Frequently Asked Questions
I'VE BEEN A PASSENGER, RODE MANY YEARS AGO, OR HAVE ONLY LOOKED AT BIKES. DO I TAKE THE NOVICE COURSE?
The Novice Rider Course (NRC). The only pre-requisite is that you are able to ride a bicycle. Although the Instructor(s) may ask how many of the students have experience, the class is always taught the same way, assuming that all of the students know virtually nothing about a motorcycle. The first day's riding exercises begin with identifying all of the controls and their operation, progressing through riding in a straight line, turning, shifting and stopping. The second day's riding exercises are comprised primarily of street survival skills: cornering, braking and swerving. Successful completion of the NRC will waive any further testing at the WA Dept. of Licensing for 2-wheel endorsement.
DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN MOTORCYCLE?
WMST provides bikes for all of our Novice (NRC) and Novice II (NRC2) and Kick start courses. If you own a scooter and would prefer to use it instead of one of our bikes we will need to know the make and size of your scooter. It must be no smaller than 50cc and not bigger than 350cc. Permission to use your own bike or scooter in an NRC or NRC2 course requires it passes a safety inspection and pre-approval from the DOL.
DO I NEED A HELMET?
We have helmets available at the training sites for your use during Kick-Start, NRC and NRC2 classes. We cannot guarantee we will have one that fits you properly, but have a good inventory to choose from in a variety of sizes to get you the best fit we can. If you have a DOT approved helmet, in good condition, you can use it. You should still bring glasses, sunglasses, goggles or safety glasses to wear to cover the eye protection requirement.
CAN I TAKE A MOTORCYCLE CLASS IF I'M UNDER 18?
Yes. It's a great time to get started! The minimum age to take a Novice Rider Course through WMST is 16 years old with a valid driver's license. We think a motorcycle safety course can improve your other driving skills as well. Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (proof will be required) to the first class session to sign the registration forms.
WHAT DO I BRING TO CLASS?
For the classroom, you only need a pen or pencil and your driver's license or current photo ID. For the riding on the range you will need: long sleeves and long pants jeans are fine, but we recommend they not be "skinny jeans" or overly loose and baggy for proper mobility. Also bring full-fingered gloves appropriate for motorcycle use such as mechanic or work gloves, if not actual motorcycle gloves. Wear sturdy boots that
completely cover the ankle bone. Hiking boots or work boots can be a cost effective option to riding boots.
High-top tennis shoes are not acceptable. Please bring your own DOT approved helmet if you already have one or if you are participating in a course that requires you to provide your own bike. If not, you can use one of ours with a hair net. Eye protection is required if helmet does not have a full face shield. Be prepared for the weather; sunscreen, sun glasses, rain gear, snacks etc.
WHAT IF IT RAINS? CAN I TAKE CLASSES IN THE FALL AND WINTER?
WMST has courses running throughout the year. We run them rain or shine since we have to be prepared for rain at any time of year here in Washington. If you can ride it the rain, it's even easier to ride when the weather's nice. However, we will cancel classes in the case of storm conditions or severe temperatures with the discretion of our certified safety instructors.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUBSIDIZED AND UNSUBSIDIZED NOVICE?
- Subsidized Novice Rider Courses (NRC) can be provided to WA Residents at a discounted price due to funds granted to state certified motorcycle safety programs each year. Not all NRC classes are offered as subsidized because each school receives a limited amount of funds distributed among programs throughout the state. The main pre-requisite to register for a subsidized course is a valid WA State driver's license. Residents under 18 years old are entitled to an additional discount.
- Unsubsidized Novice classes are offered at standard market rate. There is no difference in the course except for the direct price to the student. All students registered in an unsubsidized NRC pay the full amount of the class fee regardless of where your driver's license is from.
I ALREADY HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE. SHOULD I TAKE THE INTERMEDIATE RIDER COURSE?
The Intermediate Rider Course (IRC) is designed for someone with at least 6 months, or 3,000 miles of street experience. You must have a valid learner's permit or license endorsement, use your own motorcycle in the course (which must pass a safety inspection). You must provide license, registration, and proof of minimum WA state liability insurance for you on the bike. Testing at the end of the course is optional. If you choose to participate in the testing at the end of the course, successful completion of this course will waive any further testing at the WA Dept. of Licensing for endorsement. Some riders refresh their skills frequently by taking the IRC, and many who often ride with a passenger like to take the course with their passenger on the bike. Passengers will need to be registered and will be charged a $10 fee. If you bring a passenger to ride with you during the IRC you
must have a valid endorsement on your license.
WHERE ARE THE COURSES OFFERED?
We have ranges at Everett Boeing and Everett Community College, and classroom space at Everett Powersports, Everett Community College, and Smokey Point Cycle Barn.
WHEN ARE THE COURSES OFFERED?
All our courses are held on the weekends, with some Novice Rider Courses (NRC) and (NRC2) starting their classroom time on a weeknight to be able to start the day riding on Saturday.
Please see the Schedule for dates and times.
CAN I "STAND BY" FOR A COURSE?
YES!! If a registered student does not show for a class we will take stand by students on a first come-first served basis. Arrive by scheduled start time on the first day of class, with the appropriate riding apparel, valid driver's license, and either cash or a check to pay the course fee. The instructors cannot process credit cards.
CAN I USE MY SIDECAR RIG OR TRIKE IN AN INTERMEDIATE RIDER TRAINING COURSE?
No. Sidecar rigs and trikes handle significantly different from 2-wheeled motorcycles and require separate endorsement. Sidecar/Trike classes are currently only authorized to be run by Evergreen Safety Council. You can reach them at 800-521-0778.
IF I PASS THE CLASS WILL I GET MY ENDORSEMENT FROM MY INSTRUCTOR?
No. Successful completion of the course, including passing both the written and skills tests, will get you a WA Motorcycle Safety Program completion card signed by your instructor. Take this card to any DOL office within 180 days of class completion and it will waive any further testing. You will need to pay the appropriate fees.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE MY CLASS?
WMST has a strict
"7 day" cancellation and/or reschedule policy. If you need to cancel your registration or reschedule your class we must hear from you more than
7 days prior to the class start date/hour. If you don't contact us or call more than 7 days before your class starts, any money paid for a class will be forfeit and there will be
NO refunds.
WHAT ABOUT OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLE TRAINING?
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) Dirt Bike School is offered by Puget Sound Safety in Roy, WA. They can be reached at: www.pugetsoundsafety.com or 253-531-4585.
For any other location nationwide the course is run directly by MSF from Irvine, CA. It is our understanding that they are offering courses in other locations in WA. You can contact them at: 877-288-7093.
ARE THERE OTHER LOCATIONS FOR THE TRAINING?
Washington Motorcycle Safety Training is one of fifteen companies contracted by the WA DOL to offer training in the state. Other locations within Northwestern Washington are operated by:
- Evergreen Safety Council - Kirkland, Renton, S. Seattle, SeaTac - 800-521-0778
- Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Safety - Auburn -360-779-6378
- Navy & Coast Guard Personnel Only - Bremerton, Everett - 360-396-4269
- North Sound Safety - Bellingham and Burlington - 360-424-7136
For other locations and information please visit the WMSP website or call: 800-962-9010.
