Motorcycle Safety FAQ
What does your program do?
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.
How long does the course take?
The course is approximately 16 hours, which includes 6 hours of classroom (in person or online) and 10 hours on the motorcycle.
How do I use a gift card to pay for class?
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: moto@psc411.com or you can always call 858-275-2741.
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, like a bicycle. 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.
How old do I need to be to take the course?
Any individual 15 ½ years of age or older to the date. If a high school student does not have a drivers license, a high school ID which includes a photo is acceptable. Those who are 15 1/2 years- 21 years old and a high school graduate, who wish to participate in the Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC), must possess a valid government issued ID. A driver’s license is not needed to take our course, but proof of successfully completing the car classroom portion is required. Please also note that you will have to add the motorcycle endorsement onto a car license, so you will need to get a car license within 1 year of taking the Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC).
NOTE: Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them to the first classroom session in order to sign all required paperwork, including two liability waivers. Legal Guardians must provide notarized proof of status.
What is the state law pertaining to students under the age of 21?
In California, aspiring riders under the age of 21 MUST successfully complete the Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) before being issued a motorcycle permit. Once they pass our class, they get a DL 389. They will need to show this to the DMV in order to take the written test to get a motorcycle permit, then the DMV needs to staple the DL 389 to the permit. After being granted a permit, the riders must wait six months before becoming eligible for a motorcycle endorsement. Then they need to go back to the DMV and turn in the DL 389 paperwork after their six months of holding a permit. Please keep in mind the DL 389 skills waiver from the Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) is only valid for 1 year of the date printed at the bottom of the page; this 1 year time frame has to include the 6 month permit waiting time as well.
Can I have an out of state or International Driver’s License?
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.
Do I need to be a certain height?
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.
Do I need to get a learner’s permit before I take the course?
No. If you are 21 and over, you may go to the DMV to get the permit but it is optional. If you are under 21, you cannot get a permit until you complete this course.
What is the cost of the course?
The cost of the CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course is $425 for riders who are 21 years old and older and $395 for students 20 years old and younger, the class must be completed before your 21st birthday to get the under 21 rate. There is a difference in price because the State of California requires that this course be taken in order for individuals under 21 to get their motorcycle license. Because of this, the State has elected to set the price at $395. Please be aware that tuition does not include DMV fees associated with obtaining your motorcycle license.
What do I need to bring to the classroom portions of the course?
Classroom can be 100% in person in Otay as MTC or 100% online via eRider as EMTC.
What do I need to bring to the riding portions of the course?
- ONE Valid Government-issued photo ID, such as:
- Valid Class C Driver’s License (Out of State/International is acceptable)
- Valid California DMV-issued Motorcycle Learner’s Permit (OPTIONAL)
- Valid Passport
- Valid school ID for those under 21
- REQUIRED:
- Sturdy over the ankle boots
- Heavyweight pants with no holes
- Long sleeved shirt or jacket
- Leather or motorcycle specific gloves
- Eye protection (goggles, face shield, or sunglasses)
- RECOMMENDED:
- Sunglasses
- Snacks/drinks
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Bandana
- Raingear (if needed – we ride rain or shine!)
We do provide water and restroom facilities at the range. Please note breaks are 15 minutes each, so please plan accordingly.
Do I need to bring a motorcycle or helmet to the course?
Motorcycles or scooters and helmets are provided for all students at no extra cost, but you are encouraged to bring your own helmet, as long as its full-coverage or ¾-coverage and DOT-compliant and not older than five years. You may also use your own motorcycle or scooter with prior approval by the Motorcycle Site Manager. Please email us at moto@psc411.com with your bike specifications to ensure it can be used for the course.
What size motorcycles do you use?
Our training motorcycles have engines ranging from 125cc to 525cc. We also have two scooters in our fleet that are available upon request. To reserve a scooter, email us at moto@psc411.com after you have enrolled online or add the comment on your registration.
Can I use my own motorcycle or scooter in the Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC)?
Yes, provided the bike meets two of the following three criteria:
- An engine displacement of 525cc or less.
- An unladen weight of 425 lbs or less.
- A seat height of 32” or less.
Prior approval must be given by the Motorcycle Safety Program (MSP) Site Manager.
NOTE: Proof of registration and insurance (minimum required by law) must be provided prior to riding on the range. The bike must be in mechanically sound condition and will be inspected before use on the riding range.
How many students are there in the class?
The maximum number in a riding session is 12 students working with 2 instructors. The classroom has a maximum of 24 students working with 1 instructor.
What if I don’t pass the knowledge test or the skills evaluation?
