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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
National Motorcycle Training's begin2ride and continue2ride programs (FAQ RENTALS)

I am new to riding, what do you recommend?

Complete begin2ride Session 1 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. We will give you the DMV motorcycle booklet and other information that will help you prepare for your learners time.
Our motto is, "Be informed before you decide to ride."
Look at some pictures here.

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.
See: Example motorcycle test #1 Example motorcycle test #2

How much does the begin2ride course cost?

$98 per riding session or discounted to $245 when you attend three 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.

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 begin2ride program?

Yes, you must be able to balance and pedal a bicycle.

Are there any requirements to participate in the continue2ride program?

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

I completed the 15 hour licensing course, how can I get some on-street riding experience?

You may attend the continue2ride program directly. After you complete the practice session on the motorcycle you will be renting, you may ride it on the street.

Can you provide a helmet?

Yes.

What kind of motorcycles do we ride?

We ride 125cc motorcycles in the begin2ride program and we ride 250cc motorcycles in the continue2ride program. Currently the motorcycles are Kawasaki Eliminator BN125 and Honda Rebel CMX250.

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

Yes! We ride in Session 1. 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 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.

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

The 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. NMCTI's begin2ride program is ridden on 125cc motorcycles. It is designed for beginners to gain immediate riding experience and knowledge that is important to new riders. 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 includes deciding not to ride, and not to pursue street riding.

The continue2ride program is ridden on 250cc motorcycles. It is designed for motorcyclists to reduce the chance of mishap in the first 6 months of riding. (The first 6 months is 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.

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

No. We recommend obtaining your learner's permit after the begin2ride course with you having made an informed choice to pursue street riding based on your physical knowledge of motorcycling and your mental skills with risk management. We strongly recommend you complete 500 street miles prior to testing for your unrestricted license.

To obtain a motorcycle license you must pass the written test at the DMV. To obtain your unrestricted license you must pass an on-bike test at the DMV. You may waive the DMV skills test now by taking the MIC sponsored course. However, we strongly recommend you develop your skill since people who are unable to pass the DMV circle test and who do not have an appropriate learner's time are twice as likely to get hurt or killed on their motorcycle as those who follow the recommended skill development procedure.

Begin2ride prepares you to enter your 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.

Will you give me my license after completing the continue2ride progam?

No. Continue2ride involves street riding, done with either your permit or license. We recommend you develop your skill and knowledge to pass the DMV circle test confidently under the independent evaluation of the DMV. You may choose to use the 250cc motorcycle used in continue2ride to test at the DMV. We can also provide you additional training . Also, people who have their motorcycle license but who have never ridden on the street (because they waived the DMV skill) find the continue2ride training of great value in reducing their risk during their first street rides.

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 do not provide the on-bike test or 15 hour licensing course due to the conflict with our mission statement.

Note to parents: For children under 21, the MIC lobbied the laws to waive the skills at the DMV. Even if your child completes the MIC 15 hour course, we recommend that you require your children to develop their skill to the level that they can pass the DMV skills test before they take passengers or ride on interstate highways.

page edited 03.02.10

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions National Motorcycle Training's begin2ride and continue2ride programs (FAQ RENTALS)

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
National Motorcycle Training's begin2ride and continue2ride programs (FAQ RENTALS)