FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

COURSE INFO

  • Why should I take the CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course?

  • What are the minimum requirements to take the MTC?

  • When is the course offered?

  • How much is the course?

  • Why can’t I get a refund?

  • If I’m under 21 years old, do I have to take the course?

  • If I am over 21, do I need a permit to take the course?

  • Why should I read the Student Agreement (terms and conditions) and California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) Course Waiver and Indemnification Form before enrolling?

COURSE DAY

  • Can I reschedule a class?

  • When can I make-up sessions and finish the course?

  • Where do I go for the class?

  • What motorcycles do you use, and what If I want to ride a scooter?

  • Do I need a helmet?

  • Do I need gloves?

  • Do I need boots?

  • What attire do I wear?

  • What if it rains?

  • What do I need to do to prepare for the classroom sessions?

  • What does it mean to be counseled out?

  • What If I am not comfortable with going continuing in the course?

AFTER COURSE DAY/GRADUATION

  • Does everyone pass?

  • Do You Guarantee Passage?

  • But I thought you were supposed to teach us how to ride!

  • What if I don’t pass the tests?

NEXT STEPS

  • What do I get if I pass?

  • Is there a time limit on finishing the course?

  • When do I get my Certificate of Motorcycle Training (DL 389)?

  • Do you help me prepare for the DMV written test if I haven’t already taken it?

  • Is it true that insurance companies discount premiums for completing the MTC?

  • How is an Instructor qualified to train riders?

  • So do I do what if I am really committed to keeping skills sharp or learning more about safe riding like the CHP motor cops do?

  • What's the best way to contact someone at AMO?

 

COURSE INFO

Why should I take the CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course?

The California Motorcyclist Safety Program Motorcyclist Training Course (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 surely do not believe the MTC is a "one-time" training shot that ensures safe riding, and neither does the CMSP. So we offer more courses so you may continue to improve your riding and mental skills and keep a good perspective (self-awareness) of yourself as a rider.

 

What are the minimum requirements to take the MTC?

Prerequisites: A person should be able to balance/ride a bicycle; and possess a valid government ID.

 

When is the course offered?

We offer classes on the weekend and select weekdays. Check the buttons above for location and times. Regardless of the schedule or location you choose, the total course is about 15 hours - - 6 hours of classroom instruction on motorcycle safety and 9 hours of riding exercises and skills development. You must stay in the order the course sessions are scheduled. You cannot swap weekends or "cross schedules."

 

How much is the course?

You can register and pay online. Click the buttons above. The course fees are $425 for persons 21 years of age, and $395 for those under 21 years old. Payment is by credit or debit card. If you don’t have online access or use a credit or debit card, contact us at INFO@AMOSOCAL.COM.

 

Why can’t I get a refund?

The NO REFUND policy is to ensure that scheduled classes can occur as planned for all students’ benefit. Resources, facilities, Instructors, and other services must be in place for each class and require weeks ahead in planning, reservations, and prior expenditures. You must ensure you are able to attend the full set of dates and times when you register for a class. If you cannot, don’t enroll until you can.

 

What do I need to enroll in the course?

Any individual, 15.5 years of age or older, who wishes to participate in the course 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. CMSP accepts out-of-state and out-of-country student credentials that are acceptable to the CA DMV.

 

If I’m under 21 years old, do I have to take the course?

CA law requires any person under 21 years must complete the MTC before receiving a motorcycle instruction permit. The DMV then requires that person to hold the permit for six months or to their 21st birthday; whichever comes first, before being issued a class M1 motorcycle license endorsement. To learn more, click on this link to the DMV “Motorcycle License Checklist.”

 

If I am over 21, do I need a permit to take the course?

No. You can take the course with a valid Government-issued photo ID. To learn more, click on this link to the “Motorcycle License Checklist.”

 

Why should I read the Student Agreement (terms and conditions) and California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) Course Waiver and Indemnification Form before enrolling?

The Student Agreement (terms and conditions) and California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) Course Waiver and Indemnification Form have important information you must know before enrolling. Don’t assume you have it all figured out—You could forfeit your money and the course! After reading our information for you, if you have any questions, please contact us at info@amosocal.com, and we will be glad to help you out.

COURSE DAY

Can I reschedule a class?

