Types of training courses
Changes to motorcycle permit and endorsement processes
Starting January 1, 2020:
- You must pass a basic knowledge and skills exam for a permit.
- You must pass an advanced knowledge and skills exam for an endorsement.
If you have a valid permit, we encourage you to complete your testing before December 31, 2019, if possible.
Motorcycle training schools and sidecar/trike training schools offer a variety of safety training to meet your needs and skill level:
- For motorcycles and scooters (2-wheel)
- Basic RiderCourse for beginners.
- Intermediate Rider Training for riders with some experience.
- Experienced RiderCourse for experienced riders that take the course on their motorcycle.
- For sidecars and trikes (3-wheel)
- Basic Course for beginners.
- Advanced Course for experienced riders taking the course on their sidecars or trikes.
Can I use my personal vehicle for training and testing?
Yes. If you want to use your motorcycle, sidecar, trike, or scooter you'll need to meet these requirements:- A current registration and license plate for the vehicle.
- A current motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle permit.
- You must wear the minimum protective equipment including:
- A helmet compliant to US DOT requirements.
- Eye protection (glasses, goggles, or faceshield) unless the vehicle has a windshield.
Basic RiderCourse (2-wheel)
This course is for students with little or no riding experience. It's less than 16 hours.
| Type of student | Fee |
|---|---|
|
$125 (subsidized) Non-subsidized fees are determined by the course provider. |
| Washington residents under the age of 18 | $50 |
What to bring with you
Bring all of the following:
- If you're under 18, a completed/signed parental permission form (before the first riding session)
- Pen or pencil for taking notes
- Helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards (the program has some helmets)
- Eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face shield)
- Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Long pants
- Sturdy over-the-ankle shoes
- Full-fingered gloves appropriate for motorcycle use
- Foul weather gear (courses are conducted rain or shine)
- Snack/lunch and non-alcoholic beverages
- Sunblock (as needed)
Intermediate Rider Training (2-wheel)
This course is for riders with some experience. It's a 1-day course that can be taken using a training motorcycle or one that you provide.
| Type of student | Fee |
|---|---|
|
$125 (subsidized) Non-subsidized fees are determined by the course provider. |
| Washington residents under the age of 18 | $50 |
What to bring with you
Bring all of the following:
- If you're under 18, a completed/signed parental permission form (before the first riding session)
- Pen or pencil for taking notes
- Helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards (the program has some helmets)
- Eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face-shield)
- Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Long pants
- Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear
- Full-fingered gloves appropriate for motorcycle use
- Foul weather gear (courses are conducted rain or shine)
- Snack/lunch and non-alcoholic beverages
- Sunblock (as needed)
Experienced RiderCourse (2-wheel)
This course is for experienced riders. It's a 1-day course that focuses on improving your street strategies, mental processing, and handling techniques. The course includes exercises in:
- Threshold braking
- Brake and evade
- Cornering adjustment (swerving and/or braking while cornering at speed)
- Decreasing radius curves
- Multiple curves
- Traffic mix and gap management
Fees
Fees are determined by the course provider. Not all training schools provide these courses. For more information, see Motorcycle training schools.
What to bring with you
Bring all of the following:
- If you're under 18, a completed/signed parental permission form (before the first riding session)
- Your own motorcycle
- Proof of motorcycle insurance (insurance card)
- Your motorcycle registration
- Your instruction permit or driver license
- Pen or pencil for taking notes
- Helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards (The program has some helmets)
- Eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face-shield)
- Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Long pants
- Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear
- Full-fingered gloves appropriate for motorcycle use
- Foul weather gear (courses are conducted rain or shine)
- Snack/lunch and non-alcoholic beverages
- Sunblock (as needed)
Basic Course (3-wheel)
This course is designed for students with little or no riding experience, and lasts no more than 16 hours.
| Type of student | Fee |
|---|---|
|
$125 (subsidized) Non-subsidized fees are determined by the course provider. |
| Washington residents under the age of 18 | $50 |
What to bring with you
Bring all of the following to the basic sidecar/trike course:
- If you're under 18, a completed/signed parental permission form (before the first riding session)
- Pen or pencil for taking notes
- Helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards (the program has some helmets)
- Eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face shield)
- Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Long pants
- Sturdy over-the-ankle shoes
- Full-fingered gloves appropriate for motorcycle use
- Foul weather gear (courses are conducted rain or shine)
- Snack/lunch and non-alcoholic beverages
- Sunblock (as needed)
Advanced Course (3-wheel)
This course is designed for experienced riders who provide their own sidecar or trike. It's a 1-day course that focuses on improving your street strategies, mental processing, and handling techniques. The course includes exercises in:
- Drifting
- Cornering control
- Emergency stops
- Swerving
- Skidding
- Traffic mix and gap management
| Type of student | Fee |
|---|---|
|
$125 (subsidized) Non-subsidized fees are determined by the course provider. |
| Washington residents under the age of 18 | $50 |
What to bring with you
Bring all of the following:
- If you're under 18, a completed/signed parental permission form (before the first riding session)
- Your own sidecar or trike
- Proof of insurance (insurance card)
- Your sidecar or trike registration
- Your instruction permit or driver license
- Pen or pencil for taking notes
- Helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards (the program has some helmets)
- Eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face shield)
- Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Long pants
- Sturdy over-the-ankle shoes
- Full-fingered gloves appropriate for motorcycle use
- Foul weather gear (courses are conducted rain or shine)
- Snack/lunch and non-alcoholic beverages
- Sunblock (as needed)
Questions? Need help?
Email us: motorcycle@dol.wa.gov
