The Basic Course

The GMSP Basic Course is an introductory course intended for a new rider with little or no experience (although some veteran riders have found that they learned more than expected). Motorcycles are provided for on-cycle training. Successful Graduates receive a 90-day waiver of the Department of Driver Services’ written test and on-cycle license test (you still have to pass the vision test and pay any other fees).

In the Basic Course, you'll learn how to operate a motorcycle safely, with emphasis on the special skills and mental attitudes necessary for dealing with traffic. GMSP Coaches will start you off with straight-line riding, turning, shifting and stopping. You'll gradually progress to cornering, swerving and emergency braking. In the classroom, you'll learn about the different types of motorcycles, their characteristics, and how they operate.

The GMSP Coaches, all experienced motorcyclists, will advise you on what to wear for comfort, visibility and protection. You'll find out how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to ride safely. A very important segment of the course will guide you in developing a strategy for riding in traffic, and how to deal with critical situations.

To successfully graduate, students must attend all sessions, be on time for all sessions, get 80% or better on a written evaluation and pass an on-cycle skills evaluation.

This introductory course requires no experience, but be aware that motorcycling is not for everyone. Students may progress at different paces but may not be able to successfully complete the course or they may be counseled out because of safety concerns.

When on the training motorcycles, all students must wear appropriate riding gear. For safety reasons we require each student to wear a DOT approved helmet (we can provide one), long sleeve shirt or jacket, denim jeans or heavy pants (not excessively baggy), over the ankle boots (please make sure they are not fashion boots with heels), full fingered gloves, eye protection.

*Failure to wear the appropriate riding gear will result in being dropped from the class. There are NO refunds.

PREREQUISITES

In order to participate, GMSP requires every student to be prepared; specifically you must:

• Provide a signed waiver.
• Bring a parent or legal guardian to the first session if you are under the age of 18.
• Wear a DOT approved helmet (faceshield, goggles, or glasses)
• Wear full fingered gloves, preferably leather
• Wear long sleeved shirts or jackets
• Wear sturdy pants (no shorts)
• Wear boots that cover your ankles
• Be in a proper state of mind
• If a student is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian MUST accompany the student to the first class meeting to sign a waiver form. Students under the age of 18 will NOT be allowed to attend unless a parent or legal guardian is present at the first classroom session (NO EXCEPTIONS).
• Students under the age of 18 that successfully complete the Basic Course earn the 90-day License Waiver. However, to get their license, the student must be at least 17 years of age before the 90-day waiver expires. They must also comply with the requirements of Joshua’s Law.

All GMSP Training Sites loan helmets if you do not have one. Since class is conducted in ALL weather conditions (except for extreme weather), you are advised to bring:

• Wet weather gear (rain jackets, rain pants, etc.)
• Cold weather gear (warm jackets, sweaters, etc.)
• Water or other non-alcoholic beverages
• Lunch/snacks as necessary

**Please note that any unsafe acts will result in dismissal of the student.**

BENEFITS

• Successful graduates earn a 90-day License Waiver. The DDS waives the written and riding portions of your Motorcycle License application for 90 days from the completion date of your course.
• Besides learning how to ride, graduates may be entitled to receive an insurance discount on their motorcycle insurance (check with your insurance agent for specific details.)
• DDS will waive both the written and riding portions of your Motorcycle License application for the first 90 days if you pass the course.
• You don't need to own (or borrow) a bike to get your license!
• Learn how to enjoy yourself more when you ride.
• Meet new friends.

Register Here

For Experienced Riders

The Experienced Course is a one-day workshop designed to improve your skills in braking, evasive maneuvers and turning. It provides the experienced motorcyclist with the "street strategies" necessary for survival.

Using your own motorcycle, you’ll put into practice the techniques of managing traction, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving. You will also discuss with your peers how to balance the mental and physical aspects of safe riding, manage risk, increase visibility and optimize your lane position. This course also provides valuable information about protective gear, rider responsibility, motorcycle inspection and care, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on riding.

