G7 - Safety Division 

Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycling is a popular means of transportation. Many riders commute to work, while others ride for recreation. Regardless of the reasons, motorcycling is an enjoyable means of transportation, but not without some inherent risks. Motorcycles and their riders are more vulnerable than cars and their drivers. Motorcycles aren’t as stable as a four wheel vehicle. Because of these and other factors riding a motorcycle can be dangerous, especially without some form of formal training.

 In an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle related crashes and casualties, the Marine Corps offers several Motorcycle safety Foundation riding courses for a variety of skill levels.

Courses Available

Basic RiderCourse (BRC): The primary goal is to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of safe, responsible motorcycling. The course is designed to prepare riders for entry into the world of motorcycling. Upon successfully completing the course the rider will be able to acquire a motorcycle license or endorsement without completing the “riding” portion of the DMV test (in California and other select states).

Course Length: Three (3) Days (One day classroom, two days riding)

Experienced RiderCourse (ERC): Just as it implies, the ERC is designed to provide additional skill development for riders that have completed a BRC, or already have their motorcycle license or endorsement. The course can also serve as a valuable tool for those that may have recently returned from a deployment or for those who have not ridden in a number of years.

Course Length: One (1) Day

Military Sportbike RiderCourse (MSRC):  Designed specifically for experienced motorcyclists that ride sport bikes. These motorcycles have high-performance capabilities. Because of this, riders must possess highly developed skills, judgment, and mental awareness to ride them safely. Special emphasis is given to self-assessment, rider behavior, riding strategies, and overall skill development. Braking, cornering and swerving are some other aspects where special emphasis is given. The MSRC is MANDATORY for licensed military sport bike riders. Civilians and spouses are encouraged to attend as well!

 Course Length: One (1) Day

All Terrain Vehicle Course (ATV): Designed for a novice ATV rider. This 4 hour course begins with fundamentals and riding positions and takes the rider from basic riding techniques and graduates to trail riding concepts. The ATV course is available to all Marines, Sailors, DoD Civilians or military family members.

Dirt Bike School (DBS): Designed for a novice dirt bike rider. This 4 hour course begins with fundamentals and riding positions and takes the rider from basic riding techniques and graduates to trail riding concepts. The Dirt Bike School is available to all Marines, Sailors, DoD Civilians or military family members.

Course Requirements

Basic Rider Course (BRC) requirements: Any active duty personnel, DOD civilian or military family member that wishes to ride his or her motorcycle on base must complete the BRC. (All active duty personal must take the BRC regardless if they wish to ride on or off base.) The Basic Rider Course is designed for all street legal motorcycles and not specific to any make, year or model. The rider must possess current registration and insurance for their motorcycle. A Department of Motor Vehicles permit is not necessary but would be helpful when attending the course.

The Basic Rider Course is a three day evolution that takes a novice rider from basic riding skills to advanced turning and braking and swerving techniques. The rider will spend one five hour day in the classroom and two five hour days on the range. The classroom portion familiarizes the rider with the skills that will be introduced on the range using group and individual adult learning. And the range portions help the rider become more proficient with the skills and help them gain confidence in their abilities through repetition and professional coaching.

Experienced Rider Course (ERC) requirements: Once a rider has completed the Basic Rider Course, and has obtained a motorcycle endorsement from the DMV. Then the rider is eligible to attend the Experienced Rider Course. We ask that the rider has had consistent saddle time on their motorcycle and have confidence in their riding abilities.

If a rider already holds a motorcycle endorsement from the DMV and has never taken a Basic Rider Course or any other rider course certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the rider is still eligible to attend the ERC, granted the rider is proficient riding abilities.

Any military member who has taken the BRC or has a motorcycle endorsement and currently owns a motorcycle is required to take the Experienced Rider Course.

The ERC is open to all street legal motorcycles and not specific to any make, year or model. The ERC is a one day evolution that encourages a rider’s confidence and abilities.

Military Sport Bike Rider Course (MSRC) requirements: Any military member that rides a sport bike on or off this military installation must complete the MSRC. A rider is eligible to attend the MSRC only if they have completed a BRC or ERC or both. An MSRC rider student should have a high level on confidence in their riding abilities. They should have continuous saddle time and have a firm grasp of the basics as this is a next level of training.

The MSRC is designed for all street legal motorcycles classified as “sport bikes.” This can include Motards and naked sport bikes.

Only one day is needed to attend the MSRC and consists of three hours classroom and five hours range time. Riders in the MSRC will be introduced to new techniques that will expand their level of riding.          

Dirt Bike School: Any Marine, Sailor, DoD Civilian or military family member that wishes to ride a dirt bike aboard the base is required to take the Dirt Bike Course.

General Information and Scheduling

All motorcyclists aboard DoD installations must successfully complete a recognized motorcycle safety course. To register for a course, individuals must possess a valid state driver’s license. In addition, military members under the age of 26 must present a valid Driver Improvement card to qualify for any of the courses.

All participants must furnish their own street legal, insured and registered motorcycle. Also proper Personal Protective Equipment (DOT Helmet, long pants, full fingered gloves, boots, long sleeved shirt or jacket. (Motorcycles, helmets and gloves are provided on a VERY limited basis, schedule). 

The BRC is offered once a week, Monday – Wednesday. The exception would be after a long holiday weekend, and then the course would begin on Tuesday.

The ERC is offered on an as-needed basis with at least one (1) class being conducted. Usually on Thursdays.

The MSRC  is offered at least twice a month and more frequently during the peak riding season or on an as needed basis.

The ATV course is offered on an as needed basis. Usually once per quarter.

The DBS is offered on an as needed basis. Usually once per quarter.

For any additional information, please contact Mr. Bobby Piirainen (Traffic Safety/ Motorcycle Program Manager) at 760-830-6154, or email the Traffic Safety/ Motorcycle Program Manager.