Frequently Asked Questions


What skills do I need before riding a motorcycle for the first time?
Do I need a motorcycle to take the course?
Should I take the BRC or the ERC?
What do I need to wear for the course?
Can I take this course if I am under 18?
What is your rainout policy?
What are your refund, cancellation, and rescheduling policies?
How does licensing through this course work?
How do I get a motorcycle permit?
What happens if the RMV uncovers licensing problems?
What should I do about lunch?
Can I use my own motorcycle for the BRC?
What requirements does my bike have to meet for the Experienced rider course?



What skills do I need before I attempt to ride a motorcycle for the first time?
You must be able to balance and ride a bicycle, and have a desire to learn!


Do I need a motorcycle to take the course?
We provide a training motorcycle for the Basic Rider Course. You bring your own bike for the Experienced Course only.


Should I take the BRC or the ERC?
You may always take the BRC regardless of yoru experience. If you can answer "yes" to both of the following two questions, you may also take the ERC:


What do I need to wear in the course?
You will need long pants, long sleeves, full-finger gloves, eyewear, and sturdy over the ankle boots. Boots should not have a pronounced heel. If you need a helmet, we will loan you one.


If I am under 18 can I take this course?
Yes, Massachusetts residents who are between 16 and 18 years old will simply need a parent or legal guardian to sign a waiver form to take the Basic Rider Course.


What is your rainout policy?
We ride rain or shine. Only in extreme conditions or if precipitation is frozen would we postpone a class.


What are your refund, cancellation, and rescheduling policies?
Cancellation Policy: To receive a refund, requests must be sent in writing and received by us at least 10 days before the course. A $50 fee will be deducted. No refunds are made to students who are no-shows, who cancel with less than 10 days written notice, are late to class, dismissed for safety reasons, voluntarily leave, fail an evaluation, have previously rescheduled, or miss a portion of the course.

Reschedule Policy: To reschedule, a request must be sent in writing and received by the site coordinator more than 48 hours prior to the start of the course. Students must reschedule to another class within the same calendar year. All reschedule requests must be received at least 48 hours before the start of the course and are subject to a sliding-scale fee of $25 to $100, depending on the length of notice given.


How do I get my Massachusetts motorcycle license by taking this course?

Pre-Payment of the "motorcycle license endorsement fee" can be accomplished made by calling the RMV at 1-617-351-4500 or 1-800-858-3926. The Motorcycle School cannot process this fee for you. Please ensure that the RMV has your correct mailing address, as your new license will be mailed directly to you.


How do I get my motorcycle learner's permit?
Massachusetts residents who are 16 or over can simply go to the RMV at least 1 hour before closing with no appointment. Expect to pay $30 for the permit test plus $15 for the license endorsement fee. be advised that there is typically several questions regarding the
Junior Operator Law (JOL) on the permit test, which you should study in advance.


What happens if the RMV discovers licensing problems?
If you do not have a permit when you take our class, you will need to mail, fax or bring us a copy and we can issue the license within 1 year of the course. The same applies to students who are under-18 with a JOL hold on obtaining a license - one year limit. If there are other problems such as: file picture too old, unpaid taxes, etc, we will mail you a ""course completion letter which is good for 90 days. You will need to go the the RMV in person, clear up any issues, and the submit the letter, you course completion card, and learner's permit.


What should I do about lunch?
There are several places to eat nearby, but since the lunch break may be as little as 30 minutes, it would be wise to bring your own. Students are also advised to bring their own water sufficient for surviving 5 hours per day on the asphalt.


Can I use my own motorcycle for the BRC?
Per MSF regulations, unless you have a documentable special need, you are required to use our specially-prepared training motorcycles. Even if it were allowed, you are better off not worrying about damaging your own bike.


What are the requirements for my motorcycle during the Experienced rider course?
Make sure your motorcycle is in good running order, inspected, registered, and insured. Your motorcycle will be given a pre-ride inspection by the instructor. If there are defects, you will not be allowed to ride. We are not allowed to rent or loan out motorcycles for use in the ERC, or as a "backup" if your bike breaks down.


Now that I've finished the course, where should I go to look for a motorcycle?
That's really up to you. Craigslist and the newspapers have listings for used bicycles, and there are several local dealers Central Mass.


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