I'm a total novice. What class should I take?

The Novice Rider Course (NRC) is the one you want. The only pre-requisite is that you are able to ride a bicycle. Although the Instructor(s) may ask how many of the students have experience, the class is always taught the same way, assuming that all of the students know virtually nothing about a motorcycle. The first day's riding exercises begin with identifying all of the controls and their operation, progressing through riding in a straight line, turning, shifting and stopping. The second day's riding exercises are comprised primarily of street survival skills: advanced cornering, braking and swerving.
Successful completion of the NRC (80% on the written and 80% on the riding tests) will waive any further testing at the WA Dept. of Licensing for a "3" (2-wheeled motorcycle only) endorsement, and half of the testing for a "7" (Both 2 & 3-wheeled motorcycles) endorsement.

I'm under 18, can I still take a motorcycle class?

A motorcycle safety course (Novice Rider Course or Intermediate Rider Course) is required for 16 & 17 years olds in order to obtain their WA motorcycle endorsement for a 2-wheeled motorcycle. Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (proof will be required) to the first class session to sign the registration forms. The minimum age to take this course is 15 yrs 10 months.

 What must I bring to the course?

For the classroom sessions you will need a pen or pencil and a photo ID. For the riding sessions you will need: long sleeves and long pants (pants must be of denim (jeans) quality or better and not baggy), full-fingered gloves that are appropriate for motorcycle use (they do not need to be leather), boots or shoes that come far enough up your leg to completely cover the ankle bone (high-top tennis shoes are not allowed), and some kind of eye protection (glasses, goggles, safety galsses, etc). A windshield on your bike, for the Experienced, Advanced and On-Street classes, is insufficient for class purposes.). You can either bring your own DoT approved helmet (it must be in good shape), or for the Novice or Intermediate class, you can use one of ours.

Do I bring my own motorcycle to the Novice Rider Course?

In almost all cases we must provide a motorcycle for you. Pacific NorthWest Motorcycle Safety's fleet of bikes are mostly 2005 or newer models, 350cc's or smaller. We also have 125cc scooters that you can use in the class, but you must make sure you reserve one at the time of registration.
If you own a scooter and would prefer to use it instead of one of ours we will need to know the make and size of your scooter. It must be no smaller than 50cc and not bigger than 350cc.

Because of the smaller size of the training bikes we are required to use, we are only able to accommodate people between 4'11" and 6'4", weighing less than 300 lbs. If you fall outside that criteria and have your own bike, or if you require special (non-standard) equipment in order to safely operate it, we may be able to make special arrangements for you to use your own bike. It will need to pass a safety inspection and must be insured to the minimum liability limits in WA state. If you are beyond the height/weight criteria and need to use one of our bikes, call us.

Permission to use your own bike or scooter requires 3 weeks minimum notice in order for us to obtain approval from the DoL.

Do I need a helmet?

We have full face helmets available at the training site for your use during the class. We cannot guarantee we will have one that fits you properly, but they do come in seven sizes from XXS to XXL. If you have a DoT approved helmet, in good condition, you can use it. You should still bring glasses, sunglasses, goggles or safety glasses to wear to cover the eye protection requirement.

I already have some experience. Should I take the Intermediate Rider Training or Experienced Rider Course?

The Intermediate Rider Training (IRT) course is designed for the "returning rider". It's for the person who used to ride, but,maybe, has since sold the bike and not renewed their 2-wheel motorcycle endorsement. You already know the basics and don't have to start with...."this is a motorcycle". You will be in the classroom for the first 3 hours, then on the bikes for the rest of the day until 5-6pm. The first exercise will be an evaluation where the instructor will determine if you still have the skills needed to make it through the rest of the afternoon. If you do.....you continue. If you don't....you will be counseled out with a recommendation to take the Novice Rider Course and a portion of the fee you paid for the IRT will go towards the NRC when you register. You ride our bikes in this course so you don't need to have a permit or an endorsement. You will take a written and riding test in the class that will waive the testing at the DoL. (You must acheive 80% on both tests to pass)

The Experienced RiderCourse (ERC) is designed for someone with 3-6 months, or 3,000 miles of street experience. It is approximately 8 hours long if the class is full (12 students). You must have a valid learner's permit or an endorsement to take this class. You will use your own motorcycle (proof of ownership is required), which must pass a safety inspection and you must provide proof of liability insurance for you on the bike at least to the minimum level in WA state. Since many motorcyclists take this class yearly as a "brush up", testing is optional. Or,if you often ride with a passenger you can take the course with a passenger on the bike. Passengers will need to be registered and will be charged a $10 fee. If you bring a passenger to ride with you during the ERC you must have a valid endorsement on your license.

I already took the Novice Rider Course but I'd like more riding time. Is there a course for that?

We offer the Additional Riding Session to give relatively new riders a chance to get "more time in the saddle" under the supervision of our certified Instructors. This course is approximately 4-5 hours long. It uses about half of the same exercises ridden in the Novice Rider Course (NRC), and is designed to allow you more practice time. To qualify for this course, you must have completed the two full days of the NRC. You don't need to have passed the skill test. If you took the NRC from a company other than Pacific NorthWest Motorcycle Safety, you will need proof of that completion.
You can use one of our bikes, or your own in the ARS. If you use your own, you must have a permit or endorsement on your license, you must provide proof of ownership and liability insurance to the minimum acceptable limits in WA, and the bike must pass a safety inspection.

Where are the courses offered?

Our courses are all offered at the SuperMall in Auburn and at the Kitsap Mall in Silverdale.

When are the courses offered?

All of the courses are offered on the weekends and during the week. Please see the schedule for dates and times.

Can I "stand by" for a course?

YES!! If a registered student no-shows for a class or doesn't show up on time we will take stand by students on a first come-first served basis. Just show up by class start time on the first day of class, with the appropriate riding apparel. You will need a drivers license and either cash or a check to pay the course fee, the instructors cannot process credit cards.

Can I use my sidecar rig or trike in an Intermediate Rider Training course?

No. Sidecar rigs and trikes handle significantly differently from 2-wheeled motorcycles. Classes for 3-wheeled motorcycles are currently only authorized to be run by Evergreen Safety Council. You can reach them at 800-521-0778.

If I pass the class will I get my endorsement from my Instructor?

No. Successful completion of the course, including passing both the written and riding tests, will get you a completion card issued by the WMSP. Take that card to any DoL office within 180 days of class completion and it will waive any further testing. You will need to pay the appropriate fees. The DOL will issue a new Washington Driver's License with the endorsement code on the back.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my class?

Pacific NorthWest Motorcycle Safety has a strict "8 days from the class" cancellation and/or reschedule policy. If you need to cancel your registration or reschedule your class we must hear from you more than 8 days prior to the class start date/hour. If you don't contact us or call more than 8 days before your class starts, any money paid for a class will be forfeit and there will be NO refunds.

What about off-road motorcycle training?

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) Dirt Bike School is offered by Puget Sound Safety in Roy, WA. They can be reached at: www.pugetsoundsafety.com or 253-531-4585.

For any other location nationwide the course is run directly by MSF from Irvine, CA. It is our understanding that they are offering courses in other locations in WA. You can contact them at: 877-288-7093.

Are there other locations for the training?

Pacific NorthWest Motorcycle Safety is one of fifteen companies contracted by the WA DoL to offer this training in the state. For other locations and information please visit the WMSP website or call: 800-962-9010.