Even if you've been riding for some time, there's always something new to learn. Or bad habits to unlearn. Be aware that if a rider’s skill level is considered unsafe by the Coach, that rider may be counseled out of the class.

Increasing numbers of seasoned riders are attending Experienced Courses to hone their skills and fine-tune the mental skills needed for survival in traffic. The Experienced Course may also qualify graduates for insurance premium discounts with their motorcycle insurers, so be sure to call your agent for more information!

What you will need for this course:

• Your own motorcycle (in good repair because it will be subject to a safety inspection before being allowed into the workshop)
• DOT approved helmet
• Proof of insurance for your motorcycle
• Proof of ownership for your motorcycle
• Possess a Class M License Endorsement or a current Class MP instructional motorcycle permit
• Wear appropriate riding attire: long sleeve shirt or jacket, long pants or jeans (not too baggy or long), over the ankle boots, gloves (full fingered), eye protection.

PREREQUISITES

In order to participate, GMSP requires every rider to be prepared, specifically you must:

• Have 6 months (or 500 miles) riding experience
• Provide a signed waiver
• Possess a Class M License Endorsement or a current Class MP instructional motorcycle permit
• Have a street legal motorcycle (it will be inspected)
• Provide proof of ownership of the motorcycle to be used in the course
• Provide proof of liability insurance for the motorcycle
• Bring a parent or legal guardian to the course if under 18
• Have a valid driver’s license or motorcycle permit
• Wear a DOT approved helmet
• Eye protection (faceshield, goggles, or glasses)
• Wear full fingered gloves, preferably leather
• Wear long sleeved shirt or jacket
• Wear sturdy pants (no shorts)
• Wear boots that cover your ankles
• Be in proper state of mind

Class is conducted in ALL weather conditions (except for extreme weather), you are advised to bring:

• Wet weather gear: rain jackets, rain pant, etc.
• Cold weather gear: warm jackets, sweater, etc.
• Water or other non-alcohol beverages
• Lunch and snacks as necessary

Please note that unsafe acts will result in the dismissal of the student.

BENEFITS

• Besides learning how to ride more safely successful completion of the course may entitle students to an insurance discount on their motorcycle insurance (See your agent for specific details.)
• Learn how to enjoy yourself more when you ride.
• Meet new friends.

Register Here

Introducing The Advanced Riding Course – Sport Bike Techniques (ARC-ST)

The ARC-ST Course is a one-day workshop that is open to experienced motorcyclists who want fine-tune their skills and bring their riding to the next level. All motorcycles are welcome and encouraged to attend. You do not need a sport bike to take this course which is the civilian version of the course originally developed for our Armed Forces.

In the interactive environment of the classroom, the focus is on self-assessment, risk management, rider behavior and riding strategies. Then you will take that knowledge out to the closed-course riding range to develop in-depth skills for controlled braking, threshold braking, efficient cornering, maximum traction, and enhanced swerving.

Here's what you'll need:

• Your street-legal motorcycle (subject to a safety inspection)
• DOT approved helmet
• Proof of insurance for your motorcycle
• Proof of ownership for your motorcycle
• Possess a Class M License Endorsement
• Wear appropriate riding gear: long sleeve shirt or jacket, long pants or jeans, over the ankle boots, gloves (full fingered), and eye protection.
• Sign a waiver
• Bring a parent or legal guardian to the course if under 18

To get the most out of this course you should have:

• At least 6 months (or 1,000 miles) riding experience
• Completed a Basic Course and/or an Experienced Course.

Class is conducted in optimal weather conditions (no precipitation) so that threshold braking can be explored and maximum traction is available. A rain-date will be pre-determined. However, depending on forecasted temperatures you are advised to bring:

• Cold weather gear (warm jackets, sweater, etc.)
• Water or other non-alcohol beverages
• Lunch and snacks as necessary
• Sun-screen

Please note that unsafe acts will result in the dismissal of the student.

BENEFITS

• Learn how to self-assess and how to perform advanced riding techniques
• Successful completion may qualify you for insurance discounts (check with your agent)
• Learn how to enjoy yourself more when you ride.
• Meet new friends.