This course is intended for the rider who owns a motorcycle, or has access to one, has current on-street experience and needs to get licensed. Like the Basic Rider Course, it has a home study component, an online eCourse that must be completed prior to the first class session, and 8-hours of formal instruction that includes 3-hours of classroom and 5-hours of riding exercises.
Individuals under the age of 18 may not participate in the BRC2-LW but must take the entry-level Basic Rider Course as required by law.
Instruction is provided by the Motor Vehicle Administration Approved and Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified instructors. The pre-requisites for this course are:
- Currently own, or have access to a street legal motorcycle;
- Have ridden on the street within the last calendar year;
- Use the clutch and throttle to get the motorcycle in motion;
- Stop the motorcycle properly in a designated area;
- Execute gradual and tight turns;
- Up and downshift smoothly; and
- Achieve a speed of at least 25 mph.
During the riding exercise, a rider's ability to operate a motorcycle will be evaluated by the instructors.
Riders who cannot demonstrate minimum riding proficiency will not be allowed to continue and will need to consider enrolling in the Basic Rider Course. Riders who are not allowed to continue should contact the training center where they are taking the course to inquire about enrollment options for the
Basic Rider Course.
Riders can elect to use a training motorcycle but are encouraged to use their personal motorcycle if it is street legal and they transport it to the training site legally. Personal motorcycles must in good operating condition and pass a routine pre-ride check given as a part of the course. Riders must assume all liability for their motorcycle in this course. The training center or the Program will not be responsible for any damage to a rider’s motorcycle resulting from participation. See the Program's
policy regarding riding a motorcycle to class.
Riders are to provide their own riding gear. See the note under Enrollment Requirements.
There is no guarantee that an individual enrolling in this course will pass or get their license.
Enrollment Requirements
- Individuals who possess a valid driver's license, a Class "M" (motorcycle) learner's permit or individuals who are eligible for a learner's permit may enroll in this course.
- Individuals under the age of 18 may not enroll in this course.
- Wear protective clothing (eye protection, suitable jacket, long pants, full-fingered gloves, and over-the-ankle footwear) during the riding portion. Participants are expected to provide their own helmets. All helmets must be compliant with USDOT standards with proper labeling intact, must fit properly and in must be in good condition. Ideally, motorcycle specific gear should be used.
- Pay the course registration fee to be officially enrolled in a course. You may attempt to enroll in a course as a stand-by student by reporting to the center on the first day of the course and if selected paying the fee by credit or check card.
Course Completion Requirements & Getting Your License
To pass the course, you must participate in the entire course and pass a knowledge test and on-cycle test. Riders satisfactorily completing the Basic Rider Course are eligible to receive a Maryland Completion Card and their
Class M License.
General Information
- A motorcycle learner's permit is not required to participate.
- Training motorcycles are provided but participants may use their personal motorcycle. Motorcycles with sidecars, or trikes may not be used.
- Scooters may be used if they have an engine displacement of 51 cubic centimeters or more. Note: Please contact the Motorcycle Safety Program office or the training center where you are enrolling to make arrangements.
- Some insurance companies offer discounts on motorcycle premiums to course graduates.
- The curriculum is approved by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and meets or exceeds the standards set by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
- Course participants are required to report to all scheduled sessions regardless of weather.
- Lateness policy.
- There are no refunds of the course fee.
- Participants are eligible for one retest of both course tests.
