Do you provide a motorcycle? If so, what kind?
The Motorcycle Safety Academy provides motorcycles for use for a students use during the Basic Rider Course (BRC) (or any variation such as the BRCSP or BRCP) and the Three-Wheel Basic Rider Course (3WBRC). A student may choose to use either the school’s motorcycle or decide to bring their own in the advanced Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2U).
The fleet of motorcycles owned by the Motorcycle Safety Academy are relatively new and in great shape. The motorcycles at the training facility are typically cruiser style motorcycles (250cc) and are relatively easy to ride. The motorcycles used in the three-wheel course are typically Can-Am Spyders or Rykers with various configurations.
Will I be required to have any gear, such as a helmet?
Riders must have the appropriate riding gear prior to the riding portion of the course. The riding gear includes a DOT certified open (three-quarter) or full face helmet, eye protection, long sleeve shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves, long pants (no sweat pants or soft material) and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear.
If you need to purchase a helmet, jacket, gloves or any other riding gear, please call the office immediately. We have close relationships with dealers and can get a variety of riding gear at WHOLESALE PRICES. Some of the manufacturers include Shoei, HJC, Joe Rocket, Alpine Stars, Tourmaster, Cortech and many more. We are happy to get your DISCOUNTED gear sent directly to the training center prior to the start of the course. However, if you are in a time crunch, we do have a very limited selection available at the training center for purchase.
What forms of payment do you accept and when do you need the payment?
A student can register for this course either on-line or by calling the office. Payment can be made via major credit card, money order, cashiers check or cash. However, NO PERSONAL CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED. Also, payment needs to be made prior to the start of class and a person will not be officially registered for class until payment is received.
Do need to bring anything for the first class?
It depends.
If you are registered for the BRC (or any variation such as the BRCSP or BRCP) or 3WBRC course, riding gear or other safety equipment is not required until a person starts practicing / training on the motorcycles. In a typical BRC course, students will be in the classroom for two (2) evenings sessions prior to practicing on the motorcycle.
If you are registered for an BRC2U, students typically start riding at the start of class and need to have the required safety equipment. The general rule is that you need safety gear to ride the motorcycle.
Do I need a learners permit prior to the start of class?
For the BRC (or any variation such as the BRCSP or BRCP) or BRC2U or 3WBRC course, there are no pre-requisites for the course and you don’t need a learner’s permit. However, we do recommend that any course participant be able to ride a bicycle.
Do I get a motorcycle license when the course is finished?
If you successfully pass and meet all the requirements in the BRC (or any variation such as the BRCSP or BRCP) or BRC2U or 3WBRC course, you will be given a MVA Completion Certificate. This certificate may be taken to any full service MVA branch office to obtain a license. The holder of this certificate will also be vision tested, charged the administrative fee and issued a Class M License. You do not need to take any additional “motorcycle related” testing at the MVA.
Individuals with an out-of-state license will not be issued a completion certificate. Out-of-state participants should check with the department of motor vehicles in their home state to find out if they will issue a motorcycle license for a course completed in Maryland.
If I don’t pass either the written or riding portion of the class, what is the process to retake the test?
Students who do not pass the Knowledge Test (written) or the Skill Test (riding) may be given one (1) opportunity to retake these tests. Retests need to be completed within thirty (30) days of the original course end date. The cost of the retest is free. If a person does not pass the retest, he/she must retake the course and pay the appropriate fees.
What time do I need to report to class?
Each Class starts promptly at the time noted in the schedule. Each student must realize that if a person is late for class, he/she will not be allowed to continue. Each student must also understand that if class has started, he/she is not entitled to a refund and must re-register for another course and pay the appropriate fees. We recommend that each student arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of class and allow plenty of time for traffic, weather, etc.
What are the Rider Coach Qualifications?
Each of our professional instructors has an extensive background and experience in riding motorcycles, the motorcycle industry and in providing valuable instruction. In addition, each instructor is certified and licensed by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Each instructor is also required to attend annual training to update and refine their skills.
What is the maximum number of students in a class?
In a typical BRC, BRC2U or 3WBRC course, the maximum number of students participating in the classroom setting and riding portion are 24 and 12 respectively. For individuals that want more individualized training during the riding portion of the course, there will be one (1) instructor for every three (3) students during the BRCSP course. For those individuals that want private lessons during the riding portion of the course, there will be one (1) instructor for every one (1) student during the BRCP course.
