Week-ends are OPEN into November 2009!

1. Do I need to get a learner’s permit before I take the course?

2. What kinds of things are covered in class?

4. If I cannot ride a bicycle, can I still learn to ride?

5. What do I need to bring with me?

6. What happens if it rains or it’s really cold?

7. What if it snows on the day we are supposed to ride?

8. I don't have a helmet. Do I have to buy one first?

9. What kind of motorcycle will I be riding?

10. Do I need to bring a motorcycle?

11. Is there a minimum age for attending?

12. Can I still take the course if I have a GDL permit?

13. What if I don’t pass the knowledge or skills evaluation?

14. What is the cost of the course?

15. How do I get my motorcycle license after attending the BRC?

16. How can I take a class if they are all full?

17. Can I be placed on a waiting list for an earlier class?

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

19. How hard is it?

20. Does everyone pass the class?

21. What happened to the RSS and the old ERC?

22. What if I don't pass or I am uncomfortable with my new skills and I want to continue to ride?

23. Do you offer private lessons?

1. Do I need to get a learner’s permit before I take the course?
YES. Your permit is only valid for 90 days (or 180 days for GDL). If it expires before the course date, you MUST renew it, since it has to remain valid for the duration of your course. Visit the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Permits and Tests page for details.

2. What kinds of things are covered in the classes?
BRCs: Basic riding skills like starting, stopping, turning, and shifting. Strategies for street riding, advanced techniques in turning, braking, and swerving. ERCs: Survival strategies, motorcycle dynamics, emergency braking, countersteering, and counterweighting. You will practice precise steering techniques and correct braking methods under controlled conditions with Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified RiderCoaches. You will gain the knowledge necessary for further development of safe riding skills.

3. Do I need to have riding experience for the basic course?
No. However, you MUST have the ability to balance and stabilize a two-wheeled vehicle. If you have not ridden a bicycle in a long time, get some practice before attempting to ride a motorcycle.

4. If I cannot ride a bicycle, can I still learn to ride?
One of the prerequisites for taking the Basic Rider Course is that you can ride a bicycle. If you have never ridden, or are unsure of whether you can still ride, get your hands on a bicycle and learn, or practice some more.

5. What do I need to bring with me?
In addition to the REQUIREMENTS, it's a good idea to bring some drinks and snacks.

6. What happens if it rains or it’s really cold?
Courses run rain or shine. Since classes are held in all weather conditions (except icing or lightning storms), you are advised to bring the following: Wet weather gear (rain jackets, rain pants, waterproof boots, two plastic bags to keep your feet dry when your boots leak, extra gloves, bandanna, and a dry set of clothes to change into); Cold weather gear (dress in layers: warm jacket, scarf, long johns, sweaters or fleece, long sleeve shirt). Remember, the wind will make it feel much colder while you’re riding.

7. What happens if it snows on the day we are supposed to go out on the range?
All our classes are weather permitting. Your safety is our first priority, so we would schedule make up days if the weather forces us to cancel.

8. What kind of motorcycle will I be riding?
In keeping with the standards set by MSF, the motorcycles we use as training bikes are limited in size, weight and power. The engine size is 125cc and 250cc for all our bikes. Seat height is also an important consideration, especially for riders who don't have very long legs. We have various bikes with different seat heights and seating positions and two of our motorcycles have had the seat lowered. Our RiderCoaches use their experience and knowledge of various models of motorcycles to help each student find a bike that fits them suitably before the riding begins. If you have any questions or concerns about the bike, be sure to address them to your RiderCoach. Our fleet of training bikes include several of each of the following models: Honda Nighthawk 250cc, Honda Rebel 250cc, Suzuki GN125cc, Kawasaki Eliminator 125cc, and Vento Rebellion 150cc.

9. I don't have a helmet. Do I have to buy one first?
We will lend you one of our helmets so that you don't have to buy one before taking the class. If you bring your own helmet it absolutely must be DOT approved or we will not be able to allow you to use it during our class. If this is the case, you must also have eye protection (most of our helmets do not have visors). A DOT approved helmet will come from the factory with a sticker on the back that says DOT. It will also have other key features which we will be looking for.

10. Do I need to bring a motorcycle?
Only ERC riders (ERC Skills Practice and Skills Plus) must bring their own bikes. We provide the motorcycle for all students taking a BRC and ABRC.

11. Is there a minimum age for attending?
Yes, you must be 17 years of age to operate vehicles with fewer than four wheels. You must have a notarized waiver form signed by your parent or guardian, OR, parent/guardian MUST show up before riding begins, to sign a class waiver form and medical consent form. Students under the age of eighteen will NOT be allowed to attend the course unless a parent or legal guardian is present the first class session (no exceptions)! Also, per state law, Students without a NJ Driver's license are not eligible for the road test waiver, and must schedule their road test at MVC after their required "practice riding time".

12. Can I still take the course if I have a GDL permit?
Yes - however, you may not be eligible for our road test waiver if you pass the course without a NJ Driver's license. Currently, the NJ state law mandates that GDL permit holders without a NJ Driver's license must take the road test at a MVC agency, after their required practice riding time. Please visit the MVC website for more information.

13. What if I don’t pass the knowledge test or the skills evaluation?
If you do not pass the knowledge test with a score of 80% or better, you can re-take it after 7 days but within 30 days. Your RiderCoach will give you the paperwork needed and schedules during when you can return for the written test. Currently FDU does offer a retest option through the A-BRC for the riding Skills Evaluation.

