FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your refund policy?

Receipt of payment reserves your place in a class. We recommend that all students arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Students not in attendance at the scheduled start time will forfeit their seat and deposit. If it is necessary for you to cancel or reschedule, you must notify our office 48 hours in advance of the class start time to be considered for a transfer or refund of your deposit. Please note that only one transfer is allowed per student. If a student does not show up for class, arrives late, or does not complete the course, the student cannot receive a refund of their deposit.

To cancel your registration or transfer to another class, please call (800) 642-9589 Monday-Friday 8am-12noon or 1pm-4:30pm 48 hours in advance of your scheduled class time.

How much does it cost?

All of the courses are free of charge but do require a $20 refundable deposit to guarantee your seat in a class. If you do not wish to make the $20 deposit you may elect to be a "walk-in" and simply show up for a course at the scheduled time and location. If there are openings due to cancellations or no-shows, individuals present at the course start time will be elligible to fill those seats. Instructors normally arrive half an hour prior to the start of the course.

What class should I take?

In order to determine which class you should take you have to first identify your objectives. What do you want to get out of the class? If you want a license waiver, have limited to no riding experience, or it has been more than a year or two since you have ridden on a regular basis, then you should only consider the BRC. If you are someone who has been riding regularly in the last two years, or has been riding off road regularly, the BRC 2 or BRC will fit your needs and both are good for the license waiver. If you own your own motorcycle and already have your license, then the ARC is probably the best fit for you. If you own a scooter and want to ride it during the class, that is allowed, but with some restrictions.

Am I eligible to take the class?

You must be at least 16 years of age, (18 for BRC 2) be either a temporary or permanent resident of Illinois, and possess a valid learner's permit or license for some form of motor vehicle. For riders with at least a year of riding experience that have their own motorcycle and hold a valid motorcycle license, we also offer Advanced Rider Courses (ARC).

Do I need to sign a waiver?

You will need to sign several waivers.

If you are 18+ or if you have a parent /legal guardian with you in person at the start of the class, printed waivers will be provided.
For 16 & 17 year old students who will not have a parent or legal guardian with them at the start of the first session, you must have the waiver signatures notorized before you will be admitted to the class. The forms are attached to your registration confirmation email or requested for potential walk-in students by contacting our main office. (800) 642-9589 or central.ridered@siu.edu

What if I have a special need?

Individuals with disabilities are asked to contact us prior to registering at (800) 642-9589 for information about special accommodations.

What do I need to bring to the class?

You will need to bring a your valid driver's license (no photos or copies) as well as your protective clothing that includes the following:

Helmet - provided or you may use your own (DOT approved) (3/4 or full face for BRC and BRC 2)
Footwear - sturdy and over the ankle (Not cloth or canvas)
Long Pants - denim or heavy material
Gloves - full fingered, leather preferred
Long Sleeved Jacket or Shirt - wrist length of denim or heavy material
Eye Protection - sunglasses or prescription lenses for your convenience

Do I need a motorcycle?

BRC, BRC 2: No, our program provides motorcycles, helmets, and professional instruction.

ARC: Yes, you will need to provide your own motorcycle for the course.

What if I don't show up for class or I'm late?

A walk-in student will be admitted to class in your place and you will lose your seat and deposit. This is very important. Because demand for the classes is high, punctuality is required. If you are late for any reason, you will forfeit your seat in the class as well as your deposit.

Do I get a motorcycle license when I'm done with class?

Those who successfully complete the BRC or BRC 2 will be issued a completion card by mail that will waive both the written and riding tests at the Secretary of State's office. (This card is not a license and cannot be used as such.) Presenting this card means you won't be required to do any additional testing once you get there, but you must still go to the Secretary of State's office to get your Motorcycle Classification added to your license.

What kinds of things are covered in class?

Basic riding skills like starting, stopping, turning, and shifting. Strategies for street riding. Advanced techniques in turning, braking, and swerving. The curriculum that is used is one that was developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and more information about it can be found on their website.

What if I'm not really interested in buying a motorcycle?

Non-motorcyclists can benefit from these courses by learning on a first-hand basis what a motorcyclist experiences and the necessity for developing respect for all vehicles on the highway.

How long are the classes?

The BRC consists of 20 hours of instruction, usually 6-10:00pm Friday, 8am-6pm Saturday and Sunday. The BRC 2 consists of approximately 12 hours of instruction, usually 1 1/2 days.
The ARC consists of 8 hours of instruction, usually 1 day.

What if it rains?

Our classes meet rain or shine, so if it rains bring rain gear. If there is lightning nearby or other weather that represents a safety risk the instructors may make the decision to cancel class or modify the schedule somewhat. If class is canceled, the student will have the option of transferring to the next available class, or getting a refund of their deposit.

What if I am not able to register online with a credit card?

Please contact our office at (800) 642-9589 for help with troubleshooting this issue. Many times errors can be resolved by using a different browser or device. Note: We are not able to take reservations over the phone.

Where is the course that is closest to me?

Please verify by visiting the registration pages for the class type you would like to participate in or by calling our office at (800) 642-9589.