Frequently Asked Questions

A two-hour introduction to the world of motorcycling. This is not a "learn to ride" class, it's an opportunity to see, touch and sit on an actual bike! You'll get any questions you have about motorcycles and riding answered by a professional riding instructor and – you'll get to "try out" how it feels to be on a moving motorcycle! It's a great way to get the "butterflies" out before taking a Basic Rider Course!

The Basic Rider Course is our most popular class. It's designed for anyone who knows they're ready to take a full class to learn to ride (AND get your license!) The Basic Rider Course is a 15 hour class; 5 hours classroom and 10 hours of on-bike training time. CMSC will provide the motorcycle and, if needed, a helmet. CMSC runs the BRC multiple times every week/weekend between March and October each year.

The BRC2 used to be called the Experienced Rider Course. This is a one-day class for anyone who's been riding for at least a full season and would like to get professional instruction on how to improve their skills and techniques… and, oh yeah, you get your license taking this class! You'll do the training on your own bike – to make the skills you sharpen even more valuable for your overall safety and enjoyment of your bike! CMSC runs the BRC2 at the beginning of most months between April and September each year.

Anyone may take the Basic Rider Course or Introductory Motorcycling Experience regardless of your motorcycle experience level.

If you answer "yes" to the these questions, you may also take the BRC2 (Formerly the ERC):

• Do you own a motorcycle that is registered, insured and passed inspection this year?
• Do you have at least 1500 to 2000 miles of riding experience within the last year?
• NOTE: you must bring a motorcycle to this class, CMSC cannot rent beginner bikes.

* IMPORTANT: If your bike's exhaust has been modified, are the pipes baffled? Students are not permitted to participate in an ERC with unbaffled or excessively loud pipes.

Basic Rider Course (BRC): Yes

Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2): Yes

Introductory Motorcycling Experience (IME): No

You must be able to balance and ride a bicycle, and have a desire to learn!

For the Intro or Basic Rider Course, NO.

For the Basic Rider Course 2 (Experienced Course), YES.

Note: You may NOT use a trike/three-wheeler for any classes at CMSC)

No!

• DOT recognized Helmet (don't have a helmet? …we'll provide one for the course!).
• Eye protection. (Sunglasses are ok for the purpose of the course)
• Long sleeve shirt or jacket.
• Full-fingered gloves.
• Sturdy, full length pants (usually denim or canvas – NO torn/distressed fashion jeans, they don't provide any protection for your legs)
• "Over the ankle" boots. Boots should NOT have a pronounced heel.

We recommend food. There are several places to eat nearby or you can bring your own lunch. Students are also advised to bring water sufficient for as much as five hours on the asphalt.

We ride rain or shine. Bring Rain Gear!

We will only postpone a class in extreme conditions such as ice, "sticking" snow, sustained lightning. We ride in cold temperatures and rain. Bear in mind the position a rider is in: wind and water blowing on you, legs in a horizontal position… so our advice is (in case you missed it above!) Bring Rain Gear!

Yes, Massachusetts residents between 16 and 18 years old will need a parent or legal guardian to sign a waiver form to take the Basic Rider Course. In order to become licensed to ride under 18, you must hold a valid MA permit (either motorcycle OR auto) for at least six months AND complete Drivers Education at an accredited school. (We can recommend a Driver Ed school with the initials "CMSC")

To receive a refund: A request must be sent in writing (U.S. Mail, email or FAX) and received by the Site Coordinator more than 10 days prior to the start date of the course. All cancellations made more than ten days prior to the start of a course will be charged a $50. cancellation fee. 

No refunds are made to students who are "no-shows," those who cancel with less than 10 days written notice, are late to class, dismissed for safety reasons, voluntarily leave, fail the evaluation, have previously rescheduled, or miss a portion of the class.

Students may reschedule to another class within the calendar year on time and space availability. All reschedule requests must be sent to the Site Coordinator in writing (U.S. Mail, email or FAX). All reschedule requests received by the Site Coordinator more than 7 days prior to the start of a course will be charged a $50. rescheduling fee. There is no rescheduling of a class within 7 days of the start of the course.

Yes, if your completion card has been lost, we can replace it. A processing fee of $25. applies. Please note; Massachusetts allows us to replace cards up to five years after training. We are prohibited from issuing cards for anyone who completed training more than five years ago. For the 2016 season, we can replace cards for anyone who trained in 2011 or later.

Yes, private lessons can be scheduled with any of the motorcycle instructors of your choosing or you may speak with the office staff about any specific's you'd prefer in an instructor or in your lesson. The fee for private instruction is $75./hour, two hour minimum.

There are 3 steps required to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on your MA license:

• AT RMV: Obtain a motorcycle permit, $30. (Can ONLY be obtained from RMV).
• AT RMV: Pay the "Motorcycle license endorsement fee," $15. (Can ONLY be paid to RMV).
• AT CMSC: Pass an on-bike road test (INCLUDED with the BRC or ERC courses here at CMSC).