14. What is the cost of the course?
2009 Tuition and Registration Fee prices:
BRC: $300 Additional Riding BRC: $150
ERC1 Skills Practice: $125
ERC2 Skills Plus: $125 + $25 for a passenger.
There is a $25 discount for active police, fire and EMT personnel. 
FDU may deposit a Road Test Waiver Fee into the NJ Motorcycle Safety Education Fund for each student who recieves the Road Test Waiver Form..

15. How do I receive my motorcycle license after attending the BRC?
If you pass the course successfully and you have a current NJ Driver's license, you will receive a M.O.S.T form, an MSF completion card, and your RiderCoach will stamp and sign the back of your valid permit. You must take these three items to the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission. It is not a license to ride, it is still only a permit until MVC collects a fee for a motorcycle endorsement and issues you a new driver's license.

16. How can I take a class if they are all full?
If the course you wish to take is full, you may request to be placed on the "Wait List". This means that if someone doesn’t show up for class, you may take their spot. Simply register for any course date, and ask the office staff to place you on the Wait List date of your preference. Only registered students can get on the Wait List. If a cancellation occurs before that course date, you will be called to ask if you want to take that spot. If there are openings, the RiderCoach will accept Standby students on a first paid--first serve basis, with proof of payment. Late students, even if on the Wait List, are ineligible to participate. Instructors normally arrive 45 minutes prior to the start of the course.

17. Can I be placed on a waiting list to get into an earlier class?
Yes. If any openings in classes become available we will contact only students who are already enrolled. When you speak to the office staff, please be specific if you can attend midweek and/or a weekend class.

18. What if I don't show up for class, or I'm late?
Leave work early! RiderCoaches will admit you only if you are LESS than 15 minutes late. Not unlike airline reservations, the class will take off even if you are not there. A wait-listed student will be admitted to class in your place, and you will lose your course fee. If your absence is due to a medical emergency, call the Office of Continuing Education.

19. How easy is it?
These courses are both mentally and physically demanding. Signing up for the class is NO guarantee that you will pass it. Please obtain an adequate amount of rest and nutrition prior to each class session. You must attend ALL class sessions in their entirety, and pass the written and skills test in order to graduate. All classes will start PROMPTLY at the indicated times. If you arrive late for class, you will be turned away. We are simply not able to accommodate students that arrive late for class, as we have a full teaching schedule. Students failing to show up for class will also be required to reschedule and repay the fee if they desire to take the class. Course hours may be extended during any class session. We ask that you do not commit to any other appointments on the days or evenings of scheduled classes.

20. Does everyone pass the class?
As much as we would enjoy having every student pass the course, it does not always happen. The Basic RiderCourse was designed to teach novice riders to develop the minimal essential mental and road riding skills in a compressed time frame. Because riding a motorcycle involves the acquisition of physical skills, we know that not everyone will be successful on their first attempt. In the time that we have been training new riders, we have found that over 80% will be successful in their initial class. Students that feel they will require additional practice time, should arrange to take the A-BRC, for additioanl riding practice. These are only scheduled according to demand, so please call the office to be placed on a waiting list. 

21. What happened to the RSS and the old ERC?
The MSF has invested more than six years of research and testing into the Basic RiderCourse. In addition to the expected research on types of skill-building exercises to be included in the course, additional effort was put into documenting the ways adults learn and how to best incorporate that knowledge into the course. By considering adult-learning concepts, MSF was able to design the Basic RiderCourse to focus on participants so they can become partners in their own learning. Those who take the course can expect small group teams tasked with motorcycle safety discussion topics, facilitated by MSF-certified RiderCoaches in the classroom rather than being lectured. Also new to the classroom is video-simulated practice on hazard perception and avoidance. On the riding range, participants will focus on their own skill development rather than on maintaining a riding speed set by other riders on the range. There too, the RiderCoaches will be observing and coaching each participant by focusing on their needs beyond the key learnings specified in any riding exercise. This personal attention allows participants to learn at their own pace with constant encouragement and guidance supplied by the RiderCoaches. The new ERC expands the skills training options available to riders. Prior to this, there were only two options offered through state motorcycle safety training programs: the RSS and the original 15-year old MSF Experienced RiderCourse.

22. What happens if I don't pass or I am uncomfortable with my new skills and I want to continue to ride?
You have options. If you are uncomfortable with riding and feel you need additional practice time, sign-up for the A-BRC. The A-BRC is an additional riding course with a Retest Option for those wanting to complete the BRC and receive the same benefits of those who successfully complete the BRC.

23. Do you offer private lessons?
FDU offers a "step-up" program to improve your confidence. We start with a short Orientation to the BRC (free to those who are enrolled in the BRC), and then guide you through the Basic RiderCourse, designed for the student who has never been on a motorcycle. Upon request, Semi-private courses are available for those who are looking for more remedial instruction. The A-BRC is a one-day additional riding class for anyone who has taken the BRC, whether or not they received the MSF Completion Card. This is a refresher course on FDU motorcycles for BRC students looking to regain confidence before riding on public roads. In the future, FDU may offer an on-road training course where students can bring their motorcycles for on-road safety techniques. The Experienced RiderCourse suite is the next step for riders on their own motorcycles who are looking to enhance their skill sets learned in the BRC.