of West Virginia.
• POST credit is available for law enforcement personnel.
• Note: This course does not meet state licensing requirements for participants under the age of 18.

Eligibility Requirements for the ERC

• Participants must be at least 16 years of age. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver form prior to any on-cycle instruction.
• Participants must possess a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement or a valid motorcycle instruction permit.
• Your personal motorcycle must pass a safety inspection at the site, and you must present valid proof of insurance to the instructor.
• Participants must provide their own protective gear: eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, full-fingered gloves, over-the-ankle footwear, and a DOT-approved helmet. Rain gear is highly advisable.
• Courses are conducted in all weather conditions, though instructors may postpone sessions during severe weather anomalies.

FAQ & Other Important Information

• Classes must be paid for in full via credit or debit card at the time of scheduling.
• Tuition fees are completely non-refundable unless you cancel your registration at least 10 days prior to the class start date. You may reschedule a class up to 5 to 10 days before the start date.
• Unscheduled walk-in students may attend on a strict space-available basis and must pay the tuition fee via money order on-site.
• If you are dismissed from class for cause, you will forfeit your tuition. Dismissal for cause includes:
  • Failing to show up for a scheduled classroom or riding session.
  • Arriving late to any classroom or riding portion.
  • Showing up without the mandatory personal protective clothing/equipment.
  • Leaving a classroom or riding session before it is formally dismissed.
  • Committing an intentional unsafe or reckless act on the range.
  • Disrupting class or acting in any manner that prevents other students from receiving safe training.

To speak with a program representative regarding course specifics prior to registration, please contact the Motorcycle Safety Program office.

If you need to reschedule or have site-specific logistical questions after you have already enrolled, please contact your designated Site Manager directly using the contact directory below: