Transportation & Distribution, Personal Vehicles
Motorcycle Safety & Licensing
Program Summary
PGCC’s motorcycle courses are designed for both beginner and experienced riders. Training includes both classroom and hands-on, range instruction taught by instructors certified by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Maryland Class M license skill testing is offered in both the Beginner (BRC) and Intermediate Basic Rider (BRC II) courses. All equipment and a training motorcycle is reserved for your use when you register for the BRC or BRCII course.
It's not just a matter of being careful and having good instincts, motorcycle riding requires specialized knowledge, skills, techniques, and strategies. If you have never ridden or if you are self-taught or learned from friends, you can benefit from professional training by state and nationally certified instructors.
Beginner and intermediate participants receive both classroom instruction and hands-on riding instruction on the motorcycle practicing clutch-throttle control, stopping the motorcycle in a safe distance, turning, shifting, and basic crash avoidance skills. For those who already possess a motorcycle license, the Experienced Rider Course (ERC) will improve and refresh your current riding skills.
Students must come to the range sessions prepared to ride with long-sleeve shirt or jacket, long pants, sturdy low-heeled boots or shoes that cover the ankles, full-fingered leather or other good-grip gloves, DOT certified helmet, and eye protection (face shield, goggles, or even ordinary spectacles or sunglasses). Loaner helmets and gloves are available if needed. The class rides rain or shine so bring something to keep you dry if rain is expected. You may want to bring a snack or something to drink. Water is provided at all classes. Saturday and Sunday students should bring a snack or bag lunch.
Students taking the Motorcycle Rider: BRC and BRC II do not need a Class M Learner's Permit to qualify for Class M licensing. Successful graduation from the course will qualify the student for a Class M License
Motorcycle Maintenance
Once participants have earned a motorcycle license, it is advisable to learn as much as possible about the motorcycle he/she will be riding. In the Basic Motorcycle Maintenance course, participants are taught the fundamentals of performing basic motorcycle maintenance and inspections. The six hour, two evenings course will help the beginner to understand the importance of maintaining a motorcycle in top running condition in order to enjoy safe, trouble free riding. Topics include: Pre-ride safety inspection; maintenance schedules and record keeping; basic tools; cleaning, storing and winterizing the motorcycle; performing an oil change; checking wheels, tire pressure and brakes; chain and cable adjustment; fluid levels; the owners manual; changing bulbs; and dealer relations.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Completion card useful in obtaining motorcycle insurance discounts by some companies.
- Skills development and preparation leading to Maryland, MVA Class M licensure.
Participants who meet the testing standards for licensing will receive a certificate that can be presented to any MVA Branch Office where a vision examination will be administered. The student will then receive a Class M License after paying the licensing fee.
Program Curriculum
| Crs # |
Course Name |
Hrs |
| OCC361 |
Basic Rider Course (BRC) |
17 |
|
OR |
|
| OCC369 |
Alternate Basic Rider Course (BRC II) |
7 |
|
OR |
|
| OCC365 |
Experienced Rider Course (ERC) |
6 |
|
AND |
|
| OCC354 |
Basic Motorcycle Maintenance |
6 |
Please check the
Schedule of Courses for courses currently offered.
- For additional information, contact:
PGCC Program Director, Institute for Transportation & Distribution
301-322-0650, tmarra@pgcc.edu