The most frequently asked question is, where is Plympton?
It's closer than you think!
Do I need my own motorcycle to take the course?
Training Wheels will provide the motorcycles. You do not need to have your own motorcycle for the basic rider course.
You do, however, need to bring your own motorcycle for the experienced rider course.
Do I need to bring my own helmet?
We do not suggest you make a major equipment purchase such as a helmet until after the course.
We dedicate a portion of the classroom instruction to riding gear, including the different types of
helmets and what makes them legal. Students would benefit greatly from this information and be better
prepared to purchase a helmet after the course. In the meantime, we have plenty of helmets to loan
during the course. But, if you do already own a DOT approved helmet, feel free to use it during the course.
What kind of gloves do I need for the course?
As we mentioned above, we dedicate a portion of the classroom instruction to riding gear. If you
don't already own motorcycle gloves, bring a regular pair of leather gloves - just make sure they are
full fingered gloves!
Training Wheels Class
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What type of motorcycle will I be riding in the course?
We use Honda Nighthawk 250s, Kawasaki Eliminator 125s and Honda Rebel 250s in the course. They are small, street legal motorcycles.
Do I need a permit to take the class?
You are allowed to take the class with or without your permit. However, if you do have your permit prior to taking
(and passing) the class, you can be exempt from having to take the registry's road test to receive your motorcycle license. That also saves
you $20 in RMV fees.
How do I get a permit?
Motorcycle permits are issued at any full-service Registry of Motor Vehicles - no appointments
are made for this exam. You must pass a computerized multiple choice test and pay a $30 fee. Want
to study beforehand? Pick up a copy of the Operator's Manual that they have located at their
information booths. Many of the questions you will be asked are general rules of the road and not motorcycle-specific.
Should I be nervous about taking the RMV's written motorcycle permit test?
Not at all. The RMV wants to insure that you know basic rules of the road. They count on us to teach you motorcycle safety. All of the questions on the exam are taken from the RMV Motorcycle Manual.
To view the manual please click this link.
How do I get my license if I pass the course?
If you successfully complete the BRC or ERC Rider Course, have a valid Massachusetts motorcycle permit at the time, and your permit does not expire for at least 2 weeks following the course completion date, you'll qualify for licensing through the course with no further testing at the registry! Before the first class session, students must pre-pay the required $15 RMV motorcycle endorsement fee. Upon successful completion of the course, your permit number and pass status will be processed through the Massachusetts RMV. The RMV will mail students either their motorcycle-only license or a motorcycle endorsement on their existing license (you won't even need to go back to the registry!). Please note that RMV mailing of license is dependant on RMV fees being paid. Pre-Payments to the RMV can be made with credit card by calling 1-617-351-4500 within the 617 / 781 area codes or 1-800-858-3926 within the 508 / 413 / 978 area codes. Please ensure the RMV has your proper mailing address, as they will mail your new license directly to you. Students must have "pre-paid" for their motorcycle license before the RMV will mail them the license directly.
Training Wheels Class
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Is there anything I can do to familiarize myself with motorcycling prior to the class?
The course is designed for people with little or no knowledge at all about riding a motorcycle. However you can download a copy of the Basic Rider Course Handbook that we use in the classroom by clicking here (1.9 Mb).
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 in a Training Wheels course. In order to request a call please write a note to us in the comments section upon registering and we will mark your record as "requested earlier date". We will contact you if a spot opens up. Please be specific as to which location and if you can attend midweek and/or a weekend class.
If my leg inseam is less than 26", can I still take the course?
If your inseam is less than 26", you should come to our training site prior to taking the
course to sit on one our motorcycles to make certain that it will fit your needs. Please call the
office to arrange this before you register for the course.
What happens if it rains?
You will get wet! Unless you bring rain gear (jacket AND pants). Courses run rain or shine.
What if I am under 18 years old?
Students under the age of 18 must have a waiver form signed by their parent or legal guardian. (We'll send one to you - just make sure you indicate on your registration form that you are under 18 years of age). Also, you must have a driver education certificate issued by the Registrar and have held a learner's permit (motorcycle or drivers) for a full six months prior to the application for the endorsement or license.
How long is the course?
The course is a total of 15 hours. It is broken up into 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of on-cycle instruction.
Can I use my own motorcycle for the basic rider course?
Due to MSF regulations, you must use the motorcycles provided to you by Training Wheels. However, upon successfully completing the course, you can partake in a Skills Practice Session on your own motorcycle.
Can I take the motorcycle course if I'm not from Massachusetts?
Yes. You can take the course with a valid drivers license or permit from any state. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a course completion card from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Many state Registry of Motor Vehicles will accept this card for motorcycle licensing. However, you should check with your state RMV to confirm this with your state.
I am registered for a two-day course. What should I bring the first day?
On the first day of a two-day course, we will be in the classroom first, then ride. Please bring a copy of your permit (if you would like a Certificate of Motorcycle Training), your confirmation form and pen/paper for the classroom. Then be prepared for the riding portion of the course by bringing all of the items listed on your confirmation form. It is also suggested that you bring plenty to drink, snacks and a lunch for breaks during the day. There will be a lunch break midday.
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