For Basic Rider, Alternate Basic Rider, and Experienced Rider Classes:

1. What do I need on the first night of class?
The first two sessions of a Basic Rider Course are classroom-based. Bring a pen, any snack you’d like, and anything else you might take to a regular college class. If you’d like an instructor to approve your gear, bring it along, but you won’t need to wear it the first class. OTHER CLASSES BEGIN RIDING RIGHT AWAY. BRING ALL OF YOUR RIDING GEAR FOR AN ALTERNATE BRC, EXPERIENCED RIDER, OR TOTAL CONTROL CLASS.

2. If I take the class, does that get me my license?
Successful completion of a BRC or Alternate BRC qualifies you to receive a motorcycle license at MVA.  You do not have to take a written or riding test at the MVA. But you are not licensed until you visit the MVA, present your waiver certificate, and pass an eye test.

3. How do I get to campus?
Visit the campus Directions page.

4. Where is my classroom? Where it the riding range?
Click here for a map and look for your class type. Most classes meet in building TA, Room 1.  Ranges are also shown on the map.

5. If the class I want to take is filled, can I get in on stand-by or be wait-listed?
Yes.  For standby, report to TA1 at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.  We may give preference to persons not already registered in another class.  If selected as a standby student, you must be prepared to pay the course fee and to begin participating immediately in the class by fulfilling the prerequisites mentioned in the course description. Instructors are not permitted to accept cash, so please bring a check, money order, or credit card. There is no wait list, but the Open Class listing is updated instantly. Check back and you may be able to register at the last minute. This will give you priority over stand-by students.

6. What happens if there is bad weather?
You should report to class no matter what the weather, unless Howard Community College is officially closed. Weather closings are posted on the college's home page and announed on major local radio and TV stations. In the event that your class can not be completed, you will partially complete your class and be informed about rescheduling, in-person.

7. Will hiking boots work for the driving sessions?
Generally, yes. Click here to read our gear requirements.

8. I am under the age of 18.  How can I get into the class?
You must be at least 16 years and 3 months old.  If you are under 18, your parent must come with you to the first class to sign release and disclaimer forms. You will be required to show some sort of proof that you are old enough to participate.

9. May I preview the course?
Short sample videos may be viewed on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's website. You can also view a PDF of the Basic Rider Course Handbook online.

10. What happens if I am "counseled out" of a course by the instructor?
Individuals may be counseled out of a course (asked to stop by the instructor) if they are unable to complete an exercise safely or successfully.  You may just need to take a more basic course.  However, some people are just not suited to riding.  If an opening is available for a course in which the instructor determines you belong, you may request to be rescheduled into that course without having to pay an additional fee.  The decision as to whether you may continue a course is at the sole discretion of the instructor and is never taken lightly.

11. What should I do if I have attended all class sessions in the course but fail the tests at the end?
You have one opportunity to retake your test.  Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will pass the test, but most students pass either the first or second time.  Call 410.772.4808 to schedule your retest.

12. I have a CDL License. Is there anything I need to know about adding a motorcycle (Class M) license?
If you have a Hazmat endorsement on your CDL license, there are special requirements you must meet to add the Class M to your license. In order to add the Class M, you will have to (again) go through the
background check, take the hazmat test, and pay the appropriate CDL/Hazmat license fee.  These additional requirements are for compliance with federal regulations regarding the Hazmat endorsement.

For Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic™ FAQ, visit our Total Control page.

If you have other questions, please contact us:
Email Ride@howardcc.edu or call 410-772-4808.