Types of motorcycle training courses
Motorcycle training schools offer 2 types of motorcycle safety courses: novice courses for beginners, and intermediate courses for more experienced riders.
Novice course
The novice course is designed for students with little or no riding experience, and lasts a minimum of 16 hours.
Fees
If you are over the age of 18 and are a Washington resident, a subsidized novice course costs $125, and a non-subsidized course costs about $250.
If you are under the age of 18, the course costs $50.
What to bring with you
You must bring all of the following to the novice safety course:
- If under the age of 18, a completed parental permission form (prior to the first riding session)
- Pen or pencil for taking notes
- Department of Transportation-approved helmet (The program has some helmets for students.)
- Eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face shield)
- Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Long pants
- Sturdy over-the-ankle leather shoes
- Full-fingered leather gloves
- Foul weather gear (courses conducted rain or shine)
- Snack/lunch and non-alcoholic beverages
- Sunblock, as needed
Intermediate course
The intermediate course is designed for riders with about 1 year and 3,000 miles riding experience. This is a 1-day course.
Fees
An intermediate course costs $125.
What to bring with you
You must bring all of the following to the intermediate safety course:
- Your own motorcycle
- Your own motorcycle insurance
- Your motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle instruction permit, and any other documents needed to get your motorcycle to the course legally
- Your motorcycle registration
- Parental permission, if you’re under the age of 18
- Pen or pencil for taking notes
- Department of Transportation-approved helmet
- Eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face-shield)
- Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Long pants
- Sturdy over-the-ankle leather footwear
- Full-fingered leather gloves
- Foul weather gear (courses conducted rain or shine)
- Snack/Lunch and non-alcoholic beverages
- Sunblock, as needed