This course is designed for the person with little or no riding experience, as well as returning riders.  You will learn the basic skills needed to ride safely.

What is involved in the class?

The first 4 hours are in the classroom where we talk about riding gear, controls including shift pattern, proper braking and turning as well as go over the range rules.  The next 4 1/2 hours are on the range where we start off getting familiar with our motorcycle by identifying the controls, using the friction zone, and then moving on to the 4 basic parts of motorcycling such as straight line riding, braking, shifting and turning.

Once we have those basic skills we move back to the classroom where we will talk about street strategies to help keep you safe on the road.  We will talk about lane positioning, being visible, cornering, maximum braking, common riding situations and scenarios, such as passengers and cargo, night riding, hills and swerving.  We will end this classroom portion with a knowledge test based on what you have learned.  It all comes together in our last ride time where we move beyond the basics and try different types of cornering, u-turns, maximum braking, braking quickly in a curve, swerving, running over obstacles etc… If you made it to this point you have completed the course and may now move on to practicing for the skills evaluation before testing for the license waiver and completion card. 

How does the schedule work?

We try to utilize as much daylight hours as possible for conducting classes.  On our schedule page you may find Afternoon Schedule or a 2-day schedule listed.  Please see the times listed below to help determine your availability.

A variety of schedules:

3-Day Normal Schedule

(6 p.m. – 10 p.m., 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

3-Day Schedule (Afternoon Schedule)

(6 p.m. – 10 p.m., 1 p.m. – 10 p.m., 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.)

2-day Schedule

(9 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

The Novice Rider Training tuition is $250. We also offer the Novice Rider Training that is subsidized by the state of Washington. This training is $125 and for riders under the age of 18, the cost is $50.

What is the difference between the $250 training and the $125 training?

There is no difference between the training.  However, with the subsidized training ($125) the Washington State Department of Licensing pays all of the tuition beyond the first $125 

How do I qualify for the subsidized training?

Any person with a Washington State Drivers License (Washington resident) or in the military and stationed here in WA is qualified to take the subsidized Novice Rider Training.

How do I sign up?

Check the schedule for open availability.  Once you find a training date you are interested in you may register online by filling out the registration form and submitting payment with a Visa or Mastercard.  Or you may call our office (253) 531-4585, send us an email or fax us with your requested date and we will mail you a registration form to fill out and return with your payment.  For your convenience you may also use your Visa or Mastercard over the phone to secure your class spot. You will receive a confirmation letter (receipt) prior to your class start date with the appropriate class information including directions.

What kind of gear is required?

• A parental permission form if under the age of 18 prior to the first riding session
• DOT-approved helmet (small supply is available)
• Eye protection (glasses, goggles or face shield)
• Long sleeve shirt or jacket
• Long pants
• Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear
• Full-fingered riding gloves
• Prepare for the weather (rain gear, sunglasses, snacks & drinks, etc.)

Where can I buy the riding gear that I need?

We recommend that you check out our list of supporting dealerships found on our links page. Each one carries a full line of protective gear and has knowledgeable staff that would be very happy to help you start your riding experience in the right direction.

Will I get a lunch break?

Throughout the course you will be given a short break each hour as well as a lunch break on full 8-hour days.  Make sure you bring plenty of fluids and snacks. Learning to ride a motorcycle safely demands an alert mind.  We would also recommend a good night’s rest before your course date.

Do I need my own motorcycle?

The Novice Rider Training does not require you to bring your own motorcycle. We provide training motorcycles (many loaned to us at no expense by the local dealers - please check out our supporting dealerships) for your use.

What type of motorcycles will I be riding in the Novice Training?

The types of motorcycles will vary over time. However, here is a list of common bikes used at our locations.

• 250cc Honda Rebel (cruiser)
• 250cc Kawasaki Ninja (sport)
• 250cc Suzuki GZ250 (cruiser)
• 225cc Yamaha XT225 (dual-sport)
• 200cc Suzuki DR200 (dual-sport)
• 200cc Yamaha TW200 (dual-sport)
• 125cc Kawasaki Eliminator (cruiser)
• 125cc Honda CB125 (standard)

Can I ride my own motorcycle during the Novice Training?

