California Motorcycle Training Courses

Upon successful completion, you will have learned how to become a safe and responsible motorcyclist and possible insurance discount. Successful completion of the course may waive the riding skills test at the California DMV.

The course is approximately 16 hours, which includes 6 hours of classroom (in person or online) and 10 hours on the motorcycle.

If you have a gift card from a dealership you want to use to pay for your class, you must contact the office by email or phone. When you contact us, please give us your full name, phone number, email address, physical address, driver license # and expiration date, date of birth, and the class date and location you want. We will also need the gift card #. It’s quickest to send this info by email to: or you can always call 858-275-2741.

It is not essential to have any riding experience. However, you need to have the ability to balance and stabilize a two-wheeled vehicle, like a bicycle. A level of proficiency riding a bicycle is highly recommended prior to attempting to ride a motorcycle.

Yes, as long as your license is valid. An international or non-California driver’s license will be accepted for enrollment in the course. A passport may also be used to take the course instead of a license.

There are no minimum height restrictions. However, you must have the ability to be able to touch both feet on the ground while straddling a motorcycle and must be able to hold the bike upright when stopping or walking the motorcycle. If you are under 5 feet tall, please contact the office to schedule a time to come sit on a bike.

Total Control Training, the CMSP contract manager, is responsible for replacement DL 389’s. Please complete the DL 389 Replacement Form found HERE and send to Total Control, along with a copy of your driver’s license. DL 389s expire 12 months from the original date of issue and will not be reissued once it has expired. Obtaining a reissued DL 389 will not extend the expiration date. If it has already expired, you will need to take the entire course again to receive a new DL 389 certificate. Only CMSP is authorized to reissue the DL 389. Replacement DL 389s may take up to 5 working days to process.

The maximum number in a riding session is 12 students working with 2 instructors. The classroom has a maximum of 36 students working with 1 instructor.

You are going to get wet. We ride rain or shine. If it DOES rain, the silver lining is that you get a chance to learn how to ride in soggy weather while you are with a skilled Instructor. Plan on bringing multiple layers to take off or switch into on breaks. While rain gear is not a requirement, it sure is nice to have! We do have limited rain gear at the range available. If the weather becomes extreme, continuation of the class will be at the instructor’s discretion.

Classroom can be 100% in person in Otay as MTC or 100% online via eRider as EMTC.