Course Details

• Basic Rider Course (BRC)

  The BRC is a 20-hour program that includes both classroom and “hands-on” instruction. It is designed to teach the fundamental skills of straight-line riding, shifting, turning, and stopping, then works toward developing more complex street skills including essential braking, turning and swerving techniques. It also focuses on developing good mental strategies and managing special situations. Motorcycles, helmets, and textbooks are provided for each student’s use. Students must bring the required motorcycle gear to the first class.

  WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ENROLL IN THE BRC?

  Illinois residents who are at least 16 years of age on the first day of their class are eligible to enroll in the Basic Rider Course (BRC) if they have a valid driver’s license or instruction permit. Persons under 18 years of age must bring a parent or legal guardian to the first class to sign a participation waiver. The ability to balance and ride a bicycle is expected.

  LICENSING

  Upon successful completion of the Basic Rider Course, a completion card will be issued that will allow the Illinois Secretary of State driver’s license examiner to waive the written and the riding portion of the motorcycle license test for all graduates who are 18 years of age or older. Persons who are 16 or 17 years of age must complete this course and take the Secretary of State’s written and riding tests to be eligible for a class “M” motorcycle endorsement.

  REFUND REQUESTS

  After you have completed your class, you have the option to donate the $20 registration fee or request a refund. Your donation helps to make it possible for us to continually improve the program.
• Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2)

  The BRC2 is a 12-hour program that provides both classroom and motorcycle riding instruction. It is designed for riders who have the basic motorcycle operational skills of straight-line riding, shifting, stopping and clutch control but need to improve those skills to demonstrate the abilities required for motorcycle licensing purposes. Do not enroll for this course if you do not have the riding skills listed above. If it is determined by the instructor that a student does not have the required skills to participate, they will not be able to continue and will be instructed to leave the class.

  WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ENROLL IN THE BRC2?

  Riders must be at least 18 years of age with recent riding experience. The course is also effective for experienced dirt bike riders who want to start riding on the street as well as current street riders who have been riding with a permit or illegally and wish to become licensed.

  LICENSING

  Successful completion of this course meets the requirements for a license waiver in Illinois.

  REFUND REQUESTS

  After you have completed your class, you have the option to donate the $20 registration fee or request a refund. Your donation helps to make it possible for us to continually improve the program.
• Advanced Rider Course (ARC)

  The ARC course is one day of classroom and on-motorcycle instruction. The ARC focuses on advanced braking, cornering, and perceptual skills. You will learn to use body positioning to manage traction and improve handling, and have multiple opportunities to self-assess your riding skills, risk-taking behaviors, and attitudes.

  This high challenge, low threat course was originally developed for military sport bike riders and has recently been adapted for civilians. You will ride your own sport, cruiser, standard, or touring bike on this course.

  WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ENROLL IN ARC?

  This course is for riders with on-street experience who have a valid motorcycle license and can provide a street legal motorcycle in good mechanical repair. A DOT approved helmet, proof of current motorcycle registration, valid insurance, and a completed motorcycle safety inspection checklist (checklist provided prior to the class) are required without exception.

  LICENSING

  A valid motorcycle license is required to take the ARC. Completion of the ARC does not waive the test requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license through the Secretary of State, but may qualify you for an insurance discount.

  REFUND REQUESTS

  After you have completed your class, you have the option to donate the $20 registration fee or request a refund. Your donation helps to make it possible for us to continually improve the program.

Requirements

• You must present a valid Driver’s license at the first class session.
• You must be an Illinois resident with a permanent Illinois mailing address to register for these courses.
• A Waiver or Release of Liability form must be submitted by all students at their first class session. Persons under 18 years of age must bring a parent or guardian to the first class to sign the participation waiver.

Online Registration

You will receive a confirmation email after completing your online registration with the status of “registered”. If you do not receive a confirmation email, or you receive an email showing “pending” status, this indicates an error with your registration. Contact Illinois Central College Motorcycle Safety Program at (800) 252-3348 or email [email protected]. You are NOT enrolled in a class with a “pending” status.

Walk-Ins

• If a class is marked full, we encourage you to try to get into the class as a walk-in.
• Class size is limited; however, walk-ins are welcome to take seats that become available because of no-show students.
• No pre-registration required.
• If you are accepted into the class, you will be instructed to register and pay by completing an online registration before the class concludes.

Required Motorcycle Gear

You must arrive with the following motorcycle gear on the first meeting of your class:

• Protective eyewear – prescription glasses or sunglasses, goggles, face shield
• Long sleeve jacket or shirt – no holes
• Long pants – denim or other sturdy material (no sweatpants, no yoga pants, no hospital scrubs, no holes)
• Full fingered gloves – Leather preferred
• Over-the-ankle footwear – sturdy material (not cloth or canvas), must completely cover ankle

Cancellation Policy

• To reschedule or cancel, you must call the Illinois Central College Motorcycle Safety Program at (800) 252-3348) or email [email protected] at least 5 business days prior to class start date.
• Your refund will be issued back to your credit card.

Class Locations

Motorcycle Rider Safety Program Employment

If you are interested in becoming an instructor, you must first be hired and work as a Range Aide for our program.

