Basic Motorcycle Rider Course (BRC)

This 15-hour Basic RiderCourse ® (BRC) is for anyone, 16 years or older, (those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the classroom session) who wants to learn to ride a motorcycle. This program runs from mid-March through mid-November each year. Five hours of classroom and ten hours on on-cycle instruction, under controlled range conditions, make up the curriculum. You will be exposed to the basic skills of motorcycle operation, effective braking, cornering, obstacle avoidance, and safe, street riding strategies. This course provides motorcycles and student workbooks. Students must provide protective clothing (see Course Materials).

Holders of a valid Virginia driver’s license and this course’s completion certificate may operate a motorcycle unaccompanied for a period of 30-days from the course completion date.   After the 30-day period the individual must have the motorcycle classification added to their valid, Virginia driver’s license. 

Additionally this certificate can be used for one-year from the course completion date to waive the knowledge exam, road skills exam, and the 30-day motorcycle learner’s permit holding period.  It will not, however, waive the 9-month motorcycle learner’s permit holding period for an applicant under 19 years of age.

Cost of Class: $150; $100 Course Cost + $50 Admin Fee

Classroom sessions are held in Room 202 of the Engineering Building. The Range sessions are conducted in the B-1 Parking Lot.

Course Materials

Students are encouraged to read the Basic RiderCourse Handbook in advance. For your convinience, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has posted an electronic copy of the Basic RiderCourse Handbook on its website. Please note that the Handbook has been posted in a protected format, for student reference purposes only, and cannot be printed out.

Basic Rider Course Handbook
(pdf document)

Basic Rider Course Handbook (In Spanish)
(pdf document)

Students must provide the following protective clothing:
(1) Helmet: 3/4 or Full face (minimum DOT rating); some are available for students to borrow
(2)  Eye protection (glasses, goggles or face shield)
(3) Long sleeve shirt and/or jacket
(4) Gloves (full-fingered, abrasion resistant, no skin exposed. . . preferably leather)
(5)  Sturdy pants (denim jeans or better) that come down over the top of the footwear
(6) Sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear with a low heel

STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO RIDE WITHOUT THIS CLOTHING!

These items are not required in the classroom. If you have any questions, however, about your riding gear wear or bring it to the first classroom session. The instructors can advise as to whether or not it is appropriate for the on-cycle portion of your training.

If you are taking a weekend class that uses the two(2)-day format PLEASE make sure you have all of your riding gear with you on the first day!

You must be on time for all sessions of the course. Class starts promptly. If you are late for any portion of the class you will be dismissed with no refund. In order to be eligible for a refund you must cancell your class registrations 2 weeks prior to the class start date.

Links to Motorcycle Resources