Motorcycles

An attempt to repeal California's motorcycle law - and substitute a watered-down version making helmets mandatory only for motorcycle riders under 21 years of age - failed in the state legislature. Statistical information continues to support the helmet law, but adult riders had been advocating its repeal almost from the moment it went into effect on January 1, 1992. Although the number of motorcycle registrations has reMained about the same, the total number of victims killed has plummeted from 620 in 1989 to 291 in 1994 and to 186 in 1995. Total motorcycle injuries in California dropped from 21,373 in 1989 to 9,832 in 1994 and 6,447 in 1995.

Advocates of repeal contend its a matter of individual choice to wear helmets or not, and a personal right to decide whether to take the risk. The idea that motorcyclists over 21 should be exempt from the requirement for helmets ignores some other facts that prompted passage of the helmet bill. In 1987, before the bill was passed, 77 percent of motorcycle fatalities involved victims over age 21, with 69 percent of those injured over age 21. The average age of the victims was 25. A prime contributor to the improvement in motorcycle safety is the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP), which was mandated as a training and educational program to be administered by the CHP.

According to March 1995 figures, 75,205 motorcycle riders had received training at one of the programs 66 training sites since the program was initiated in 1987. Both basic and experienced rider course are offered, and the basic rider course is mandatory for those under 21 seeking to obtain a motorcycle. A toll-free number, 1-877-RIDE411, serves as the training course referral service. The combination of motorcycle training and education, licensing efforts and driver awareness are all working together to give a promising outlook for motorcycle safety in California.

Why should I take the course?
Upon successful completion, you will have learned how to become a safe and responsible motorcyclist, will receive a DMV licensing skills test waiver, and possible insurance discount.

How do I find a course near me?
Call 1-(877) RIDE-411 and follow the prompts to find the training site near you.

How do I sign up for a course?
Locate the site closest to you and give them a call. They will be happy to schedule you into the next available class that fits your schedule.

How long does the course take?
The course is approximately 15 hours total. Check with your local training site for scheduling options.

If I’m under 18 years old, can I enroll in the course?
If you are between 16 and 18 years old you will need the signature of a parent or legal guardian in order to take the course. Ask your chosen site to see if your parent or legal guardian will need to come to class with you.

Do I need to have any riding experience?
It is not essential to have any riding experience. However, you need to have the ability to balance and stabilize a two-wheeled vehicle. If you have not ridden a bicycle in a long time, it would be a good idea to get some practice before attempting to ride a motorcycle.

What is the cost of the course?
The cost of the CMSP Basic Course will be no more than $235.00 for riders who are 21 years old and older and $150 for under 21 years old. Please be aware that tuition for the Basic RiderCourse does not include DMV fees associated with obtaining your motorcycle license.

What do I need to bring to the course?
Your training site will provide the motorcycle. Helmets are also provided if you do not have your own. Regardless of your riding experience, you are required to wear a helmet during the riding portion of your class. You should come to the riding portion with eye protection, a long sleeved shirt or jacket, full fingered gloves, long pants and sturdy over the ankle footwear (not canvas).

Do I need to bring a motorcycle to the course?
Motorcycles will be provided for you at the training sites.

What if I don’t pass the knowledge test or the skills evaluation?
If you do not pass the knowledge test or the skills evaluation, you can re-take the skills evaluation at a later time. Schedule the re-evaluation with your particular site. Check with your site for re-registration procedures and charges.

Will I get a license after the course?
You will receive a skills test waiver after successfuly completing the Basic Rider Course. This waiver will allow graduates to go to the DMV and take only the written test for their motorcycle endorsement. Please be aware that tuition for the Basic RiderCourse does not include DMV fees associated with obtaining your motorcycle license.

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