NO RESCHEDULING WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF CLASS Within five (5) days of your class start date, rescheduling is not permitted. If you are unable to make the class as scheduled for which you enrolled, you will forfeit your seat. You must ensure you are able to attend the full set of dates and times when you register for a class. So, IF you cannot, don’t enroll until you can. RESCHEDULING POLICY BEYOND FIVE (5) DAYS OF THE CLASS Up to five (5) days before your class start date you may request to be rescheduled to an available seat on another class start date currently scheduled by the AMO. The reschedule fee is $25 and must be paid prior to receiving confirmation to the new date. You must ensure you are able to attend the full set of dates and times when you register for a class. So, IF you cannot, don’t enroll until you can.
 

When can I make-up sessions and finish the course?

If for any reason you are late, fail to show, do not attend, or do not complete a session, you will forfeit your seat for the entire course. You must ensure you are able to attend the full set of dates and times when you register for a class. So, IF you cannot, don’t enroll until you can.

 

Where do I go for the class?

The course begins in the classroom sessions at the Pasadena Business Park. Your riding lessons are at one of AMO’s riding ranges, Altadena Elementary School, John Muir High School, or Robert Hill Lane Elementary School. After your first riding session, you then return to complete the class sessions. AMO locations can be found on our website LOCATIONS page.

 

What motorcycles do you use?

AMO uses small sized training bikes (LIFAN KPM 200) to help riders focus more easily on learning techniques when riding. The course is designed for motorcyclists, and AMO provides the best conditions to learn to use the friction zone (throttle/clutch coordination).

Do you provide scooters?

AMO no longer provides a scooter on-site. However, if you never intend to ride a motorcycle, AMO will permit you to use your own scooter, but you must contact us prior to your enrollment to ensure your using your scooter will meet the CMSP guidelines: 1) you must ride your scooter and not tow or truck it in, 2) you must have an appropriate DMV permit to ride, 3) you must provide a copy of insurance to ensure legal coverage during the riding exercises and to assume full responsibility for incidents involving persons and property, and 4) the scooter must pass a T-CLOCS inspection (this can be done by going to this link for the T-CLOCS sheet) that you must bring in signed to ensure you completed the full inspection.

 

Do I need a helmet?

Full-faced helmets with eye protection are required on AMO sites, so, if you do not have your own, we provide helmets in normal sizes. If you have an exceptional sizing need (greater than 3x), you should use your own DOT-approved full-faced helmet. Personal helmets are subject to inspection for compliance and serviceability.

 

Do I need gloves?

We provide leathered gloves, but you may also use your own full-fingered, leathered gloves.

 

Do I need boots?

Yes and they must be sturdy over the ankle footwear (not canvas).

 

What attire do I wear?

You must wear long pants (no holes, cutouts, sweats, or tights, and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket.

 

What if it rains?

We conduct training during wet conditions, so riders are encouraged to wear proper riding rain gear. We offer ponchos for a small price if you need one.

 

What do I need to do to prepare for the classroom sessions?

READ the CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course Student Handbook. We are finding that riders who do not read the material significantly increase their chances of failing the written test. Excellent content is there to help you learn what you do not want to learn the hard way, by experiencing these issues while riding.

 

What does it mean to be counseled out?

If you pose a safety hazard to yourself and/or others, you will be counseled out. The course quickly becomes more challenging and requires your having a good grasp of the early techniques to help ensure your safety when riding the more challenging exercises. If one demonstrates that they may harm themselves or others, we counsel such riders out for everyone’s’ benefit and safety.

 

What If on my own I am not comfortable with going continuing in the course?

You may also self-drop if you are not comfortable with your progress or feel unsafe or uneasy with your skills. Under this provision, you will then forfeit any rights to return to the course. We hope that a student appreciates the value of learning this about himself or herself while being in a safe and professional environment rather than learning by trial and error on the roads and highways

AFTER COURSE DAY/GRADUATION

Does everyone pass?

Under the new CMSP MTC, the passing rate has been reduced to fewer than 85% which was one over 95% under the MSF BRC. The MTC is more challenging and requires more skill to progress. This should transfer to safer riding that you will appreciate should you decide to ride on the road.

 

Do You Guarantee Passage?

We do not guarantee anyone will pass the course, even after numerous attempts. Read on why…

 

But I thought you were supposed to teach us how to ride!