Passing nor getting a license is guaranteed. If you are not successful on the written knowledge test or riding skills test evaluation or both, you may attempt them at a later time. You are allowed 1 retest for each test (written & riding). Contact the MSP Program Coordinator at moto@psc411.com or (858) 275-2741 to schedule a re-take of either the knowledge (written) test or the skills (riding) test evaluation. Please note we offer free retest options as well as options with a fee associated with it.
Will I get a license after the course?
Successful completion of the course may waive the riding skills test at the California DMV. Paperwork shall be received within 10 days after successfully completing and passing the CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course. Please be aware that tuition for the CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course does not include DMV fees associated with obtaining your motorcycle license. You are NOT licensed until you have gone to the DMV. DL 389 waivers are printed at our office so same day pick up or emailing it is NOT AN OPTION.
How long do I have to get my license from the DMV after completing the MTC?
Your DL 389 is valid for a period of one year from the date on the bottom of the paper and we encourage you to complete the licensing process as soon as you can. If your DL 389 expires, you are required to re-enroll in the course as a new student and pay the full tuition again, no exceptions.
How do I sign up for the course?
You can sign up online and pay through our secured provider using MasterCard, Visa, or PayPal. You may also register over the phone during our office hours at (858) 275-2741. Please call to register anytime Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm and some weekends.
Will I receive a full refund if I change my mind?
If you wish to cancel or reschedule your enrollment, you must do so at least 5 days before the start of your first class session. There will be a processing fee to cancel or reschedule class at any time prior to 5 days of your class starting. There will be cancellation fee inside the 5 day window to cancel or reschedule and no refund once the course is in session.
What is the pass rate?
Passing nor getting a license is guaranteed. Most students pass the course but not everyone passes on the first attempt. While preparing you for the endorsement, testing is a function of the course, but it is not the primary objective. The goal of the course is to teach people to be safe motorcyclists on the street and reduce the number of motorcycle related injuries and accidents in California. If you self-drop or are counseled out by an Instructor, you may repeat the sessions that you need or you an retake the entire class. Please note that there are fees associated with this.
Will I get my money back if I don’t pass the course?
No. We cannot guarantee that everyone will complete the class or pass. Class size is limited, so even if you don’t show up or don’t pass, we still incur expenses.
How much does it cost to reschedule a class?
If you contact us 5 days before the start of your first class session, we will reschedule your reservation free of charge. Reschedules or cancellations made inside the 5 day window before the first classroom session will be subject to a processing fee.
What if it rains during my class?
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.
What if I arrive late to the classroom or to the riding range?
As our customer, we want your learning experience to be enjoyable and positive, but we need your help. Please get on your zoom class 10 minutes before the start time. If you are unsure on how to use zoom, please take some time to find it before your class starts or contact the office at (858) 275-2741 or email us at moto@psc411.com. Please arrive to the range session at least 15-30 minutes early so we can process paperwork and begin class on time. Please understand that if you do not arrive to your class on time, we will start without you and your registration fee will be forfeited. Students must successfully complete all class and range sessions (in the correct order) to be issued a California DMV Certificate of Completion (DL 389).
What if I am counseled-out or miss one of my course sessions?
You will have 2 options. You can be placed in a “stand-by” status, and have 60 days from your first class date to complete all class sessions including the riding skills evaluation. To retake portions of the course, there is a fee. Your other option is to secure a seat for the entire session again for the fee of . Please email or call our Program Coordinator at (858) 275-2741 or moto@psc411.com to register.
NOTE: If you are unable to complete the course within 60 days from your first class date, you must retake the course in its entirety.
Will some companies reimburse me for taking the Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC)?
Yes, some dealerships and motorcycle manufacturers may offer an incentive to encourage you to take the MTC. Talk to your local dealership and motorcycle shop to find out what benefits they offer, and what proof of completion you need to obtain the benefit.
Will my insurance company award me a discount on insurance?
Many insurance companies offer a discount for successful completion of the Motorcyclist Training Course; contact your preferred insurance provider to inquire.
How do I obtain a replacement DL 389?
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.
Is the course offered in Spanish?
No. The California Highway Patrol mandates that the classes be offered only in English. Written course materials and the written test are offered in Spanish.
Can my friend or family member watch me ride?
Spectators are not allowed for safety reasons; friends and family will be asked to leave.
Can I enroll in the course if my license is suspended/restricted?
No. Any potential student who possesses a license that has been restricted due to one or more convictions for driving while impaired may not participate in any CMSP MTC until all restrictions to the license have been lifted. All potential students will be asked to attest that they are not in possession of a restricted license.
What if my question was not on this list?
Send us an email at moto@psc411.com or call us at (858) 275-2741 and we will respond to you as soon as possible. Please note our office hours are Monday- Friday, 9 am- 5 pm and occasionally on the weekends.
