| Experienced Rider Course |
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The Experienced Rider Course (ERC) is designed for the rider with a minimum of 90 days and 3,000 miles of riding experience. Even if you've been riding for some time, there's always something new to learn. Increasing numbers of seasoned riders take this training course annually to hone their skills and fine-tune the mental skills needed for survival in traffic. What is involved in the Experienced Rider Course?During this one-day course you'll discuss with your peers how to balance the mental and physical aspects of safe riding, manage risk, increase visibility and optimize your lane position. The greatest benefit of this course is that you'll spend the whole day at the riding range on your own motorcycle. You'll put into practice the techniques of managing traction, cornering, swerving and stopping quickly. The Experienced Rider Course also covers protective gear, rider responsibility, motorcycle inspection and care, the effects of alcohol and other drugs on riding, and includes an optional skill evaluation and knowledge test that will waive the DOL testing to gain your motorcycle endorsement with Washington State. How much does it cost?The Experienced Rider Course is $125. Discounts may be available for groups or clubs. ERC Riders Must Provide:
ERC Riders Must also Provide:
How do I sign up?
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 Experienced Rider Course you will be given breaks for drinks or snacks however there will not be time to leave the range to grab lunch. So please come prepared with plenty of fluids and snacks to keep you going throughout the day. Do I need my own motorcycle?To take the Experienced Rider Course you will need to have a motorcycle on the date of your training. This bike does not need to belong to you however the bike must have insurance. On your training date you will be required to show identification, motorcycle registration and proof of insurance. If the motorcycle you want to use is not yours, you will need to show proof of permission to use the vehicle. Students will be dismissed if they do not have those items and will not be entitled to a refund. What kind of benefits are offered as a result of passing this course?
Will I still have to take a test with the DOL to earn my endorsement?No, if you complete the Experienced Rider Course and receive a completion card, by successfully passing our written and skills evaluation, you will have 180 days following the completion date of your course 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 WA drivers license. Can I use the completion card to put an endorsement on my other states driver's license?Some states will honor our Washington Motorcycle Safety Program completion card 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 Experienced Rider Course 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 training date 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 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?As an under 18 year old the Experienced Rider Course doe allow you to gain your motorcycle endorsement by taking this course. However there is no subsidy and you will have to pay the regular price. You must still 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.
Is there anything I can do to get ready for the Experienced Rider Course?If you have taken any time off from your bike (winter months) or if you are riding a new bike, spend some time riding before your class. You will want to make sure you are completely comfortable by the time of your class. If you haven’t taken a break from riding or don’t have a new bike go for a ride anyway! Can I bring a passenger?You are welcome to carry a passenger during the Experienced Rider Course provided you already possess and can show your instructor a current motorcycle endorsement. The passenger will need to register, sign a waiver, and follow the same riding gear requirements as the rider. Passengers are exempt from the tuition cost for taking the course with you however they will still be required to cover their insurance cost of $20. Passengers will receive an Experienced Rider Course passenger completion card for attending the training with you. Why do I need insurance if the state does not require it?We want to ensure that should there be any incident where damage is caused to your motorcycle by yourself or another student that the damage will be covered. Since we do not know what bikes will be arriving on the range it is impossible for our insurance to cover you. It is also a DOL requirement for the Experienced Rider Course. What makes a bike not street legal?Our main concern is safety and consideration for the other students and locals. These are the things that we will be looking for specifically… Tires (good tread and no tire rot), functioning baffled mufflers (excessive noise is not permitted), no fluid leaks (oil, antifreeze), maintained brakes, no unusual emissions or smoke. If we happen to find a less common safety concern such as tires with “armor all” on the tread or a chain that is dangerously close to failure those will also be addressed. If your bike is determined to be unsafe or not street legal you will not be permitted to participate in the course and will not be entitled to a refund of your tuition.
CLUB INFORMATION
Puget Sound Safety offers a club discount for groups of 6 or more riders that take a class together. We can reserve Experienced Rider Course dates already on our schedule or work with your group to open a class on a new date.
Are you ready to get started?Click here to view the Schedule. See you in class! |