Range Aide

Range Aide Qualifications:

• Have passed at least a beginning rider course (BRC)
• Have and show evidence of a valid Class “M” or Class “L” Illinois driver’s license or an equivalent from another state
• Have knowledge of and ability to perform basic motorcycle maintenance and repair

Range Aide Job Description:

• Assists instructors in setting up cones for range exercises
• Assists instructors in preparing motorcycles for instruction
• Assists instructors in maintaining motorcycles throughout the course
• Assists instructors in securing motorcycles at the end of instruction
• Assists instructors in keeping range and storage area clean
• Assists instructors in non-instructional roles during the course

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does the course cost?

  IT’S FREE! We only require a $20 deposit to hold your registration, but it’s refundable upon completion of the course. In the event a student drops from class before completion, they are ineligible for a refund.
• Is this REALLY a FREE course?

  Yes, Illinois motorcyclists support this course every time they register their motorcycles or renew the motorcycle endorsements on their driver’s license.
• How long is the basic course?

  20 hours are scheduled, with about 8 hours in the classroom and about 12 hours on the motorcycle range.
• Do I need to have my motorcycle permit prior to taking the course?

  No, any valid driver’s license or permit will meet the requirements for taking the Basic Rider Course or the Basic Rider Course 2. However, you must hold a valid motorcycle license to attend an Advanced Rider Course.
• Do I have to take this course to get my license?

  No, you may take a motorcycle to the Secretary of State’s Driver Services Facility to take the written and riding test. However, if you are 16 or 17 years old and wish to obtain an “M” class motorcycle license, you are required to successfully complete our course to be eligible to test at the Secretary of State’s Driver Services Facility. FYI: a legal guardian must accompany the 16 or 17 year-old to the first class to sign the participation waiver.
• Will you accept an out of state driver’s license?

  Yes, if it’s a valid driver’s license and you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Do I have to mail a check or money order or pay the registration fee with a credit card?

  We only accept credit/debit card payments.
• I had a deposit on file last year. Can I apply to this year’s registration?

  No, we do not carry fees over from one year to another.
• Can I just take the one day Advanced course to get my license waiver?

  No, you must currently hold a valid Class M operator’s license to attend our Advanced Rider Course.
• Do I have to bring my own motorcycle?

  No, we provide the motorcycles for the Basic Rider Course and the Basic Rider Course 2. You must bring your own motorcycle, however, if you’re attending the Advanced Rider Course.
• Do I have to bring my own helmet for the course?

  No, we provide helmets for the Basic Rider Course and Basic Rider Course 2, however, you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own DOT approved helmet if it is of the “3/4” or full face variety. You must bring your own helmet if you’re attending the Advanced Rider Course.
• What size are the motorcycles that we will be using?

  The smallest course motorcycles are 200cc and the largest are 250cc.
• What is a registered seat?

  A registered seat is a guaranteed seat in a class. A pending seat is not a registered seat in a class. This indicates an error with your online registration.
• How can I make sure I get a class in April or May?

  There is no sure way. Class size is limited, and we do not offer classes at all our sites early in the spring. Keep in mind EVERYONE wants a class early in the year, and there are limited openings at that time.
• The location I want doesn’t show a schedule, how can I find those classes?

  We are working with those sites to get a schedule approved. As soon as the schedule is finalized, it will immediately be made available. The system is “real-time.”
• How can I find out when a class re-opens due to cancellations?

  The availability online is current information. A seat will automatically become available if a student drops from a class.
• How soon will I get information about my class?

  ALL COMMUNICATION IS THROUGH EMAIL. Please make sure your e-mail address is correct. You will receive an immediate e-mail confirmation with class details after you submit your payment. You will also be receiving a REMINDER email with class details approximately four days before your class begins.
• Is class cancelled if it’s raining?

  No, instructors may adjust inside and outside instruction.
• When will I get my completion card?

  The completion card will be processed within two weeks after the course end date.
• What do I do with my completion card once I receive it?

  You have one year to obtain your motorcycle license. If you are 18 or older, the Illinois Secretary of State driver’s license facility will waive the written and riding portions of your exams. If you are 16 or 17 years old, the completion card will entitle you to test for an “M” class license, which you otherwise could not do. Also, many insurance companies offer discounted rates for successfully completing one of our courses. Check with your insurance agent.
• Can I miss any of the course?

  No, you should not register for a class if you cannot attend all sessions. You are expected to attend the entire course, participate in all classroom sessions, and take part in all range exercises.
• Can I get a replacement card?

  Yes, replacement cards can be issued if your course was completed within the last 12 months. They can only be mailed to an Illinois address. A service fee of $10 will be charged.

  Order Replacement Card
• What if I have a disability?

  If you have a disability, contact Erik Hanks at [email protected] prior to making your class selection to discuss making reasonable accommodations. For events held by the Motorcycle Safety Program that require an interpreter, we prefer the student contact our office at 800-252-3348 at least four weeks in advance.

  To cancel services call our office no less than 48 hours prior to the start of the scheduled event. In case of shorter notification, the student will be charged at the identified hourly rate for the minimum number of hours stipulated. If a request is submitted less than two weeks prior to the event, there is no guarantee we can get an interpreter.

  Due to our large geographical area, there are times an interpreter may not be available. To provide you with the best service, please be prepared to give us at least three different class choices.