1) How do I get information about next year's schedule?
Check this web site in early February.
2) How can I get information about riding a motorcycle if all of your courses are full or over?
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has a book available for people who are unable to take a course. This book is titled: "The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence Skills, Knowledge, and Strategies for Riding Right" ISBN 1-884313-01-9. The book can be ordered from you local book store or from Whitehorse Press, PO Box 60, North Conway, New Hampshire 03860-0060. Information is also avaliable from their web site at: www.whitehorsepress.com.
The Illinois Secretary of State's office has the "Illinois Motorcycle Operators Manual" available. For more information about licensing or the examination, contact your Secretary of State Dirver Services facility or call (800)252-8980.
3) How can I take a class if they are all full?
If the course you wish to take is full, you may try getting in as a "walk-in". Simply arrive early the first course meeting and give your name to the RiderCoach. If there are openings due to cancellations or no-shows, the RiderCoach will accept walk-ins on a first come--first serve basis. Instructors normally arrive half an hour prior to the start of the course. If you get in as a "Walk-in" you must pay your registration fee at that time.
4) Do I need to bring a motorcycle?
No, not for the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or the Intermediate Rider Course (IRC). Our program provides motorcycles, helmets, insurance, and professional instruction for the BRC and IRC. Do NOT ride your motorcycle to class unless you have a motorcycle endorsement on your license. You must provide a street legal motorcycle for the Experienced RiderCourse (ERC).
5) Am I eligible to take the class?
You must be at least 16 years of age for the BRC and 18 for the IRC, be either a temporary or permanent resident of Illinois, and possess a valid learners permit or license for some form of motor vehicle. For riders with at least a year of riding experience that have their own motorcycle and hold a valid motorcycle license, we also offer Experienced Rider Courses (ERC).
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6) What is the cost of the course?
The BRC, IRC, and ERC are free of charge but do require a refundable registration fee to guarantee your seat in a class.
7) What if I don't show up for class or I'm late?
A standby or walk-in student will be admitted to class in your place and you will lose your registration fee.
8) What type of driver's license do I need to take the course?
You must have either an automobile driver's license or learner's permit; or a motorcycle driver's license or learner's permit to take the BRC or the IRC. You must have either a motorcycle driver's license or motorcycle learner's permit to take the ERC. You can take the courses if your license is from any state.
9) Is there a minimum age for attending?
Yes, you must be 16 years or older at the first class meeting to take the BRC. You must be at 18 years or older at the first class meeting to take the IRC or ERC.
10) Is the course required to receive a motorcycle driver's license?
No. However, any person 16 or 17 years old is required to successfully complete the BRC in order to receive a class M endorsement, valid for any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Graduates who are 16 and 17 years old must also take a driving and written test at the Secretary of State (SOS) Drivers Services Facility to complete the licensing procedure. The SOS Facility will collect a fee for these tests.
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11) How do I receive my motorcycle driver's license after attending the Basic RiderCourse (BRC)?
If you are 18 years or older and you successfully complete the course, you will be mailed a course completion card two (2) weeks from the end of your course. With this completion card, the driving test and the written test will be waived if you test on an M-class Motorcycle in the course. The Secretary of State (SOS) Drivers Service Facility will collect a fee for a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license.
12) Do I get a motorcycle license when I'm done with class?
Those who successfully complete the Basic RiderCourse (or the Intermediate Rider Course for those 18 or older) will be mailed a completion card from the Illinois Cycle Rider Safety Training Program. This card will be mailed two (2) weeks from the end of the course. This completion card will enable 16 and 17 year olds to apply for an M classification on their driver license. Persons 18 years of age or older who successfully complete the course will have the written and riding examination waived at the driver services facility. The Secretary of State's office will recognize the completion card for only one year. You must go there within one year to get your license.
13) I already have a permit, will the Secretary of State's Office still waive the written and riding examinations?
To get your permit, you have already taken the written test. You may also be required to take the riding test. Some SOS Offices will also waive the riding test.
14) Does the completion card expire?
Although there is no expiration on the completion card, the Secretary of State's office will recognize the completion card for only one year. You must go there within one year to get your license.
15) What kinds of things are covered in the classes?
Basic riding skills like starting, stopping, turning, and shifting. Strategies for street riding. Advanced techniques in turning, braking, and swerving.
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16) How long are the classes?
The basic program consists of 20 hours of instruction, usually 9 hours of classroom instruction and 11 hours of instruction with a motorcycle. The ERC consists of 8 hours of instruction, about 4 hours of classroom and 4 hours of instruction on your motorcycle.
17) Can I get a replacement card?
Replacement cards can be issued if the course was taken within one year. A service fee will be charged.
Complete the Replacement Card Request form for Illinois State and mail it with the fee to the address on the form.
18) How does standby work?
If you register for a standby class, you should plan to attend. At the scheduled starting time, you will find out if you get in or not. If you do not get in, you can reregister for a different course. If you don't get in and you want a refund, send an e-mail message to our program requesting a refund and we will process it. The University will send you a refund check. If someone cancels before the start of the course, standby students upgraded to fill the confirmed slot will receive an e-mail message.
19) What is acceptable eye protection?
You may use prescription glasses with either plastic or glass lenses. You may use safety glasses. If you are riding in the sunshine, you may also use sunglasses.
20) Can I use my own helmet?
Yes, you may use your own helmet if it has the DOT certification and it is a 3/4 or full face helmet in good condiction. The instructors will make the determination of its condition if there is any question about its suitability. Half shell helmets are not acceptable.
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21) Where can I find specific driving directions to my class?
There are mapquest links to all of our training sites on our web site. Look inside the "yellow box" on the web page that had the schedule for the course you selected.
22) Can I still take the class if my license is suspended?
Yes. If your license is suspended, it is still valid. You must bring proof that you have a license. This proof can be the license or another document from the Secretary of State showing that your license is suspended or court documents showing the same. If your license is revoked, you can NOT take any of our courses.
23) What happens if it rains?
You will get wet. We do ride in the rain. If you have a rain suit and want to bring it; it may help.
24) I am not a resident of Illinois. Can I still take this course?
You can NOT take our course unless you are either a temporary or permanent resident of Illinois. You may be able to take a course in your home state. To find information about a course in your state, go to the "Motorcycle Programs & Other Useful Links" on our web site.
25) When do I get my completion card?
Your completion card will be mailed to you two (2) weeks after you successfully complete the course.
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26) What happens if it snows?
If it snows and the snow sticks to the ground, we may have to cancel class. If it snows and the ground is slushy, we may have to cancel class. In either case, we will do our best to fit you in to upcoming classes. We will not kick anyone out of their seat, but we will give you a chance to get in to a class soon. You would not be guaranteed a class with family or friends, and you would not be guaranteed the same instructors.
If it snows and melts, and the ground is wet, we will continue to run the class. You will get wet and you may be cold if your clothes are not suitable to cold and wet weather.