FAQ: ESC Motorcyle & S/TEP Rider Courses

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Novice Rider Course (NRC)

NRC classes are designed for the beginner. Exercises progress from simple to the more difficult.

Course Locations

Classroom sessions are offered in Renton, Kirkland and Seattle, with range riding sessions in Renton, Kent and Kirkland.

Course Times (all locations)

Schedule A	Thursday Classroom	Saturday Range	Saturday Classroom	Sunday Range
1RA, 2RA, 1KA, 2KA, 3KA, 1LA, 2LA	6:00-9:30 p.m.	7:30 a.m. - Lunch	Lunch - 5:00 p.m.	7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Weekend Schedule B	Saturday Classroom	Saturday Range	Sunday Classroom	Sunday Range
1KB, 2RB, 1LB	9:00 a.m. - Lunch	Lunch - 6:30 p.m.	9:00 a.m. - Lunch	Lunch - 6:30 p.m.
Weekday Schedule W	Tuesday Classroom	Tuesday Range	Wednesday Classroom	Wednesday Range
1KW, 2RW	8:00 -11:00 a.m.	12:00 -6:30 p.m.	8:00 -11:00 a.m.	12:00-6:30 p.m.
Weekday Schedule W (Spring/Summer)	Tuesday Classroom	Tuesday Range	Wednesday Classroom	Wednesday Range
1LW, 2LW	8:00 -11:00 a.m.	12:00 -6:30 p.m.	8:00 -11:00 a.m.	12:00-6:30 p.m.

Course Costs

Subsidized Classes

WA State DOL subsidizes a certain number of training classes for WA State residents (determined by driver’s license), so the full cost of the course is not borne by the student. Since these courses are less expensive they tend to fill first.

• With a Washington State driver’s license (or active duty military) = $125
• Out-of-state driver’s license = $225
• WA resident under 18 = $50

Unsubsidized Classes

The State does not pay for or (subsidize) a portion of the cost for these courses, therefore the student pays the full cost of the class. These classes tend to have better availability.

• $225.00 (Regardless of age or residency)

Registration and Payment Types

Students can register online or by phone using a credit/debit card. Students may also mail in a check or money order. However, we do not register a student until payment is received.

Equipment to be Provided by Student

• DOT Approved helmet (your own or use one of ours)
• Protective eyewear (goggles, sunglasses, or safety glasses)
• Full-fingered leather gloves or motorcycle specific gloves
• Protective clothing covering arms and legs (should be form-fitting; no baggy pants)
• Sturdy footwear that covers the ankle (must have a low heel and a non-slip sole)
• Sunscreen or raingear, depending on weather (appropriate clothing for inclement conditions)

Motorcycles Provided by ESC

Motorcycles are 300ccs or smaller. A variety of bikes may be available, such as Honda Rebels, Honda Nighthawks, Yamaha, Suzuki, etc.

Short? Our smallest bike measures 27 1/2” from ground to seat top. Shortest recommended inseam: 27 1/2”. We cannot guarantee that a student with a shorter inseam will feel comfortable handling the bike.

Our bikes must be used in the class. The only exceptions are if the student’s bike is modified to accommodate a disability or if they have a scooter. These students must make special arrangements with the office during registration.

Receiving an Endorsement

If you pass the NRC (written and skills test scores of 80% or better), you will receive a Course Completion Card. This can be taken to the Dept. of Licensing and used to waive the motorcycle endorsement tests (both written and riding). This waiver expires 180 days from the NRC class date. After 180 days, the student must retake the class for another completion card or take the DOL written and riding tests for endorsement.

The WA motorcycle license endorsement allows you to ride any size bike.

Students under 18 must complete the NRC to receive an endorsement. They cannot get their motorcycle endorsement by testing at the DOL.

Requirements

• You must be at least 16 years of age and possess a driver’s license.
• SUBSIDIZED classes require a WA driver’s license.
• You should be able to balance and ride a bicycle.
• You do not need a motorcycle learner’s permit.
• Parents of students under 18 must be present the first night of class to sign the consent form in the presence of the instructor.

Cancellations

We can issue refunds only if you cancel at least 6 full business days prior to the class date. You must attend all class sessions or forfeit your registration fee.

Transfers

We can transfer you into another class only if you notify us at least 6 full business days prior to the class.

Other Motorcycle Safety Courses

We are happy to refer students to other motorcycle training courses.

