SAFETY TIPS
R.I.D.E. Right
RESPONSIBLE
INFORMED
DISCIPLINED
EQUIPPED
TAKE A CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLIST TRAINING COURSE
There’s a wrong way to ride and a right way to ride and the difference between the two saves lives. Learn how to R.I.D.E. Right by taking a California Motorcyclist Safety Course. The course gives you hands on experience that will teach the necessary skills so you can be a Responsible, Informed, Disciplined and Equipped rider. Other benefits include a DMV skills test waiver and possible insurance breaks. Whether you’re a new rider or have been at it for years, we all have a responsibility for our safety and the safety of others. Become a better rider now and R.I.D.E. Right.
WHICH COURSE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course
(MTC)
Designed for the novice rider with no (or limited) street riding experience. This course includes both classroom and on-cycle instruction.
CMSP 1-Day Premier Course
(1DPC)
Gives riders age 21 and older, who already possess basic motorcycle knowledge and riding skills but are not licensed, the opportunity to achieve intermediate level skills and the DMV skills test waiver in one day. Successful completion of an entry skills exam is required to take this course. View entry exam requirements.
CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course
(MTC)
The California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) is designed for the novice rider with no (or limited) street riding experience and is required for those under 21 years old. This course includes both 5-hours of classroom and 10-hours on-cycle instruction. You will learn fundamental skills required to operate the motorcycle and progress to street riding skills and strategies. Upon successful completion you will earn a DMV skills test waiver (DL389).
Topics covered include fear, understanding motorcycle controls, how motorcycles turn, proper cornering strategies and emergency accident avoidance skills. The course is based on the most current research in rider safety and utilizes modern training methods.
Though designed for new riders, any rider that has not taken a motorcycle safety course will benefit from this clinic. Riders must already know how to ride a two-wheeled bicycle to enroll. Motorcycles and helmets are provided in this course.
CMSP 1-Day Premier Course
(1DPC)
The California Motorcyclist Safety Program 1-Day Course allows riders–who are 21 and older and who already know how to ride but are not licensed–the opportunity to achieve intermediate level skills. Riders will also receive a DMV skills test waiver for successful completion of the course.
It is also the perfect next step for newer riders who are looking to improve their skills as well as riders that have recently returned to riding after years off. This course includes both classroom and on-cycle instruction.
The 1-Day Premier Course is based on the most current research in rider safety, utilizes modern training methods and has been proven to enhance student outcomes. Although designed primarily as a safety course, the course is also challenging and fun. It is completed in one 8-hour day. We will provide one of our training motorcycles for use during the course or students may choose to ride their own motorcycles/scooters as long as it meets the requirements. A motorcycle riding jacket is required to take this course.
Successful completion of both the riding and written portions of the course will earn the rider a DMV DL389 skills test waiver. Per California regulations, you will still need to complete the DMV written test.
View entry exam requirements.
Check out the hands-on instruction of a California Motorcyclist Safety Course. From learning the rules of the road to practicing them on a closed course with expert instructors, you’ll gain the skills you need to R.I.D.E Right.
Training locations will provide you with a DOT-compliant helmet. All you have to do is come prepared wearing pants, boots, jacket, gloves and eye protection. Don’t own a motorcycle or unsure if it’s for you? No problem, one will be provided for you, which is a good way to see if riding is the right fit for you.
As of 2023, over 1,450,000 motorcycle riders have received training at one of the CMSP training sites since the program began. For your convenience, there are over 100 training locations throughout California to take a course.
COURSE BENEFITS
The mission of the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) is to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities through comprehensive educational and behavior modification modalities. But taking a CMSP course has other benefits to the rider as well.
SKIP THE DMV
RIDING TEST
SKIP THE DMV
RIDING TEST
Students who pass the course will receive a DMV skills test waiver that allows you to skip the riding skills test at the DMV. Therefore, graduates will only need to take the written test for their motorcycle endorsement.
SHARPEN
YOUR SKILLS
SHARPEN
YOUR SKILLS
Whether you’re an experienced rider or it’s your first time riding, anyone can become a better rider. Topics covered include fear, understanding motorcycle controls, how motorcycles turn, proper cornering strategies and emergency accident avoidance skills.
POSSIBLE
INSURANCE BREAKS
POSSIBLE
INSURANCE BREAKS
Because people who have completed a motorcycle safety course are less likely to be involved in an accident, most insurance companies offer discounts to these riders. In some cases, the discounts can be significant. Check with your insurance company for more information.
PEACE
OF MIND
PEACE
OF MIND
Motorcycles are 38 times more dangerous than driving a car in terms of fatalities per miles traveled; which is why motorcyclists in particular need to minimize their risks. The more skilled of a rider you are, the less of a chance you have of being involved in an accident.
SKIP THE DMV
RIDING TEST
SKIP THE DMV
RIDING TEST
Students who pass the course will receive a DMV skills test waiver that allows you to skip the riding skills test at the DMV. Therefore, graduates will only need to take the written test for their motorcycle endorsement.
SHARPEN
YOUR SKILLS
SHARPEN
YOUR SKILLS
Whether you’re an experienced rider or it’s your first time riding, anyone can become a better rider. Topics covered include fear, understanding motorcycle controls, how motorcycles turn, proper cornering strategies and emergency accident avoidance skills.
POSSIBLE
INSURANCE BREAKS
POSSIBLE
INSURANCE BREAKS
Because people who have completed a motorcycle safety course are less likely to be involved in an accident, most insurance companies offer discounts to these riders. In some cases, the discounts can be significant. Check with your insurance company for more information.
PEACE
OF MIND
PEACE
OF MIND
Motorcycles are 38 times more dangerous than driving a car in terms of fatalities per miles traveled; which is why motorcyclists in particular need to minimize their risks. The more skilled of a rider you are, the less of a chance you have of being involved in an accident.
R.I.D.E. Right
RESPONSIBLE
INFORMED
DISCIPLINED
EQUIPPED
RESPONSIBLE
Be accountable for the safety of yourself and others. Simply put, riding responsibly is the cumulation of everything you need to do and know to be safe on the road.
INFORMED
Be aware of proper riding techniques and rules of the road – like avoiding blind spots of other vehicles and lane splitting guidelines.
DISCIPLINED
Make informed decisions and choices before and during every ride. Never ride under the influence and consider postponing your trip if weather is bad or roads are icy.
EQUIPPED
Many studies indicate that the head, legs, and arms of a rider are most likely to be injured in an accident, which is why wearing the proper gear makes a difference. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, pants, jacket, boots, gloves and eye protection.
Watch and learn. Whether it’s your first time on a motorcycle or you’ve ridden before, any motorcyclist could benefit from what the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) has to offer.
ALWAYS WEAR THE PROPER GEAR
Don’t Drive Under
the Influence
Ride
Responsibly
ALWAYS WEAR THE PROPER GEAR
Don’t Drive Under
the Influence
Ride
Responsibly
From skipping the DMV riding test to saving lives, hear about the benefits of taking a California Motorcyclist Safety Course from former students.