Class Description
15-17 Hour Course
5 Hours Classroom (7 Hours in Maryland)
Approximately 10 Hours On-Motorcycle Practice
- Motorcycle, helmets for most head sizes, and assorted lightweight gloves available
- Qualifies graduates for motorcycle license (Virginia, if the class is taken in Virginia), motorcycle skills test waiver (District of Columbia, if the class is taken in MD or VA), licensing completion certificate that can be taken to any full-service MVA office to obtain a motorcycle (Class M) license (Maryland, if the class is taken in MD). If you hold a Driver's License from any other jurisdiction, e.g. NC, PA, WV, etc. in the U.S., or from any foreign country, PLEASE contact the office issuing your license for information about training requirements that constitute a motorcycle license waiver for that jurisdiction.
- Qualifies graduates for insurance premium discounts with most motorcycle insurers.
The Basic RiderCourse is aimed at beginning riders, currently ages (15 1/2-VA, 15yrs 9mos-MD, 16 yrs-DC) and up! Five hours of classroom instruction helps prepare the student for two five hour practical riding sessions in a controlled, off-street environment. In this course you will have the opportunity to learn basic riding skills, with emphasis on the special skills and mental attitude necessary to safely operate a motorcycle.
If you plan to enroll in a motorcycle rider training course, are under the age of 21, or have never held a driver's license from any jurisdiction regardless of age, you really need to verify the specific requirements of the agency that will issue the license and / or permit you desire.
While Apex makes every effort to point customers in the appropriate direction we are not responsible for those licensing / permit requirements.
Your RiderCoaches are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), and are members of the Virginia Rider Training Program (VRTP), or licensed by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). In the classroom you'll have the opportunity to learn about the different types of motorcycles, their controls, and how they operate. The RiderCoaches, all experienced motorcyclists, will suggest options on what to wear for comfort and protection. You'll find out how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to ride safely. A very important segment of the course will show you how to create your own strategy for riding in traffic, and how to deal with critical situations.
In the parking lot you will start off with walking around and sitting on the motorcycle just to locate and manipulate the controls without starting the engine. For those who have never operated a vehicle that required shifting gears, you will experience what it feels like to just rock the bike back and forth in first gear before being asked to move the motorcycle.
Initial movement will entail walking with the motorcycle in a straight line, controling your speed with the clutch and front brake. Minimal mastery of this experience will be expected before progressing to straight-line riding, turning, shifting and stopping.
You'll gradually progress to cornering, swerving and stopping in the shortest distance you safely can. The course concludes with a knowledge test and skill evaluation. If you successfully complete this course you will smile with satisfaction as the RiderCoach hands you your course completion card!
Required riding apparel:
Eye protection (prescription eyewear or sunglasses are adequate)
Long sleeve shirt or jacket
Sturdy pants (jeans are sufficient; NO baggy pants)
Over the ankle, sturdy shoes
Courses offered only in English
Minimum age with parent/guardian consent: (15 1/2-VA, 15yrs 9mos-MD, 16 yrs-DC)
Tuition Discounts available for Motorcyle Club Contracts and former Apex customers!