Advanced street survival/police style training

• (206) 542-1915

Advanced Rider Training

• 1(800) 545-9944

Mike Sullivan Performance Riding School

• 1(360) 736-2791

2-Fast Track Days and Instruction

• 1(425) 241-6119

Scooters

Scooters smaller than 50ccs with a maximum speed of 30mph do not require a motorcycle endorsement. If your scooter engine is 50ccs or larger OR is capable of exceeding 30 mph, you must have an endorsement to operate it legally. If a student wishes to bring their scooter (as defined by the motorcycle industry) to class, they may do so ONLY with proof of ownership and liability insurance. The scooter owner must complete a T-CLOCS Inspection (a pre-ride safety checklist to make sure a bike is safe to ride) and bring the form to class.

Dirt - Bike Classes

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is organizing Dirt Bike classes in Washington and Oregon; please contact 877-288-7093. Classes are scheduled only when enough students are on the waiting list.

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Intermediate Rider Course (IRC)

Course Locations

Classroom and riding range sessions are offered in Kirkland and Renton.

Course Times

Saturday or Sunday: 12:30pm-6:30pm or 10:00am-4pm.

Note: Recommended for motorcyclists with 1000 miles of riding experience and 6-12 months or more experience. The course teaches advanced turning, braking, and swerving skills, as well as re-emphasizing street survival skills taught in the novice class.

Sidecars and Trikes are not allowed in this class. A separate class for 3-wheeled motorcycles is offered by the Evergreen Safety Council; please see our Sidecar/Trike Education Program (S/TEP).

We are happy to refer students to other motorcycle training providers who may have earlier class openings.

Course Cost

$125 Regardless of age or residency

Registration and Payment Types

Students can register online or by phone using a Credit/Debit card. Students may also mail in a Check or Money Order. However, we do not register a student until payment is received.

Equipment to be Provided by Student

• Students must use their own bikes in this course. The bikes will be subject to a safety inspection (T-CLOCS) prior to the riding phase of the class. Unsafe machines, as determined by the instructor, will not be allowed to participate.
• Students must have a minimum of liability insurance.
• The instructor will ask to see photo ID, proof of insurance and proof of ownership prior to the class.
• Passengers are permitted in the Intermediate Rider Course. A $10.00 passenger fee is to be charged to the student who is enrolled in the class. The student in the IRC class is to be issued an IRC completion card.
• Passengers do not receive certificates. Students with passengers do not take the test at the end of the training.

Required Riding Gear

• DOT Approved helmet (your own or use one of ours)
• Protective eyewear (goggles, sunglasses)
• Full-fingered leather gloves or motorcycle specific gloves
• Protective clothing covering arms and legs (should be form-fitting; no baggy pants)
• Sturdy footwear that covers the ankle (must have a low heel and a non-slip sole)
• Sunscreen or raingear, depending on weather (appropriate clothing for inclement condition)

Receiving an Endorsement

• IRC students who are already endorsed will receive an IRC completion card.
• Students who do not have an endorsement will be receiving the NRC card (license waiver card) upon successful completion of the IRC course.
• This class will waive both the written & riding tests for a license endorsement in WA. Students are not required to have an endorsement or permit to take the class, but are responsible for transporting their bikes safely and legally to and from class.

Cancellations

We can issue refunds only if you cancel at least 6 full business days prior to the class date. You must attend all class sessions or forfeit your registration fee.

Transfers

We can transfer you into another class only if you notify us at least 6 full business days prior to the class.

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Additional Riding Course (ARC)

Course Cost

$100 Regardless of age or residency

Registration and Payment Types

Students can register by phone using a Credit/Debit card. Students may also mail in a Check or Money Order or come into our office; however, we do not register a student until payment is received. No online registration due to need for screening.

Who can take the class?

Only students who have completed a NRC may take the course. Proof comes either with a completion card or from being listed in our database as completing the course successfully or completing the course but failing the test.

Is there a time limit? 

Yes, the limit is 1 year. If a student intends to use the ARC as practice prior to scheduling a retest, they need to be within the 90 day retest time limit imposed by the WMSP/DOL.

Can students request scooters?

Yes, but it must be at the time of registration.

If a student wishes to bring their scooter (as defined by the motorcycle industry) to class, they may do so ONLY with proof of ownership and liability insurance. The scooter owner must complete a T-CLOCS Inspection (a pre-ride safety checklist to make sure a bike is safe to ride) and bring the form to class.

