Frequently Asked Questions

1) How much does the course cost?

IT'S FREE! We only require a $20 deposit to hold your registration, but it's refundable upon completion of the course.

In the event a student drops from class before completion, they are ineligible for a refund.



2) Is this REALLY a FREE course?

Yes, Illinois motorcyclists support this course every time they register their motorcycles or renew the motorcycle endorsements on their driver's license.



3) How long is the basic course?

20 hours are scheduled, with about 8 hours in the classroom and about 12 hours on the motorcycle range.



4) Do I need to have my motorcycle permit prior to taking the course?

No, any valid driver’s license or permit will meet the requirements for taking the Basic Rider Course or the Basic Rider Course 2. However, you must hold a valid motorcycle license to attend an Advanced Rider Course.



5) Do I have to take this course to get my license?

No, you may take a motorcycle to the Secretary of State's Driver Services Facility to take the written and riding test. However, if you are 16 or 17 years old and wish to obtain an "M" class motorcycle license, you are required to successfully complete our course to be eligible to test at the Secretary of State's Driver Services Facility. FYI: a legal guardian must accompany a 16 or 17 year-old to the first class to sign the participation waiver.



6) Will you accept an out of state driver's license?

Yes, as long as it’s a valid driver's license and you meet the eligibility criteria.



7) Do I have to mail a check or money order or pay the registration fee with a credit card?

We only accept credit/debit card payments



8) I had a deposit on file last year. Can I apply to this year's registration?

No, we do not carry fees over from one year to another.



9) Can I just take the one day Advanced course to get my license waiver?

No, you must currently hold a valid Class M operator's license to attend our Advanced Rider Course.



10) Do I have to bring my own motorcycle?

No, we provide the motorcycles for the Basic Rider Course and the Basic Rider Course 2. We also provide the trike for the 3 Wheel Basic Rider Course. You must bring your own motorcycle, however, if you're attending the Advanced Rider Course.



11) Do I have to bring my own helmet for the course?

No, we provide helmets for the Basic Rider Course and Basic Rider Course 2, however, you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own DOT approved helmet if it is of the "3/4" or full face variety. You must bring your own helmet if you’re attending the Advanced Rider Course.



12) What size are the motorcycles that we will be using?

Small. The smallest course motorcycles are 200cc and the largest are 250cc.



13) What is a registered seat?

A registered seat is a guaranteed seat in a class. A pending seat is not a registered seat in a class. This indicates an error with your online registration.



14) What is a walk-in?

If the class you want is full or the registration deadline has passed, you can try to get in as a "walk-in". No pre-registration is necessary. Simply arrive no later than 20 minutes prior to start of the first class meeting, and notify the instructor that you would like to attend as a walk-in. At the class starting time, a lottery will determine which walk-in students will be assigned to any unclaimed seats. Walk-in students will be given instructions to register and pay through the web site before the class concludes.



15) ) If all the classes I want are full, how can I get into a class?

See above about attending as a walk-in student. Persistence pays off.



16) How can I make sure I get a class in April or May?

There is no sure way. Class size is limited and we do not offer classes at all of our sites early in the spring. Keep in mind EVERYONE wants a class early in the year, and there are limited openings at that time.



17) The location I want doesn't show a schedule, how can I find those classes?

We are working with those sites to get a schedule approved. As soon as the schedule is finalized, it will immediately be made available. The system is "real-time."



18) How can I find out when a class re-opens due to cancellations?

The availability online is current information. A seat will automatically become available if a student drops from a class.



19) How soon will I get information about my class?

ALL COMMUNICATION IS THROUGH EMAIL. Please make sure your e-mail address is correct. You will receive an immediate e-mail confirmation with class details after you submit your payment. You will also be receiving a REMINDER email with class details approximately four days before your class begins.



20) Is class cancelled if it's raining?

No, instructors may adjust inside and outside instruction.



21) When will I get my completion card?

The completion card will be processed within two weeks after the course end date.



22) What do I do with my completion card once I receive it?

You have one year to obtain your motorcycle license. If you are 18 or older, the Illinois Secretary of State driver’s license facility will waive the written and riding portions of your exams. If you are 16 or 17 years old, the completion card will entitle you to test for an "M" class license, which you otherwise could not do. Also, many insurance companies offer discounted rates for successfully completing one of our courses. Check with your insurance agent.



23) Can I miss any of the course?

No, you should not register for a class if you cannot attend all sessions. You are expected to attend the entire course and participate in all classroom sessions and range exercises.



24) Can I get a replacement card?

Yes, replacement cards can be issued if your course was completed within the last 12 months. They can only be mailed to an Illinois address. A service fee of $10 will be charged.



Click here to order a replacement card.



25) What if I have a disability?

If you have a disability, contact Erik Hanks at [email protected] prior to making your class selection to discuss making reasonable accommodations.



For events held by the Motorcycle Safety Program that require an interpreter, we prefer the student contact our office at 800-252-3348 at least four weeks in advance. To cancel services call our office no less than 48 hours prior to the start of the scheduled event. In case of shorter notification, the student will be charged at the identified hourly rate for the minimum number of hours stipulated.



If a request is submitted less than two weeks prior to the event, there is no guarantee we can get an interpreter. Due to our large geographical area, there are times an interpreter may not be available. In an effort to provide you with the best service, please be prepared to give us at least three different class choices.



26) Contact Information

Email us at [email protected] or call 800-252-3348.