Frequently Asked Questions
Class schedules are posted 4-6 weeks in advance of the class start date. Find a course provider near you on our locations page.
The BRC is FREE to Pennsylvania residents and active-duty military with a valid Pennsylvania driver's license and motorcycle permit.
You may walk into any PAMSP class and if seating is available, you may register for that class in person. Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before the start of a class to put your name on the walk-in list. Be sure to have your Class M Permit and/or Class M License with you.
Students under 18 years of age must take and successfully complete a Pennsylvania motorcycle safety program Beginner Riding Clinic (BRC) before the student can receive a motorcycle license. To be eligible to test, the student must have a motorcycle learner's permit for at least six months and have 65 hours of supervised riding. Once the 16- and 17-year-old rider is eligible, they will be required to take the motorcycle skills exam to be licensed.
Students who have not met these requirements cannot be licensed through one of the courses. They may still participate in the course and receive a certificate of completion.
For more information, visit the Under 18 section.
The BRC provides an introduction to the fundamentals of responsible motorcycling. It consists of 5 to 6 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of riding instruction. It is designed for participants with no motorcycle driving experience. Students are provided a motorcycle and helmet for use during the training course. Adult students with a Pennsylvania-issued motorcycle learner's permit and satisfactorily complete the course may receive a Pennsylvania-issued motorcycle license in lieu of skill-testing requirements at a PA Driver License Center.
Students should have the ability to balance and stabilize a two-wheeled motorcycle or bike. If it has been a long time since a student has ridden a bicycle or motorcycle, it is recommended that they practice riding a bicycle prior to class.
For the BRC you will need either a valid Class M permit or Class M license. You MUST have a valid permit or license for the entire class.
Yes. You may obtain a Class M permit at your local PennDOT Driver License Exam Center.
The IRC is FREE to Pennsylvania residents with a valid driver's license or motorcycle permit.
You must have a valid Class M permit and you must have your own motorcycle with valid registration, inspection, and insurance.
No, it is not required, but it is highly recommended to take the BRC before the IRC.
The 3WRC is FREE to Pennsylvania residents with a valid Pennsylvania Class C driver's license with a Class M endorsement or a valid Class M permit.
The only courses that allow an adult passenger are the Intermediate Riding Clinic (IRC) and Advanced Riding Clinic (ARC). The passenger and rider may not switch roles during the course.
The Advanced Riding Clinic (ARC) is a motorcycle training course and is available to licensed motorcycle riders operating any street-legal two-wheel motorcycle that meets safety requirements. It is a nine-hour course consisting of approximately four hours of classroom activities and five hours of riding instruction. There is no formal skill evaluation. You must have your Motorcycle License and at least 3,000 miles of riding experience to participate in this course.
The ARC is FREE to Pennsylvania residents with a valid Pennsylvania Class M driver's license.
The ARC is designed for experienced motorcycle riders. For the purpose of this course, an experienced rider is one who has intermediate skills with at least 3,000 miles of current riding experience with a valid Class M license.
Yes, you may have an adult passenger. However, the passenger and rider may not switch roles during the course.
Yes, however 16- and 17-year-old riders must be properly licensed to operate a motorcycle. A parent and/or guardian must sign the liability waiver during the course or have it notarized prior to the course.
No, the ARC is not a licensing course. You must possess a valid Class M license in order to participate.
Motorcycle driver learner's permits are issued at your local PennDOT Driver's License Center. A Class M Learner's Permit is required for all PennDOT motorcycle licensing courses. You must have a valid Class M license to participate in the ARC.
For more information on obtaining a permit and the permit process, visit the Motorcycle License page.
Your motorcycle permit must be valid throughout the entire class. Visit the Motorcycle License page for more information.
Your motorcycle permit must be valid throughout the entire class. Visit the Motorcycle License page for more information.
Training motorcycles are provided for the BRC only.
For the classroom, bring your Class M permit or Class M license, a blue or black pen, and a highlighter.
For the riding portion of the course, be prepared with rain gear, layers of clothing as needed, snacks, and water. Remember to bring your Class M permit/license to the range portion of class. If you are using your own motorcycle, you must have valid registration, insurance, and inspection sticker.
The program offers a variety of brands and styles for students. The availability varies by site. Instructors will help students in the selection process.
You will be required to provide proof of current registration, insurance, and inspection. Your motorcycle or scooter must be over 50cc. Scooters and motorcycles under 50cc do not require a Class M and are not trained through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program.
For more information on licensing scooters, visit the Motorcyclists page.
You will need to bring your valid Pennsylvania Class M permit/license. You will not need to be accompanied by a driver with a motorcycle license.
Yes. Upon successful completion of the BRC, your learner's permit will be stamped as a valid Pennsylvania motorcycle license and the requirement for you to test at the PennDOT Driver License Exam Center is waived. The Department of Transportation will issue a motorcycle license within 120 days. You will also receive a completion card.
Some insurance companies offer a reduced rate for the successful completion of our BRC. You may need to provide a copy of your completion card. Contact your insurance provider for further details.
Note that minors are subject to different licensing requirements. For more information, visit the Under 18 page.
Your instructor can guide you into the appropriate retesting or additional practice class based on your skill level and needs.
Visit the Motorcycle License page for more information on motorcycle learner's permits.
Yes! We encourage students who wish to improve their skills to take any course more than once. More practice helps both novice and experienced riders. Motorcycling is a perishable skill. Ongoing practice and skill-building are essential for safe street riding.
The Department of Transportation will issue a motorcycle license within 120 days of successful completion of the BRC or IRC. Please email msp-info@pa.gov if you have not received your update card within 120 days.
We no longer have replacement PAMSP completion cards. Please contact the training provider you took training with to receive a replacement course completion card.
Visit our section on Riding Gear for more information on the appropriate riding gear.