WHAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT MOTORCYCLE RIDER EDUCATION, but didn't want to ask...


The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the newest curriculum used for novice rider's throughout the country and in the state of Washington.  The BRC is still a 2 ½ day course that begins with a very basic introduction to the motorcycle and progresses through basic skills training and street survival strategies.  This course is an integral part of the Washington Motorcycle Safety Program (WMSP) and about half of the classes are subsidized by the WMSP..  This means that the student/consumer pays $100, as opposed to the full price classes offered at $275.  Motorcycles are provided.  In order to take this class, you need to sign up ahead of time, so that means you need to know where and when you want to take the class.  Full price classes are offered by all providers and in many cases, there is not a waiting list to get in one.  The easiest way for a person to do this is to go on the websites of the state providers.  Puget Sound M/C Education (www.psmemc.com) no longer has a contract with the state and unfortunately, they provided classes in the northern part of the state and in mobile classes.  WMSP is currently working with another provider for the northern part of the state that will hopefully be active within a month or so.  I suggest that you continue to check the WMSP website.  The Motorcycle Safety Company (www.motorcyclesafetycompany.com) has filled part of the void with classes in the Everett area.  Presently, they offer class in SSCC in West Seattle, as a temporary fix to the lack of class in Shoreline.  They hope to move back to the Shoreline/north Seattle area as soon as they can.  The Evergreen Safety Council (www.esc.org) continues to offer many classes in the greater Seattle area with ranges in Kent, Renton, and Kirkland .  You should find a location convenient for you if you look at the information provided in their websites.  Upon successful evaluation and completion of the BRC, a student receives a completion card which will waive any further testing by the DOL if taken there WITHIN 180 days.

This brings me to the endorsement itself.  Effective January 1, 2004, motorcycle endorsements will be issued for "2-wheeled m/c only" (Class 3), "3-wheeled m/c only" (Class 5), or "both 2 and 3-wheeled m/c" (Class 7).  If you already have a "3" you may operate a 2-wheeled m/c without taking any action.  If you desire to operate a 3-wheeler and/or a 2 and 3-wheeler you must get your license updated..   You have a 6 month "grace" period to get into a DOL office and make sure your endorsement suits your riding preferences.  It is FREE, go do it.  If you presently ride some sort of 3-wheeled vehicle, and you have a m/c endorsement, you need to adjust how your endorsement reads on your license.  It is FREE, go do it...within this 6 month "grace" period.

For those  who have been riding a m/c for a while without an endorsement, the WMSP also offers classes for you.   The License Waiver Rider Course (LWRC), which upon successful completion and evaluation, you receive a completion card.  Similar to the BRC, it waives any further testing by DOL if taken there within 180 days.  There is no classroom, everything, including testing, is done on the range in a 6 hour course on your own m/c.  No passengers are permitted in this course.  This course costs $100 and I consider this a screamin' deal!


The Skills Plus Rider Course (SPC) is for riders (and passengers) looking for extra skills training.  There is no formal testing and no completion card.  This is also a 6 hour course ridden on your own m/c.  It also costs $100 and is also a screamin' deal.  It appears to be the answer for clubs and groups of riders who want to 'stretch' their riding skills, break bad habits, or 'remember' things they may have forgotten. 

Both the LWRC and the SPC require that your motorcycle pass a T-CLOCK inspection and show proof of insurance.  In addition,  you MUST have a permit or be already endorsed to take the LWRC and SPC.  A legal, DOT approved helmet is required.  At the present time, the only location I know of that offers MSF's Dirt Bike School is Port Angeles Powersports.

WMSP Rider Coaches are MSF certified with an additional WMSP certification.  We are continually evaluated on a formal and informal basis and are held to high, particular standards.  I have found for myself, that being a Rider Coach is one of the most fun jobs I have ever had.  It is a rich, rewarding experience that words do not fully express well.  Giving back to a program that has given me so much is important.  Anyone who thinks this job could suit them, should talk to me or call 800-962-9010 Ext.  9  for more information.

If anyone has more questions about the m/c rider classes you can go on the Department of Licensing website (www.dol.wa.gov) or do it the old fashioned way, and use the yellow pages.  I would like to encourage all of you, new riders or old timers, to sign up for a class.  It may be just the refresher you need. Another bonus to all these classes, is that with your completion card, you can receive a discount on your insurance and possibly a rebate/coupon from the motorcycle manufacturer of your choice.  Thanks for your time and I look forward to another great year of burning gas with you!