Programs
The Motorcycle Rider Program offers courses for novice, intermediate, and experienced riders. Which program is right for you?
Programs List
- Have you wanted to learn how to ride but didn't know how to get started? Or, do you have some riding experience but it has been awhile since you have been on a motorcycle? The Basic course is for you!
- Do you have some motorcycling experience? If you already possess the basic skills to operate a motorcycle but need additional practice before venturing into traffic, the Intermediate course may be for you!
- Do you already have your motorcycle license, some riding experience and a motorcycle? Do you want to improve your mental and physical skills? Then check out our Experienced course!
What is the Basic course?
This 20-hour program includes both classroom and "hands-on" instruction. It is designed to teach the fundamental skills of straight-line riding, shifting, turning, and stopping, then work toward developing more complex street skills including essential braking, turning and swerving techniques. It also focuses on developing good mental strategies and managing special situations. The motorcycles, helmets, and textbooks are provided for each student's use. Students must provide: a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long pants (heavy material with straight legs), sturdy over-the-ankle footwear (not cloth or canvas), full-fingered gloves and eye protection (glasses, goggles or face shield).
Who is eligible to enroll in the Basic course?
Illinois residents who are at least 16 years of age (on the first day of their course) are eligible to enroll if they have a valid driver's license or instruction permit. The ability to balance and ride a bicycle is expected. Persons under 18 years of age need the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
Licensing
Upon successful completion of the Basic course, a completion card will be issued that will allow the Illinois Secretary of State drivers license examiner to waive the written and the riding portion of the motorcycle license test for all graduates who are 18 years of age or older. Persons who are 16 or 17 years of age must complete this course and take the Secretary of State's written and riding tests to be eligible for a class "M" motorcycle endorsement.
What is the Intermediate course?
This 10-hour course is designed for people who already have some experience as a motorcycle operator. Maybe you rode years ago and still have a valid motorcycle endorsement but have been away from motorcycling for awhile. Or, maybe you already ride off-highway or on-road but need to obtain your motorcycle license endorsement. Or, perhaps you have recently taken a motorcycle safety class but need additional practice. The Intermediate Rider Course (IRC) course may be for you!
Who is eligible to enroll in the Intermediate course?
Illinois residents at least 18 years of age (on the first day of their course) are eligible to enroll in the IRC if they have a valid motorcycle endorsement or permit prior to admittance to the course. Students are expected to possess reasonable proficiencies in basic motorcycle control operation, straight line riding, up-shifting, down-shifting, turning, braking, and stopping prior to enrolling in the IRC. If you are unable to demonstrate these minimum expectations during the first riding sessions, you will not be allowed to continue in the IRC course. Neither will you be given preferential enrollment into a basic course.
Motorcycles, helmets, and textbooks are provided. Students must provide a motorcycle permit or endorsement, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long pants (heavy material with straight legs), sturdy over-the-ankle footwear (not cloth or canvas), full-fingered gloves and eye protection (glasses, goggles or face shield).Licensing
Upon successful completion of the Intermediate Rider Training Course, a completion card will be issued that will allow the Illinois Secretary of State drivers license examiner to waive the written and the riding portion of the motorcycle license test for all graduates who are 18 years of age or older.
What is the Experienced course?
This eight-hour course will help you develop advanced braking,
cornering and swerving skills under the supervision of certified
instructors while aboard your own motorcycle. It will also present
material on handling dynamics and traction management.
Who is eligible to enroll in the Experienced course?
This course is for riders with at least one year and 1,000 miles of riding experience (or are a graduate with at least six months and 500 miles of experience), who can provide a street legal motorcycle that is in good mechanical repair, and have a valid motorcycle license. A DOT approved helmet, proof of current motorcycle registration, valid insurance and a completed motorcycle safety inspection checklist (checklist provided prior to the class) are required without exception.
Licensing
A valid motorcycle license is required to take the ERC. Completion of the Experienced course does not waive the test requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license through the Secretary of State.
Why are the courses offered?
The Basic, Intermediate, and Experienced courses are offered through the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety; the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and community agencies to reduce the likelihood and severity of accident involvement by teaching risk management skills and developing essential riding skills through both classroom and riding instruction.
Course Sponsors
These courses are sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety through
Public Act 82-649, the Cycle Rider Safety Training Act; the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and community agencies.
