Motorcycle Safety - About The Course

• Basic Ride Course
• Experienced Rider Course

Basic Rider Course (BRC) for Beginning Riders

This course is designed for beginning riders. It was developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Riders under eighteen are required to successfully complete an approved basic course before applying for a class "M" motorcycle license. The Department of Transportation will waive the riding test for all students who successfully complete this course when they apply for their motorcycle license. Some insurance companies give a discount for passing the beginning course.

This course consists of six hours of classroom and ten hours of riding skill development riding provided on 250cc or smaller motorcycles.  Students must wear pants, a long sleeved shirt or jacket, full fingered gloves, over the ankle boots or shoes during the riding portion of the class.  Students must also wear eye protection (glasses or sunglasses are OK) and a helmet while on a motorcycle.  CVTC has helmets available for student use. 

Course Components

The course is designed for the beginning rider but riders of all experience levels report learning new skills and strategies.The Basic Ride Course will teach you

• the location and operation of motorcycle controls.
• how to start, brake, shift and turn. 
• street strategies that will make a crash less likely. 
• advanced skills such as stopping in a turn, swerving and quick stops.

Course Requirements

• Long sleeves, over the ankle boots, gloves, pants and eye protection.
• If you are under eighteen years old and want to apply for a motorcycle permit, you must do the following PRIOR to going to the DMV to take your written exam:
  1. Register and pay for the class
  2. Call 715-855-7521 to request a copy of Form MV3575. You must bring this form with you to the DMV. 

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Experienced Rider Course (ERC) for Experienced Motorcyclists of All Ages

This course is designed for riders with at least 3000 miles or one season's experience.  People with as many as 35 years of riding experience report learning a lot during the course.  The course includes 4 hours of riding skill development on your motorcycle.  Skills taught include: stopping quickly, cornering speed judgment and technique, stopping quickly in a turn, swerving and multiple turns.  Risk management and street strategies are also taught.  The course, including a break for lunch, is 6 hours.  Your cycle must be in good operating condition including tires, brakes, and lights.  You must provide proof of insurance and a helmet.  The ERC is not part of Wisconsin's licensing system but you may qualify for an insurance discount upon completion. 
Prerequisite: regular Class M license.

Note: Students enrolled in Experienced Rider Course must also provide their own motorcycle, helmet, and proof of insurance.

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