Types of motorcycle training courses

Learn about different types of 2- and 3-wheel safety training courses and what out-of-state courses are accepted in Washington. Find the right class to suit your skill level whether you're a beginner or advanced rider. 

We partner with motorcycle training schools to offer many courses to suit a variety of riders. When you pass these courses and take the appropriate knowledge and skills tests, you’ll qualify to add a permit and/or endorsement to your driver license.

Training Courses: 2-wheel motorcycles

 
Experience level Courses
Beginner
For riders with little or no experience
  • Basic Motorcycle Course (BMC)
  • Basic Rider Course (BRC)
  • Get Riding
  • Learn To Ride (LTR)
Intermediate
For riders with some experience
  • Intermediate Motorcycle Course (IMC)
  • Intermediate Rider Training (IRT)
  • Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2)
  • Returning Rider (RR)
  • Learn To Ride Refresher (LTRR)
Advanced
For experienced riders
  • Advanced Rider Course (ARC)
  • Experienced Motorcycle Course (EMC)
  • Experienced Rider Course (ERC)
  • Street Skills 101 (SS101)

Training Courses: 3-wheel motorcycles

 
Experience level Courses
Beginner
For riders with little or no experience
  • Sidecar/Trike Education Program (S/TEP) Basic Course
  • Sidecar/Trike Education Program (S/TEP) 1-Day Course
  • Three-Wheel Operator Program Level-One (TOP 1) Course
  • SW Motorcycle Safety 3-Wheel Class
Advanced
For experienced riders
  • S/TEP Advanced Course

Training costs

Motorcycle training schools determine course costs and can vary by location. DOL provides a subsidy to Washington residents and military personnel stationed in Washington to help keep training affordable and accessible. This subsidy is funded by your permit and endorsement fees.

Not all training schools offer all the courses. Please contact a motorcycle training school for information on:

  • Costs and subsidy rates
  • Courses offered
  • Course details and requirements
  • Locations

Accepted out-of-state courses

2-wheel training courses (accepted for permit waiver)

  • Idaho Star – Basic Rider Training (BRT)
    • The BRT eRider course is not accepted in Washington.
  • Team Oregon – Basic Rider Training (BRT)
    • The BRT eRider course is not accepted in Washington.
  • Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) – Basic Rider Course (BRC)

3-wheel training courses (accepted for endorsement waiver)

  • Sidecar/Trike Education Program (S/TEP) Basic Course

Watch our video: Training is Everything: Getting More From Your Ride

Watch our video: Motorcycle Awareness - A Second Look

Need additional help? Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-902-3900
(TTY: Call 711)
mail Email: motorcycle@dol.wa.gov
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