FAQ

1) How much is the course?

It's free. We require a $20 registration fee to hold your place in the course, but it's refundable after the course is over.

2) Is this REALLY a FREE course?

Yep. It sure is. Illinois motorcyclists support this course every time they register their motorcycles or renew the motorcycle endorsements on their driver's license.

3) How long is the basic course?

20 hours, with about 8 hours in the classroom and about 12 hours on the motorcycle range.

4) Do I have to have this course to get my license?

No, you do not. You may take your own motorcycle to the Secretary of State's Driver Services Facility and take a written and riding test there. However, if you are 16 or 17 years old and wish to obtain an "M" class motorcycle license you must first successfully complete our course to be eligible to test for that classification.

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5) Do I have to have my motorcycle permit to attend the course?

No, you do not. Any valid license or permit will meet the requirements for taking the Basic course. To attend an Experienced course you must hold a valid Motorcycle License.

6) Do I have to bring my own motorcycle?

Only if you're attending one of the Experienced courses. We provide the motorcycles for the 20-hour Basic course.

7) Do I have to bring my own helmet for the course?

Only if you're attending one of the Experienced courses. We provide helmets for the 20-hour Basic course; however, you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own DOT approved helmet if it is of the "3/4" or full face variety.

8) What if I have a disability?

If you have a disability, please contact our office prior to making your course selections to discuss making reasonable accommodations. Course information for the hearing impaired will be relayed by calling TDD 217-244-6677.

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9) Can I pay for my registration with a credit card?

No. We do not accept credit cards. Please use a check or money order.

10) Can I combine registration payments?

It is not recommended. If one pending registration is returned/released due to payment complications, all pending registrations will be affected.

11) I want to re-take the course this year. Can I just apply my deposit from last year?

No, we do not carry fees over year to year.

12) How can I make sure I get a course in April or May?

There is no sure way. Class size is limited due to the nature of motorcycle training and there are not many sites up and running at full capacity early in the spring. (We need half-way nice weather before we start training to get things set up.) Please keep in mind EVERYONE wants a course early in the year and there are limited openings at that time.

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13) If all the courses I want are full, how can I get into a course?

See our page about trying to attend a class as a "Walk-in" student. Persistence pays off.

14) I applied online, now what?

What to do after you register.

15) When will you send me information about the course I'm in?

You should receive an immediate e-mail confirmation asking that you submit your payment to secure your spot. A second notification will be sent when your spot is secured with a valid payment. And a reminder notification will be sent two weeks prior to your assigned class indicating dates, times, location and additional course information.

16) I'm a Standby for a course. When will you let me know if I get in the course?

At the course starting time on the first night of class. Until that time we have no idea who plans on attending class and who doesn't.

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17) What to do/bring for your first day of class?

What to do/bring for your first day of class.

18) What if I have to be late the first day of class?

Then you will forfeit your seat to a grateful standby or walk-in student.

19) Can I miss a day of the course?

No. Our lessons and exercises build on what was covered previously, so if you miss something you won't have the skills and knowledge to safely continue in the course.

20) I had to miss part of my course. Can I finish up with another class?

No, you may not. Please contact our office about rescheduling options.

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21) How can I find out when a course re-opens due to cancellations?

The availability online is current information. When a student cancels, we have assigned standby students to take their place. If the assigned standby student fails to attend, then the opening becomes available for walk-in students.

22) Will I get my Motorcycle License at the end of the course?

No. If you successfully pass our course you will receive a completion card in the mail a few weeks after you complete the course. If you are 18 or older, the Secretary of State's Driver Services Facility will waive the written and riding portions of your driver's exam for up to to one year past the course completion date. If you're 16 or 17 years old, the completion card will entitle you to test for an "M" class license, which you otherwise could not do.

23) Can I just take the one day Experienced course to get my license waiver?

No, you can not. You must currently hold a valid motorcycle operator's license to attend our Experienced course.

24) What good is the Completion Card I get after passing the course?

In addition to the testing waivers mentioned in question 22, many insurance companies offer discounted rates for successfully completing one of our courses. Check with your agent.

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25) What size are the motorcycles that we'll be using?

Small. Our largest motorcycles are 250cc, which is equivalent to .25 liters, and we have many 125cc motorcycles.

26) What kind of motorcycles will we be using?

Black ones. And some red ones and a few white ones. :-)

27) Is this worth it?

You bet it is!

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