Basic Rider Course
The Basic Rider Course is for non-riders, new riders, or someone wanting a refresher course. It is open to anyone sixteen years of age or older. Your RiderCoaches are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They'll start you off with straight-line riding, turning, shifting and stopping. You'll gradually progress to cornering, swerving and emergency braking. In the classroom you'll learn about the different types of motorcycles, their controls, and how they operate. The RiderCoaches, all experienced motorcyclists, will advise you on what to wear for comfort and protection. You'll find out how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to ride safely. A very important segment of the course will show you how to create your own strategy for riding in traffic, and dealing with critical situations. Students successfully completing the course will receive a license waiver for the skill test to obtain your motorcycle license(and some insurance agencies offer discounts). Motorcycles and helmets are furnished to each student. The fee for this course is $110.
Register early. Spaces cannot be guaranteed for mailed registrations.
Classes fill 2 - 3 months in advance! Maximum enrollment: 12.
All classes meet on Friday, 6 - 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.(Central time). All classroom and skills hours must be attended in order to successfully complete course requirements.
Riding Gear you will need for the Basic Course
- Eye protection
- Over-the-ankle boots or shoes
- Long, sturdy slacks
- Long sleeve shirt or jacket
- Full-fingered gloves
This class is offered free to 16 and 17 year olds. Limit of two free slots per class. Please call early, some restrictions do apply.
Experienced Rider Course
The Experienced Rider Course (ERC) is for individuals who have a current motorcycle license, have access to a street legal cycle and have riding experience. You'll discuss with your peers how to balance the mental and physical aspects of safe riding, manage risk, increase visibility and optimize your lane position. The 'Experienced RiderCourse
' also covers protective gear, rider responsibility, motorcycle inspection and care, the effects of alcohol and other drugs on riding, and includes an optional skill evaluation and knowledge test. Using your own motorcycle, you'll put into practice the techniques of managing traction, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving. Some insurance agencies offer discounts for successful completion of the course. The course meets on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All classroom and skill hours must be attended in order to successfully complete course requirements. The fee for this course is $65.
What you will need for the ERC
- Your own street legal motorcycle
- Riding gear (Same as basic course)
- DOT approved helmet (will be provided if you do not have your own)
2008 Course Dates
Classes with no remaining spots are marked (full).
However, we still accept names for the waiting lists of the remaining courses.
| Basic Rider Course | Basic Rider Course (cont'd) | Experienced Rider Course |
|---|---|---|
| March 28-30 (full) | July 25-27 (full) | June 14 |
| April 11-13 (full) | August 8-10 (full) | October 11 |
| April 25-27 (full) | August 22-24 (full) |
An ERC can also be scheduled for your riding group. For more information, contact Continuing Education at (270) 745-1910 or continuing.education@wku.edu. |
| May 2-4 (full) | September 5-7 (full) | |
| May 23-25 (full) | September 19-21 | |
| June 6-8 (full) | October 3-5 | |
| June 27-29 (full) | October 24-26 | |
| July 11-13 (full) | November 7-9 |
Directions to our Site
Printable Registration Form
Location of other motorcycle course sites throughout Kentucky...
Click here for a link to the KY Drivers Education Manual (pdf format, 1.36 MB)
