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 will waive any further testing for anyone 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.
This 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.

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 all 2004 or newer models, 350cc's or smaller. We also have 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 that you intend to ride on the street and would prefer to use it instead of one of our bikes, you may do so as long as it will pass a safety inspection and is insured to the minimum liability limits in WA state.
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. Permission to use your own bike requires 3 weeks minimum notice in order for us to obtain approval from the DoL.

Do I need a helmet?

We have 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 three sizes. If you have a DoT approved helmet, in good condition, you can use it.

I already have some experience. Should I take the Intermediate Rider Training course?

The Intermediate Rider Course (IRC) is designed for someone with 3-6 months, or 3,000 miles of street experience. It is 6 hours long. 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.
Due to noise restrictions in the neighborhood surrounding the park your bike must have an unmodified, stock exhaust system in order to use it in the IRT at our location. For more information go to Noise Restrictions at Sand Point.
Assuming you choose to participate in the testing at the end of the course, successful completion of this course will waive any further testing at the WA Dept. of Licensing for a "2-wheeled motorcycle only" endorsement, or half of the testing for a "Both 2 & 3-wheeled motorcycles" endorsement for residents 18 years of age or older. It WILL NOT waive testing for an endorsement for anyone under the age of 18.
Some riders refresh their skills frequently by taking the IRC, and many who often ride with a passenger like to take the course with their 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 IRC 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 Rider 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, the bike must pass a safety inspection and you must have a stock exhaust system on the bike.

Where are the courses offered?

Our courses are all offered at Sand Point Magnuson Park in North Seattle.

When are the courses offered?

Novice Rider Courses are offered on the weekends and during the week. Intermediate Rider Course and the Additional Rider Session are run on both weekends and mid-week afternoon or morning. 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 8:00 on the first day of class, with the appropriate riding apparel (see the next question). You will need a drivers license and either cash or a check to pay the course fee, the instructors cannot process credit cards.

What must I bring to the course?

For the classroom sessions you will need a pen or pencil, a photo ID, and a signed confirmation letter. 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, face shield, etc). A windshield on your bike, for the Intermediate classes, is insufficient for class purposes.). You can either bring your own DoT approved helmet (it must be in good shape), or you can use one of ours. Our helmets do not have face shields, so you will still need eye protection.

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 in Kent, WA and Moses Lake, WA. 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. The courses are scheduled only when they have enough students to run a class so there is no advance schedule. You can contact them at: 877-288-7093.

Are there other locations for the training?

Pacific NorthWest Motorcycle Safety is one of thirteen companies contracted by the WA DoL to offer this training in the state. Other locations within Northwestern Washington are operated by:

	Puget Sound Safety - Tacoma, Olympia, Longview, Ft Lewis - 253-531-4585
	Evergreen Safety Council - Kent, Kirkland, Renton - 800-521-0778
	Motorcycle Safety Company - Everett, South Seattle - 206-838-1010
	North Sound Safety - Bellingham and Burlington - 360-424-7136
	Olympic Regional Motorcycle Program - Kitsap County - 360-779-4155

For other locations and information please visit the WMSP website or call: 800-962-9010.