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Sidecar/Trike Education Program (S/TEP)

Where and at what times are the classes held?

Seattle/Kent: Friday evening will begin with classroom time at the Evergreen Safety Center in Seattle from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Saturday morning classes begin at 8:00 am at the Kent III range, Saturday afternoon the class returns to the classroom from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. Sunday morning will begin at 8:00 am at the Kent III range and finish there. Students will need their own transportation to get from the classroom to the range on Saturday.

Moses Lake: Friday evening will begin with classroom time at the Super 8 Motel conference room on Melva Lane., from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Saturday morning will begin at the Boeing Test Flight Site near Big Bend Community College, starting at 7:30 am. Saturday afternoon, the class returns to the classroom. Sunday morning, you will begin at the Boeing site and finish there. Students will need their own transportation to get from the classroom to the range.

How long is the course?

The BASIC S/TEP class is approximately 16 hours in length, and is structured for the beginner.

How much are the classes?

The cost subsidized classes is $125 for WA residents and $240 for non-residents, payable in advance. This course is subsidized by the state like the Novice Motorcycle Rider Course. Unsubsidized classes cost $240 flat for Kent courses in Western WA and $325 for Moses Lake courses in Eastern WA.

How do I register?

Credit/debit card for online or telephone registration; mail in a check or money Order; or come and pay in our Seattle office. We do not register a student until payment is received. Class availability isn't guaranteed until actual time of registration, which is receipt of payment.

What do I need for class?

You need a helmet (we have a limited supply of helmets on hand), protective eyewear, full-fingered gloves, protective clothing (covering arms and legs), and sturdy footwear that covers the ankle. You should dress for the weather and be prepared for inclement conditions.

Do we furnish the rigs?

Seattle/Kent: Yes, we can supply the motorcycle/sidecar combination and a trike for the Kent classes. However, if the student wants to use their own rig it is encouraged, assuming they have a safe way of transporting it to the range.

Moses Lake: We have a very limited supply of sidecar combinations and trikes for the Moses Lake location, so it is strongly recommended that you bring your own with you to class. If you are not able to bring your sidecar or trike, please let us know what type you have when you register.

If you bring your own sidecar combination, you must have at least 50 pounds of removable ballast in the sidecar for the first day's riding exercises. (A sandbag, available at your local hardware store, is a good option.) You must also provide proof of liability insurance.

What does the class get me?

Upon successful completion of the S/TEP course, you will receive a WMSP Course Completion Card. This course satisfies the Department of Licensing's requirements for a license endorsement for a “Type 5 three -wheeled motorcycle only" or a "Type 7 two and three-wheeled motorcycles" if you currently have a Type 3 "two wheeled motorcycles only" endorsement. Some insurance companies are also offering discounted rates with proof of successful completion of this course.

Do I need a motorcycle learner's permit to take the novice class?

No you don't have to have a learners permit for the novice course, but you do have to be at least 16 years old and have a valid drivers license. (Doesn't have to be a WA State License).

What happens if I have to cancel or don't show up for class?

Refunds are only authorized if you let us know at least 6 full business days prior to the class.

Can I just drop in for a class?

You may drop in for a class. If there are fewer than 12 registered students in the class, or if one of the registered students doesn't show up on time, you may (at the instructor's discretion) join the class. You will be required to pay the full tuition at that time. (Moses Lake drop ins must bring their own rig) If you are registered in a later class and are attempting to "drop in" on an earlier class you will be required to pay at the time of the "drop in," then call the Evergreen Safety Council to cancel the later class and obtain the refund.

Don't you have an earlier class?

We enroll students "first come first served" in the earliest open training slot. We offer this class as often as is possible considering classroom/range and instructor availability.

Do you offer classes in any other locations?

There are several other locations in different areas of the country. Refer to the national schedule for a complete listing.

Do I have to have an endorsement?

For Washington residents: you must have an endorsement on your license to legally operate a sidecar or Trike. This can be either a Type 5 endorsement - "three-wheeled motorcycle only" or a Type 7 endorsement-"two and three-wheeled motorcycles”.

The WA Department of Licensing does offer a separate driving test for a three wheeled motorcycles (Sidecar/Trike).  Not all of the DOL offices are able to offer this test; you may need to speak with your local DOL office to see where it is available.

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