1) 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 and approved it will be made immediately available. The system is "real-time".
2) How much does the course cost?
IT'S FREE! We only require a $20 deposit to hold your registration in the course, but it's refundable upon completion of the course.
3) Is this REALLY a FREE course?
Yes it is. Illinois motorcyclists support this course every time they register their motorcycles or renew the motorcycle endorsements on their driver's license.
4) I had a deposit on file last year.
Can I apply to this year's registration?
No, we do not carry fees over year to year. All requests for refunds should be received by November 15th of each year.
5) 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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6) 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.
7) Do I have to take 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.
8) Do I need to have my motorcycle permit prior to taking 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.
9) Will you accept an out of state driver's license?
Yes. As long as it is a valid driver's license and you meet the eligibility criteria.
10) How long is the basic course?
20 hours, with about 8 hours in the classroom and about 12 hours on the motorcycle range.
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11) 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.
12) 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.
13) 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.
14) What is a confirmed seat?
Confirmed: A secured seat in a class. If there is a confirmed seat available (at the time you loaded this page) AND the registration deadine for the course has not passed, a "Reg. Confirmed" button will appear in this column -- click this button to start the registration process.
15) What is a stand-by seat and when will I know if I get in?
Standby: A "Reg. Standby" button will appear in the Standby column for a course if the confirmed seats for the course are filled and standby seats are available (and the registration deadline for the course has not passed.) Click the button to start the registration process. Students who register for a standby seat are put on a waiting list. If confirmed students cancel, do not show up for class, or are late, standby students will be the first to be admitted to the open seats. Standby seats are filled in the order of registration. Standby students are required to attend the first class meeting of the scheduled course to be admitted to that course and must be on time for the course to claim the seat. If your status changes before the class start date you will be notified by e-mail of an upgrade.
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16) What is a walk-in?
Walk-ins: If the course you want is full or the registration deadline has passed you may try getting in as a "walk-in". No pre-registration is necessary. Simply arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the first class meeting and notify the instructor that you would like to attend as a walk-in. At the course starting time, a lottery will determine which walk-in students will be assigned to any unclaimed seats.
17) I get an error when I register saying my driver's license number is wrong, what can I do?
This error means some data that you provided does not match up, clear all the fields, and enter the data again and double-check to make sure your name, address, birthdate, gender, driver's license number, and all other information is correct with NO typos.
18) When will you send me information about the course I'm in?
All communications are done via e-mail. Please make sure your e-mail address is correct, current and checked on a regular basis. 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.
19) Can I pay for my registration with a credit card?
No. WE DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS. Please return your registration form with a check or money order as stated at the time of registration.
20) 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.
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21) I applied online, now what?
What to do after you register.
22) My seat has expired, can I get it back and what happens if I have already mailed my deposit?
Once the deadline for you to submit your registration form and deposit has passed your seat will be expired and goes back out live on the website. We cannot recover this seat. If your materials were in the mail and didn't arrive to us on time we will mail your check back to you unless there is an active registration in your name and we have enough information on the check to match it up.
23) 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.
24) Can I miss any of the course?
No, and you shouldn't attend the course if you can not. 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.
25) I had to miss part of my course. Can I finish up with another class?
No, you may not. Please contact our office about cancelling so that you may re-register online.
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26) What to do/bring for your first day of class?
What to do/bring for your first day of class.
27) 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.
28) 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.
29) When will I get my Completion card so I may go obtain my Motorcycle License if I successfully complete the course?
If you successfully pass our course you will receive a completion card in the mail a 2-4 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.
30) What good is the Completion Card I get after passing the course?
In addition to the testing waivers mentioned elsewhere, many insurance companies offer discounted rates for successfully completing one of our courses. Check with your agent.
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31) Can I get a replacement card?
Replacement cards can be issued if the course was completed within the last 12 months. A service fee will be charged. Complete the Replacement Card Request form for the University of Illinois and mail it with the fee to the address on the form.
32) 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.
33) Is this worth it?
You bet it is!
34) How do I get information about next year's schedule?
Visit this website daily in February until it is posted. We post the schedule as soon as we get it approved! If it's not posted, we don't know yet.