Washington Motorcycle Safety Training

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN MOTORCYCLE?

WMST provides bikes for all of our KickStart, BRC, and IRT courses. Using your own motorcycle or scooter in a class is an exception in these classes and must go through an approval process. Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection, and you must provide proof of ownership and liability insurance.

DO I NEED A HELMET?

We have helmets available at the training sites for your use during KickStart, BRC and IRT classes. We have a good inventory of full face helmets to choose from, in a variety of sizes to get you the best fit we can. If you have your own DOT Approved helmet, in good condition, you will be most comfortable. You must bring glasses, sunglasses, goggles or safety glasses to wear to cover the eye protection requirement if it does not have a full face shield.

CAN I TAKE A MOTORCYCLE CLASS IF I'M UNDER 18?

Yes. It's a great time to get started! The minimum age to take a Basic Rider Course through WMST is 15 years and 10 months old with a minimum of a valid WA State Learner’s Permit. Taking a motorcycle safety course can improve your other driving skills as well. Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (proof will be required) to the first class session to sign the registration forms.

WHAT DO I BRING TO CLASS?

For the classroom, you only need your valid Driver's License. For the riding portion on the riding range you will need: long sleeves and long pants, full-fingered leather or other motorcycle gloves, and sturdy boots that completely cover the ankle bone. Hiking boots or work boots can be a cost effective option to riding boots. High-top tennis shoes are not acceptable. Bring your own DOT approved helmet if you already have one or if you are participating in a course that requires you to provide your own bike. If not, you can use one of ours. Eye protection is required if helmet does not have a full face shield. Be prepared for the weather; sunscreen, sun glasses, rain gear, snacks etc.

WHAT IF IT RAINS? CAN I TAKE CLASSES IN THE FALL AND WINTER?

WMST has courses running throughout the year. We run them rain or shine since we have to be prepared for rain at any time of year here in Washington. However, we will cancel classes in the case of storm conditions or severe temperatures with the discretion of our certified safety instructors.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUBSIDIZED AND UNSUBSIDIZED?

Subsidized courses can be provided to WA Residents at a discounted price due to funds granted to state certified motorcycle safety programs each year. Not all classes are offered as subsidized because each school receives a limited amount of funds distributed among programs throughout the state. The main pre-requisite to register for a subsidized course is a valid WA State driver's license. Residents under 18 years old are entitled to an additional discount.

Unsubsidized classes are offered seasonally during times of high demand at standard market rate. There is no difference in the course except for the direct price to the student.

I ALREADY RIDE. SHOULD I TAKE THE EXPERIENCED RIDER COURSE?

The ERC is designed for someone with at least 6 months, or 3,000 miles of street experience. You must have a valid learner's permit or license endorsement, to USE YOUR OWN MOTORCYCLE in the course (which must pass a safety inspection). You must also provide a License with Learner’s Permit or 2-wheel Endorsement, bike registration, and proof of minimum WA State liability insurance for you on the bike. Some endorsed riders refresh their skills frequently by taking the ERC, or use it to get familiar with a new bike, and many who often ride with a passenger like to take the course with their passenger on the bike. Passengers will need to be registered and will be charged a $10 fee. If you bring a passenger to ride with you during the ERC you must have a valid endorsement on your license. Testing at the end of the course is optional. If you choose to participate in the testing at the end of the course, successful completion of this course will waive any further testing at the WA Dept. of Licensing for endorsement.

WHERE ARE THE COURSES OFFERED?

We have various sites in Snohomish County. Please see the Schedule and review the map.

WHEN ARE THE COURSES OFFERED?

Please see the Schedule for dates and times.

CAN I "STAND BY" FOR A COURSE?

YES!! We will book up to 2 Stand- by students to a class if necessary. If a registered and confirmed student does not show for a class or arrive by the scheduled start time on the first day of class, the instructors will confirm a present and prepared stand-by student in their place. Call the office during business hours to get detailed info and book a Stand-by position on a full class roster. Cash or a check will need to be brought to class to pay the course fee upon confirmation of your ability to participate. The instructors cannot process credit cards.

CAN I USE MY SIDECAR RIG OR TRIKE IN AN EXPERIENCED RIDER COURSE?

No. Sidecar rigs and trikes handle significantly different from 2-wheeled motorcycles and require separate endorsement.

IF I PASS THE CLASS WILL I GET MY ENDORSEMENT FROM MY INSTRUCTOR?

No. Successful completion of a “License Waiver Course”, including passing both the written and skills tests, will get you a WA Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Card signed by your instructor. Take this card to any DOL office within 180 days of class completion and it will waive any further testing. You will need to pay the appropriate licensing fees.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE MY CLASS?

Refunds will ONLY be issued for cancellations made at least 10 days before the class. If you call to cancel less than 10 days before the class, you will forfeit your entire registration fee. If you would like to reschedule your class, there is a $25 rescheduling fee if rescheduled 10 days prior to the beginning of your class. If you are late, or do not show up for your class, you forfeit your entire registration fee.

WHAT ABOUT OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLE TRAINING?

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) Dirt Bike School is offered by Puget Sound Safety in Roy, WA. They can be reached at: www.pugetsoundsafety.com or 253-531-4585.