Yes.  If your motorcycle meets all of the requirements of our training motorcycles and you have the necessary insurance you may be permitted to ride your own bike.  However this is not common and should not be expected.  Your bike will have to meet two of the following requirements as a minimum. 

• Unladened weight of 400lbs
• 500cc or less
• 30 inch seat height

You will need to check with our office for more information and approval.

What kinds of benefits are offered as a result of passing this training?

• Motorcycle endorsement test waiver (completion card)
• Cheaper insurance
• Dealership discounts & coupons
• Learn/Improve skills
• Greater confidence
• Information on riding gear
• Base access for military riders

Will I still have to take a test with the DOL to earn my endorsement?

No, if you complete the Novice Rider Training or the Intermediate Rider Training and receive a completion card, by successfully passing our written and skills evaluation, you will have 180 days following the completion date of your training to obtain your motorcycle endorsement. However you will still be required to pay the DOL fee to have the endorsement added to your license. To keep your endorsement at license renewal time you will also need to renew your endorsement each time.

I do not have a driver’s license.  Can I still take the course?

Yes.  Providing you pass the course, you will be issued a completion card that is valid for 180 days.  Thus, you have 180 days to get a driver’s license and have the motorcycle endorsement added to your license if you choose to do so.

Do I need a permit to take the Novice Rider Training?

No. The Novice Rider Training is done on a closed course and does not require you to have a permit.

I do not have a WA driver’s license.  Can I use the completion card to put a motorcycle endorsement on my other states driver’s license?

Some states will honor our Washington Motorcycle Safety Program as a way to get your endorsement added to your license, however, some states will not. Please check with the Department of Licensing from your state to verify what requirements are necessary.  You can always get a Washington State Drivers License and have the endorsement added if you need.

I drive a sidecar.  Are there any courses for me?

Yes however, Puget Sound Safety does not offer sidecar courses, however the Evergreen Safety Council does. You can find them on our links page.

Why are you so booked out?

The Novice Rider Training is a very popular course and we do everything we can to keep classes available within 30 days however, with the lack of daylight hours we are limited in the number of classes we can run each day.

How can I get in sooner?

There are a couple ways to get in sooner.  You may show up to any of our courses and if a student does not show for their class you may take their spot.  Be prepared to fill out a registration form and make payment regardless if you are registered for another class.  You will be refunded once the paperwork reaches our office.  Another option is to buy your own private class.  What this means is you would pay for 6 full price student spots and we would work around your schedule and get you trained at your convenience.  Since you have paid for those spots feel free to invite your family or friends to take it with you.

Do you have any cancellations?

Everyday we hear this question.  We do not know when a cancellation will happen and are unable to keep a wait list due to the high demand.   It is recommended to sign up in the next available spot and then call periodically asking for these possible spots.

I am under the age of 18 what should I know?

Any rider who is at least 16 years of age may take the Novice Rider Training.  However, the completion card is only valid for 180 days from the date of the class so be sure you do have your driver’s license or will be able to get it within that 6 months so you can obtain your motorcycle endorsement.

You must also have a parent or guardian signature on the waiver before you will be allowed to ride.  This must be done in front of the instructor or the parent/guardian signature can be notarized prior to your training date.

Is there anything I can do to get ready for the Novice Training?

Nothing is required to be ready for this training with the exception of your riding gear however, if you can’t wait and want to do something you may start reading the course handbook which can be found online as a read only.  Click Here

Other things you may choose to do.  Get out and ride a bicycle, how long has it been since you balanced on a bicycle?  This will help you in the beginning exercises on your motorcycle.  Do you have a motorcycle for your usage?  You may want to start learning where the controls are located and read how they operate.  This will also help in the beginning exercises so you don’t have to think about them.  Another good source of information can be found in the recommend books we have discounted for students to purchase found on our products page.