Mission Statement About Us SCHEDULE/Metro SCHEDULE/EastCounty FAQ

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Begin2ride and Continue2ride Programs

I am new to riding, what do you recommend?

Complete the first 3-hour riding session of begin2ride before making any decisions about your street riding. You will get to ride the motorcycle, and be able to ask questions of the instructor about how you should proceed. You will receive the DMV motorcycle booklet and other important information that will help you prepare for your learners time and reduce your risk while you begin2ride!
Our motto is, "Be informed before you decide to ride."
Look at some pictures here.

Can you provide a helmet?

Yes. We provide the helmets and motorcycles. We use 125cc motorcycles in begin2ride and 250cc motorcycles in continue2ride.
Please see Directions Page for a list of what you need to bring.

Do I need a driver's license to attend the begin2ride program?

No. There is no license of any kind required to attend the begin2ride program.

Do I need a driver's license to attend the continue2ride program?

There is no license of any kind required to attend the practice session included in the continue2ride program. A motorcycle learner's permit is required for the self study practice on the street. Please complete the DMV motorcycle written test for your learner's permit.
See: Example motorcycle test #1 Example motorcycle test #2

Are there any requirements to participate in the begin2ride program?

Yes, you must be able to balance and pedal a bicycle. If you have not bicycled recently, please practice with a bicycle before attending begin2ride.

How much does the begin2ride course cost?

$98 per riding session or discounted to $245 when you attend three 3-hour sessions.

How much does the continue2ride course cost?

$98 for the 3-hour practice session and $69 per day rental. The one-week package deal includes the 3-hour practice session with an instructor and is discounted to $299 ($29 per day for rental).

Does the training qualify for an insurance premium discount?

Yes.

How old must I be to participate in the begin2ride program?

You must be at least 15 years old. If you are under 18, you must have a parent/guardian sign the waiver/liability release when you attend. No license of any kind is required for begin2ride.

How old must I be to participate in the continue2ride program?

You must be at least 15 years old to attend the practice session. You must be at least 21 years old to rent the motorcycle.

Are there any requirements to participate in the practice session of continue2ride?

Yes, you must be able to control the speed and direction of a motorcycle.

I haven't ridden in a long time, but am still licensed. Can begin2ride give me a refresher?

Yes! We ride in the very first 3-hour session! The instructor will evaluate your skills and can place you in a subsequent session that is on par with your abilities. Returning riders often find this to be an enjoyable experience. The instructor can place you in any session; 2, 3, or the continue2ride session, as appropriate for you.

I ride dirt bikes all the time, but don't have a permit or license. Do I need begin2ride?

The begin2ride program is designed to give you the skills to eliminate unnecessary risk while riding a motorcycle on the street. Session 1, "Basic Motorcycling Skills" is a great place to start your street riding experience. Without traffic or other extraneous hazards, you can focus on developing good riding habits and risk-elimination skills. The instructor may place you in any subsequent session that is on par with your abilities, including the continue2ride session.

I haven't taken the begin2ride course, but I've ridden before and want to take continue2ride. Can I do that?

You may attend the continue2ride program directly. The requirement is to have the skill to control speed and direction of a motorcycle such as begin2ride graduates have.

Will you give me my license after completing the begin2ride program?

We stopped providing the licensing course that have beginner riders waive the DMV skills because licensed riders who have not developed their street skills are at a much higher risk of mishap or death than licensed riders who have developed their skill. New riders should complete their beginners time before their first ride on the street. Once prepared for the street, the new street rider should complete a minimum of 500 on-street miles before testing for their unrestricted license.

We strongly recommend you complete 500 street miles prior to testing for your unrestricted license.
If you have 500 miles or more of recent street riding experience, please register for the continue2ride session instead of the begin2ride sessions.
Riders who waive the DMV skills are at a much higher risk of getting hurt or killed on their motorcycle than riders who have the DMV skills.
Some Important Data.

