Puget Sound Safety - Course Info

Family classes are a great way for parents, kids, cousins, aunts and uncles to learn basic off-road riding skills together. The whole family, and even friends as well, can take a class and learn together.

What is the MSF DirtBike School Basic?

This nationwide program was created by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to provide hands-on rider training with an emphasis on safety and skill development. During the school, students learn basic techniques for safely riding off-highway motorcycles. Lessons are presented at controlled off-highway riding sites specifically designed for the course.

The school begins with the basics: sitting on the motorcycle, location and operation of the controls and straight line riding. As students progress, they learn how to ride in circles, make sharp turns and how to ride on hills. Besides learning new skills, students also discuss responsible riding practices including risk management and environmental awareness. There are additional exercises available for more experienced riders. At the end of the school, students should have a solid understanding of the techniques an off-highway rider must use to stay safe, act responsibly and, most important, HAVE FUN!

What is the Intermediate Dirtbike Training?

The intermediate class is designed for experienced dirt riders as well as those that have completed the MSF DirtBike School Basic and are ready for the next level. The intermediate class moves beyond the basic skills of riding and into the next stage such as lower body control, u-turns on hills, pivot turns, level 2 obstacles and unweighting the front end, as well as many other drills. This is a great way to learn and expand your dirt riding skills.

What are Adventure Camps?

These are 2-day off-road courses designed to introduce street and off-road riders to the sport of Adventure Riding. To learn more about these events go to the Adventure Camp page.

How much time do we get to ride?

Your entire class time is spent on the course with plenty of hands-on instruction and real-world riding situations. Total class time for the school can vary from four to six hours depending on weather, breaks and class size and the abilities of the students.

How old do I have to be to take an off-road course?

Students as young as six years of age are allowed to enroll in the MSF DirtBike School Basic, nationwide the trend is about 50% of MSF DirtBike School students are youth age 16 and under. The MSF DirtBike School along with our Intermediate Dirtbike Training are great for adults to learn how to ride off-highway motorcycles.

How much does it cost?

The MSF DirtBike School Basic is $175 for riders of all ages. The Intermediate Dirtbike Training costs $175 unless otherwise noted on the schedule page.

Minimum Course Requirements:

What kind of gear is required?

Kids classes are a fun way to get your young one introduced to the basic skills needed to ride an off-road motorcycle. They will take a class with kids of similar ages and together learn the physical skills along with mental skills (i.e. good decision making and riding responsibility) that go with riding a dirt-bike.

How do I sign up?

Check the schedule on our web site for open availability. Once you find a course 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) 770-8888, 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.

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 happy to help you find what works for you.

Will I get a lunch break?

Throughout the course you will be given breaks for drinks or snacks. There will not be time to leave the range to grab lunch so you will need to bring food and drinks with you. So please come prepared with plenty of fluids and snacks to keep you going throughout the course.

Do I need my own motorcycle?

To take the MSF DirtBike School you do not need to have your own motorcycle. We have motorcycles available for use during the school. If you own or have a bike and wish to use it during the school you are welcome to bring it with you. It will need to pass a basic safety inspection before the riding day begins.

For Intermediate Dirtbike Training courses we strongly encourage riders to bring their own motorcycle to the course but it is not required.

What type of motorcycles will I be riding during the MSF DirtBike School Basic?

We have a variety of different motorcycles available from the major manufactures such as Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. A child may ride a Yamaha PW50 to a Suzuki RM85 in either a clutch or automatic clutch model. As an adult you may ride a Honda CRF125 to a Kawasaki KLX250. It is all based on what you decide to bring out for yourself or what we have in our current stock from our supporting dealerships.

Our Intermediate Dirtbike Training focuses on skills that go beyond the basics and move into some of the more challenging aspects of off-road riding. You'll get the opportunity to practice traction management, pivot turns, larger obstacles and a whole lot more!

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. Otherwise keep calling the office for any rare cancellations or reserve your own class.

Can I reserve a class for myself and family/friends only?

Here is a great option for you and your family… Bring out the whole gang and we will work around your schedule to get you trained at your convenience. With this option we can mix up the class with all different ages of students so daughter/son, dad/mom, cousins and uncles can come in the same class. You are buying a class of at least 6 students so feel free to invite others or take it for yourself as a private lesson.

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?

If you are under 18 years old you must 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 course date. If you are under the age of 13 then you will need to have an adult remain on the premises during your training.

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

If you haven’t ridden a bicycle in a while dig it out and spend some time riding around. It is also helpful to be in good physical condition so if you’re used to sitting behind a desk or in a low activity environment get out and spend some time being physical before your class.

Have you ever wondered where law enforcement go to get their off-road training? Local police departments, county sheriffs and DNR officers come to us for the critical skills needed for riding off-road. Contact us if your group is interested in a custom class to fit your needs (even if your aren't with a law enforcement department)!