The California Motorcycle Safety Program (CMSP) is California’s official motorcycle safety and training program, authorized by the state legislature, and administered by the California Highway Patrol. The CMSP is California authorized provider for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. (MSF)
The objective of the CMSP is to promote motorcycle safety in California, not necessarily motorcycling. Consequently, the CMSP requires that all students maintain a specific standard throughout the training, unlike courses where the primary emphasis is on the final examination. Although appropriate remediation is provided, CMSP instructors do not encourage students to continue when safety is a concern. More than 70 percent of all basic students are novices; yet, the CMSP enjoys an 86 percent passing rate.
The Basic RiderCourse is the most popular course of the two courses offered by the CMSP.
The Basic RiderCourse is usually a two-day course taught by RiderCoaches certified by the MSF using curriculum developed by MSF.
All riders in California under 21 years of age must successfully complete the Basic RiderCourse to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement. Upon successful completion of the Basic RiderCourse, students are given a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL389). The motorcycle riding test given by the DMV may be waived with this certification and graduates may also qualify for insurance premium discounts with some motorcycle insurers.
The Basic RiderCourse is aimed at beginning riders of all ages 15 1/2 or older. To take this course, you must present a valid driver?s license, learner?s permit, or a certificate showing completion of classroom portion of driver?s education. If under 18, a waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian.
A minimum of five hours classroom instruction prepares the student for at least ten hours of practical riding in a controlled, off-street environment. Motorcycles and helmets for use in the course are included in your course fee. Fees range from $150 for students under 21 to $235 for others depending on the training site. Most motorcycles used in the course are loaned by local dealers and are either 125cc or 250cc.
In this course, you’ll learn how to operate a motorcycle safely, with emphasis on the special skills and mental attitudes necessary for dealing with traffic.
RiderCoaches will 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 characteristics, and how they operate. The RiderCoaches, all experienced motorcyclists, will advise you on what to wear for comfort, visibility 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 how to deal with critical situations. The course concludes with a knowledge test and skill evaluation.
The Experienced RiderCourse (ERC) was designed specifically for experienced motorcyclists who want to improve their riding knowledge and skills. Generally, experienced riders are those with at least six months of riding experience and who have ridden 3,000 miles.
The ERC includes classroom, and off-street instruction ? with an orientation to street-safe riding. Training includes: street strategies, understanding the use of protective clothing, proper turning techniques, emergency braking techniques, counter steering to avoid obstacles, and cornering judgment.
Riders who want to take the ERC must be proficient in basic riding skills ? including shifting, turning and braking.
The ERC is taught by MSF certified RiderCoaches using a curriculum approved by the MSF.
Even if you’ve been riding for some time, there’s always something new to learn. Many seasoned riders take the ERC course to hone their skills and fine-tune the mental skills needed for survival in traffic.
On the range 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. These courses also provide valuable information about protective gear, rider responsibility, motorcycle inspection and care, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on riding. Optional skill evaluation and knowledge tests are available.
Using your own motorcycle, you’ll put into practice the techniques of managing traction, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving. The ERC Suite courses may qualify graduates for insurance premium discounts with some motorcycle insurers.
INTERESTED??? WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS??? THEN CONTACT THE CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLIST SAFETY PROGRAM (CMSP) 2 JENNER STREET, SUITE 150, IRVINE, CA 92618 – (877) RIDE-411 TO LOCATE THE PROVIDER NEAREST TO YOU.
IF YOU LIVE IN THE BAKERSFIELD AREA THE CMSP AND MSF PROVIDER IS Nelson’s Motorcycle Training Center – (800) 593-7909