What are the requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license?

You must pass the written test at the DMV.
You must pass an on-bike test at the DMV or waive the skills (not recommended) in the 15-hour licensing course.
We stopped providing the 15 hour licensing course that have beginner riders waive the DMV skills because licensed riders who have not developed their street skills are at a much higher risk of mishap or death than licensed riders who have developed their skill.
Beginner riders who use this 15 hour course sponsored by the motorcycle industry to waive their DMV skills are twice as likely to get hurt or killed on their motorcycle than riders who enjoy their beginners-time and learners-time and develop their skills before obtaining their unrestricted license. New riders should complete their beginners time before their first ride on the street. Once prepared for the street, the new street rider should complete a minimum of 500 on-street miles before testing for their unrestricted license.
Please see DMV Prep Guide for guidance.

Note to PARENTS: For children under 21, the MIC/MSF lobbied to change the laws so children could waive the skills at the DMV. Even if your child completes the MIC/MSF 15 hour course, we recommend that you require your children to develop their skill beyond the level of being able to pass the DMV skills test easily. Even if they obtain their unrestricted license without any street riding experience, have them demonstrate intermediate level skills before they take passengers or ride on interstate highways and before you allow them to operate a motorcycle larger than 500cc.

I completed the 15 hour licensing course recently and know I am at risk. How can I get some on-street riding experience at a lower risk?

You may attend the continue2ride program directly. After you complete the practice session on the motorcycle, you may ride that motorcycle on the street.

What makes National Motorcycle Training Institute's (NMCTI) begin2ride, continue2ride and test2ride programs different from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) sponsored courses, such as the 15 hour licensing course and the MIC/MSF/CHP program?

The motorcycle industry's Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) lobbies State Assemblies to pass laws promoting motorcycling and reducing obstacles in obtaining motorcycle licenses to increase sales. National Motorcycle Training Institute (NMCTI) does not lobby State Assemblies. NMCTI takes the position that motorcycle safety education should be separate from license testing.

The MIC training mixes different size motorcycles and different student levels into one class, and suggests that 500cc motorcycles are beginner bikes. NMCTI's begin2ride program is ridden exclusively on 125cc motorcycles. It is designed for beginners to gain immediate riding experience and knowledge that is important to new riders preparing these riders for their learners-time. Begin2ride program participants can make informed choices based on their practice of physical and mental motorcycling skills. At the end of the begin2ride program you have the skill and knowledge to decide how to manage your learners-time. NMCTI students are encouraged to make the best decision for themselves, which may include deciding not to ride, and not to pursue street riding. The MIC sponsored program encourages all riders to pursue street riding and encourages the purchase of much gear and larger motorcycles through product placements throughout their class videos.

The continue2ride program is ridden on 250cc motorcycles. It is designed to reduce the chance of mishap in the first 6 months of riding. (The first 6 months and 500 miles are the highest risk time for motorcyclists.) Continue2ride students know how to ride (control the speed and direction of a motorcycle) but want more practice to develop better street skills. Students are encouraged to rent the motorcycle they trained on for their first street rides. This program is designed to reduce the chance of mishap during your first on-street rides. Simply put, we know we can eliminate some risk. During your first street ride, you will be in an unfamiliar environment, however, by using the motorcycle you trained on for your first street rides, you have eliminated the risk of being on an unfamiliar motorcycle and in an unfamiliar environment!

The MIC classes promote the purchase of large motorcycles and expensive touring gear for first time riders. NMCTI promotes appropriate size motorcycles and appropriate gear for the particular level of riding.

Begin2ride prepares beginners to enter the learners-time (learners permit riding after completing written test). At the end of the begin2ride program you will be able to control the speed and direction of a motorcycle, and have gained knowledge needed to make informed choices about your street riding.

page edited 06.24.10

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Begin2ride and Continue2ride Programs

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Begin2ride and Continue2ride Programs