FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can we help you?
The CMSP MTC is designed for the novice rider with no (or limited) street-riding experience. This course includes both classroom and on-cycle instruction. You will learn the fundamental skills required to operate the motorcycle and progress to street riding skills and strategies.
We at AMO do not believe the MTC is a "one-time" training shot. We offer more courses so you may continue to improve your riding and mental skills.
Prerequisites: A person should be able to balance and ride a bicycle, and possess a valid government ID.
We offer classes on the weekend and select weekdays. Regardless of the schedule you choose, the course is about 15 hours total (6 hours classroom, 9 hours riding).
Note: You must stay in the order the course sessions are scheduled. You cannot swap weekends or "cross schedules".
The course fees are $425 for persons 21 years of age and older, and $395 for those under 21 years old.
Payment is by credit or debit card online. If you don't have online access, contact us at INFO@AMOSOCAL.COM.
Our NO REFUND policy ensures that scheduled classes can occur as planned for all students. Resources, facilities, and Instructors require weeks of planning and prior expenditure.
You must ensure you are able to attend the full set of dates and times when you register. If you cannot, please do not enroll until you can.
Any individual 15.5 years of age or older must have a valid Government-issued photo ID. This can be from California, another state, or another country.
Any person younger than 18 years must also have the written permission of his/her parent(s) or legal guardian.
Yes. CA law requires any person under 21 to complete the MTC before receiving a motorcycle instruction permit. The DMV then requires you to hold the permit for six months or until your 21st birthday (whichever comes first) before being issued a class M1 license.
No. You can take the course with just a valid Government-issued photo ID.
The Student Agreement and CMSP Course Waiver contain critical safety and liability information. You must read and sign these before enrolling. Don't assume you "have it all figured out"—failure to comply could mean forfeiting your course fee.
5 or More Days in Advance: You may reschedule up to five (5) days before your start date. A $25 fee applies.
Less Than 5 Days: We cannot reschedule within five (5) days of the start date. You will forfeit your seat and enrollment fee if you cannot attend.
If for any reason you are late, fail to show, or do not complete a session, you will forfeit your seat for the entire course. You generally cannot swap days or split schedules.
The course begins with classroom sessions, which may be on Zoom, at Pasadena Business Park, or on the range (depending on the course). Riding lessons are at one of AMO's riding ranges (Florence Nightingale Middle School or Glendale Civic Auditorium).
Please check the LOCATIONS page on our website for specific addresses.
AMO uses small-sized training bikes (LIFAN KPM 200 & KPmini 125) to help riders focus easily on learning techniques. These provide the best conditions to learn the friction zone (throttle/clutch coordination).
AMO no longer provides scooters on-site. You may use your own scooter if it meets CMSP guidelines, but you must contact us prior to enrollment. You are responsible for legally transporting the scooter to the site, providing insurance, and bringing the signed checklist to prove it passed inspection.
Full-faced helmets with eye protection are required. If you do not have one, we provide helmets in normal sizes. If you require an exceptional size (greater than 3XL), you should bring your own DOT-approved full-faced helmet.
Gloves: We provide leather gloves, but you may use your own full-fingered leather gloves.
Boots: Yes, you need sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear (canvas/sneakers are NOT allowed).
You must wear long pants (no holes, cutouts, sweats, or tights) and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket.
We train rain or shine! Riders are encouraged to wear proper rain gear. We offer ponchos for a small price if needed.
If you pose a safety hazard to yourself or others, you will be "counseled out" (dismissed). The course progresses quickly, and if a student cannot demonstrate safe technique, we must dismiss them for everyone's safety.
Yes. You may "self-drop" if you feel unsafe or uneasy with your skills. However, under this provision, you forfeit any rights to return to the course without paying again.
No. Under the new CMSP MTC curriculum, the passing rate is below 85% (down from 95%). The course is challenging and requires skill progression to ensure safer riding on the road.
We do not guarantee anyone will pass. The MTC is a safety course intended to filter out those who may need more time or are not ready for the risks of the road. Motorcycling requires physical coordination, balance, and mental alertness. If you do not pass, it is better to learn this in a safe environment than on the highway.
If you fail the knowledge or skills test, you can re-take them once on another date. A $25 retesting fee applies. If you fail a second time, you must repeat the entire course.
Yes. Policy requires that you retest within 30 days of the original failed test date.
You will receive a DL-389 Certificate (via mail within 10 days) which waives the on-motorcycle test at the DMV. You also receive an MTC Completion Card which may provide insurance discounts and 10-15% discounts at local motorcycle retailers.
Certificates are mailed to arrive within 10 days of successful completion. The DL 389 is valid for one year. Do not mail the certificate to the DMV; you must bring it in person.
We are not delegated by the DMV to administer the written test. However, we strongly suggest you review the California Motorcycle Handbook before visiting the DMV.
All AMO Instructors are certified by Total Control Training, Inc. They have completed a 60-hour intensive training program plus 24 hours of advanced training. All are CPR/First Aid certified and attend yearly professional development courses.
Yes! We are committed to helping you stay sharp. We offer:
- Practice Courses: Use our equipment to practice MTC skills.
- Total Control Intermediate Clinic: Take your skills to the next level.
- Advanced RiderCourse (ARC): Special skills on cornering, braking, and traction management.