Maryland's Motorcycle Safety Program

If you already have a valid Maryland driver's license, taking a Motorcycle Safety Program course is the quickest and easiest way to get a motorcycle license. All licensed drivers who complete a motorcycle safety course certified by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can show their certificate of completion to earn a Class M endorsement on their license.

Maryland Safety Course For Motorcyclists

A minimum of one safety course is recommended for all motorcycle riders and is required for Class M license applicants under 18. Even though Maryland's Motorcycle Safety Program is largely optional, it teaches critical techniques and mental strategies that can mean the difference between life and death on the road. Motorcycle riding requires even more skill and concentration than driving a car, so it's no surprise that riders with no formal training account for more than 90% of motorcycle crashes. As a result, taking an approved safety course is the best strategy for avoiding motorcycle accidents. Different courses are available for riders of various skill levels. These courses are available at 20 approved training facilities throughout Maryland. You can find out about course availability and costs by visiting the websites of individual training centers. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration does not accept motorcycle safety programs from other states, and completion certificates for safety programs are only valid for six months. Participants in all beginner safety program courses must have a valid driver's license, a Class M learner's permit, or be eligible for a learner's permit. The courses will take place regardless of the weather, and students must bring protective gear. Students will not be permitted to participate in the on-cycle portion of any course unless they have the proper helmet, eye protection, jacket, long pants, full-fingered gloves, and over-the-ankle footwear. Although novice courses provide practice motorcycles, students may choose to ride their motorcycles during on-cycle training. If students bring their bikes, they must be transported legally and pass a safety inspection.

Safety Courses For Class M License

Course administrators are not liable for any damage to personal motorcycles, which they will make abundantly clear to you. The safety program requirement for obtaining a Class M license will be satisfied with perfect attendance, successful completion of the knowledge and skill tests, and completion of the following courses.

New Basic Rider Course (BRC-u)

• The new Basic Rider Course is intended for riders with little or no prior riding experience. Participants must complete an online eCourse at home before the course. Because the eCourse replaces six hours of fast-paced classroom instruction, participants must present their eCourse completion certificate to the instructor before the first riding session. The BRC-u also includes four to five hours of formal classroom instruction and ten hours of riding instruction in addition to the eCourse. Rider perception and decision-making are covered in the classroom, while clutch-throttle control, stopping, turning, shifting, and basic crash avoidance skills are covered on the bike.

Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC)

• For someone with some prior riding experience, the Alternate Basic Rider Course is a less time-consuming option. Students must have some prior knowledge to participate, such as how to use the clutch and throttle to get their motorcycle moving, stop properly in a designated area, make gradual and tight turns, shift smoothly, and ride at a speed of at least 25 mph. The course does not include any formal classroom training, but topics such as preparation, road management, and advanced riding techniques are discussed at the riding range.

Three-Wheel Basic Rider Course (3WBRC)

• The Three-Wheel Basic Rider Course is similar to the New Basic Rider Course but focuses on three-wheeled motorcycles such as traditional and reverse trikes. Six hours are spent in the classroom, and eight hours are spent on the riding range. Riders who only complete the 3WBRC will receive a Class M license with a "J" restriction, allowing them to operate only the type of vehicle on which they tested.

The Advanced Courses

Participants inexperienced motorcyclist courses are expected to have their Maryland motorcycle licenses before the start of the class. Students must supply their motorcycle, helmets, eyewear, gloves, boots, and clothing. During the initial on-cycle activities, riders are evaluated to ensure they can demonstrate the minimum riding proficiency required for the course. Advanced courses are not required. However, if you are concerned about your motorcycle insurance rates, some insurance companies may offer discounted motorcycle premiums to those who complete these courses.

Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2)

• This course, formerly known as the Experienced Rider Course (ERC), builds on the skills learned in the New Basic Rider Course over six hours of on-cycle instruction. The course is intended as a refresher for licensed riders or those who have recently graduated from the BRC-u. It includes nine different exercises and eight enhanced versions of BRC-u exercises. This course has no formal examination component.

Advanced Rider Course (ARC)

• The civilian version of the military's Motorcycle Safety Foundation sport bike course is the Advanced Rider Course. The ARC emphasizes self-assessment, risk management, rider behavior, riding strategies, and holistic skill development in braking, cornering, and swerving, building on the skills learned in previous rider courses. Due to the high traction required for the on-cycle activities, the riding portion of the class will be rescheduled if the riding surface is wet. At the end of the classroom session, a 20-question knowledge test will be administered. Riders must pass the knowledge test and meet the objectives of the on-cycle training to complete the course.

Class M Process And Safety Course Duration

Participants in the course receive approximately 15 hours of formal training, which includes four to five hours in the classroom and ten hours on the bike. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration has certified the program and is intended to meet or exceed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's requirements. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to motorcycle safety. The application process for a Class M license in Maryland differs for applicants under and over 18. If you are under the age of 18, you must do the following:

• A minimum of 30 hours of classroom instruction.
• At least 6 hours of driving experience.
• An approved motorcycle safety course at a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program training facility.

If you are over 18 and have some motorcycle experience, you will not need to take a safety course. However, before applying for a Class M license, you must obtain your learner's permit and pass the skills and knowledge tests. You can exchange an out-of-state motorcycle license for a Maryland license. It cannot be canceled, revoked, or suspended. However, if it has expired for more than a year, you will be required to take the necessary tests.

Maryland Motorcycle Safety

While taking a rider course and obtaining a Class M license are both necessary steps in operating a motorcycle safely and legally in Maryland, the first step is to equip yourself. Every Maryland motorcycle rider must wear Department of Transportation approved eye- and head-wear. The minimum protective gear required by law is a helmet and eyewear, but the Motor Vehicle Administration also recommends that riders wear a thick jacket and pants, full-fingered gloves, and sturdy over-the-ankle boots with a heel.