The MTC is a safety course. It is intended to help potential riders learn how to ride safely on the road, which includes learning that maybe one needs more time to learn to ride before venturing out on the road. Motorcycling is very challenging and requires satisfactory progression in riding skills. For course progress, you must demonstrate physical coordination, balance, stamina, mental alertness, and the ability to understand and follow directions clearly, and all at the same time. All of these are absolute requirements for your safety on a motorcycle, whether in training or on the roadways. Consequently, if you do not finish or pass the course, we surely hope that you come to appreciate the value of learning this about yourself while being in a safe and professional environment rather than by trial and error on the roads and highways. If you still decide you want to ride, contact us at INFO@AMOSOCAL.COM so we can discuss your decision and next steps.

 

What if I don’t pass the tests?

If you do not pass either the knowledge test or the skills evaluation, you can re-take them once more on another date. The CMSP permits only two attempts to pass either test before having to repeat the whole course, including repaying the fee. A $25 retesting fee is charged to your card of enrollment to reserve a seat for either retest.

 

Is there a time limit on finishing the course?

The CMSP requires that you retest within 30 days of the original failed test date.

NEXT STEPS

What do I get if I pass?

You will receive (via mail within 10 days) a CA DMV Form DL-389, Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training, which waives the on-motorcycle test at the DMV. You will also receive a MTC Completion Card, which may

  1. Provide discounts on insurance.

  2. Provide 10%-15% discounts from some aftermarket retail businesses for motorcycle gear, parts and accessories, and other motorcycle related purchases.

  3. May provide other incentives from some motorcycle manufacturers through the dealer network.

We also have special arrangements with local dealers to offer you cash-back offers or discounts if you purchase a motorcycle within 30 days of completing the course. So be sure to check out AMO's Special Resources.

 

When do I get my Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389)?

The certificates are mailed out to arrive within 10 days after you successfully complete the training. It is important that you address your envelope in class correctly so the U S Postal Service can deliver your envelope holding the DL 389 and prevent delays in its arrival. The DL 389 is valid for one year of course completion before it expires. Do not mail the certificate to the DMV.

 

Do you help me prepare for the DMV written test if I haven’t already taken it?

The CMSP does not currently require AMO to prepare you, and neither have we been certified or delegated by the DMV to train or administer the test. However, we do suggest you follow this link to review the California Motorcycle Handbook. We also suggest you prepare for partial written tests for any other endorsements you hold by the CA DMV.

 

Is it true that insurance companies discount premiums for completing the BRC?

Many insurance companies offer premium discounts to basic course graduates. These can range from 5% to as much as 20%, depending on the insurance company. In some cases, the savings can be as much as course tuition itself. When you couple this with some of the other reimbursements mentioned above, it may be possible for riders to not only take the MTC at (essentially) no cost, but to put a few dollars back in their pockets as well. Be sure to read our Insurance Quotes section at AMO's Special Resources. There you will find Reviews.com has reviewed hundreds of companies and culled a good list for you to consider.

 

How is an Instructor qualified to train riders? 

  • All AMO Instructors are certified by Total Control Training, Inc. owned and operated by Lee Parks.

  • All AMO Instructors are also certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

  • All AMO Instructors have successfully completed a 60-hour intensive training program, and an additional 24 hours of professional training on advanced motorcycle instructor techniques.

  • All AMO Instructors attend yearly professional development courses.

  • All AMO Instructors are CPR and Basic First Aid certified.

  • All AMO Instructors currently ride and have many years of riding experience.

  • All AMO Instructors truly enjoy coaching and want to see riders learn to be safer, more skilled motorcyclists.

 

So what if I am really committed to keeping my skills sharp or learning more about riding like the CHP motor cops do?

AMO is committed to helping you learn more and stay sharp on the road. We offer:

  • More practice courses (as the MTC you use our equipment),

  • Total Control Intermediate Clinic to take your skills to the next level.

  • The MSF Advanced RiderCourse (ARC) (civilian version that has saved many lives among military riders worldwide) that provides special skills on cornering, braking, and more on traction management while cornering.

  • We hope to soon offer the Lee Parks courses (DoD Tier 3 courses) sometime around the summer—just in time for the ride! Contact us at INFO@AMOSOCAL.COM.

 

What's the best way to contact someone at AMO?

We wish we could answer every phone call, but AMO receives over 800 inquiries monthly. So first use this FAQ page and its linked resources. If you don't find your answer, contact us at INFO@AMOSOCAL.COM.