Basic Rider Course (BRC2) – FAQs

No, the Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2) is an “improve your ride” course for riders 16 years and older that already have their motorcycle endorsement.

If you do not have your motorcycle endorsement, but do have at least one season of riding under your belt and have your own motorcycle, the BRC2 for License Waiver (BRC2-LW) is a course you can take to receive a road test waiver. If you are a new rider, and/or do not have a motorcycle, then consider the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) as your training/road test waiver entry point.

Click here to go to the on-line enrollment page. Once there you will be able to see current course availability for all our training locations and select your training dates.

IMPORTANT: The Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2) range exercises are nearly identical to those of the BRC2 for License Waiver (BRC2-LW) class. These classes are scheduled concurrently and the classes may be combined. When and if the BRC2 class you desire displays as “full”, check to see if the concurrently scheduled BRC2-LW has space. If there is space available, please call our office (315-858-3321) so that we can re-allocate a BRC2-LW spot over to the BRC2 class for your enrollment. When the BRC2-LW class displays as “full”, then there is no space available and you will need to select a different date.

If you already have your motorcycle endorsement, DO NOT sign up for the BRC2-LW class! You will be charged the License Waiver class fee of $260!

The Basic RiderCourse 2 costs $150

Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2) participants must be at least 16 years of age and have a valid motorcycle license. You will also need to supply your own motorcycle for use in the class.

Students under the age of 18 will need to have their parent or guardian’s signature on both the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program and Covid Release, Waiver and Indemnification forms. The parent or guardian can accompany the student to class and sign the forms in the presence of the RiderCoach with proper identification (photo ID), or the student may bring the pre-signed forms to class so long as the parent’s signatures are notarized.

Go Motorcycling, Inc. has two training locations at the Mohawk Valley Community College Campus in Utica and one at Jefferson Community College in Watertown.

In Utica, our training season runs from late April thru October. In Watertown, we run our training season which is limited to late May thru late August.

Each BRC2 consists of a hands-on riding session that lasts about 5 hours. A morning range session will typically run from 8am – 1:30pm. Lunch will take place after your course, so be sure to bring a snack!

Afternoon courses will begin after lunch and run until dinner-time. Other schedules may become available. (See the important note in How do I register for a BRC2? above.)

You can see the full schedule, plus availability for each location, by clicking here.

There are no more than 12 students in each Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2).

You do not need to be a fitness star to ride a motorcycle (or take a RiderCourse), but riding does require physical stamina, alertness, coordination, balance (two-wheeled operation), grip and fine muscle control of the hands and feet.  Certain medical conditions, recent surgery or injury and/or prescription or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with safe motorcycle operation.  If you have medical issues, it is important to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before the course to determine if your medical condition, or the drugs that you are taking for it, could interfere with your ability to safely operate a motorcycle.

Please consider that you will be outdoors for extended periods in ambient weather conditions. You will spend a full day expending mental and physical energy as you learn new skills.

If you feel that there are motor skill ability, age, physical condition or language limitations that may limit your ability to learn to ride, please feel free to contact our office to discuss what provision can be made to assist you.

BRC2 students must supply their own street-legal motorcycle or scooter for training.

• A street-legal motorcycle (must have valid NYS Inspection Certificate attached and pass the RiderCoaches’ safety inspection)
• Valid NYS Motorcycle Registration
• A valid motorcycle insurance card (FS-20/FS-21)
• NYS Valid Motorcycle License (plus a photocopy)
• A DOT compliant motorcycle helmet
• Eye protection (face shield or goggles)
• Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
• Full-fingered gloves
• Durable long pants
• Sturdy over-the-ankle boots (NO SNEAKERS)
• Rain gear if rain is expected (classes run rain or shine)

Do not wait until the last minute to ensure that your motorcycle is operational and inspected and that your paperwork is in order.  There are financial penalties for canceling/rescheduling your class. 

You’ll get specific details upon enrolling.

Yes, the course will take place during “normal” rainy conditions, bring a with a rain suit if rain is imminent. We will cancel or reschedule classes in the event of severe weather – your RiderCoaches will make that determination that day, so you should show up for class no matter what.

Out-of-state residents are eligible to participate so long as they possess a valid motorcycle license from their home state.

The basic rider course 2 (BCR2) is not a license waiver course; you must already have your motorcycle license in order to participate.

Most motorcycle insurance companies offer a premium discount to RiderCourse graduates. Please contact your insurance carrier for specific details.

You may cancel or reschedule your basic rider course 2 class on-line up to one full calendar day before your class start date. On-line changes will not be available on the day before your class starts; call instead: 315-858-3321. Fees apply.   Click for details.

If you would be interested and available to move to an earlier basic rider course 2 date than the one for which you are scheduled:

a) Check back on our website periodically; we may add additional classes when there are cancellations by other students may create an earlier opening. You may reschedule your basic rider course 2 course using the confirmation number in your confirmation e-mail. A $20 fee will apply. NOTE: If your class starts within the next 7 days and you want to move to an even earlier available course date, please phone the office to reschedule, as the on-line enrollment system will charge a larger reschedule fee.

b) If you would like to be considered for last minute fill-ins (within 24 hours of a class start date/time), please email us with your preferences. You might specify a particular date that you desire or a general interest in an earlier date – please specify if you are available weekends or weekdays – and we will put you on the cancellation list.