Motorcycle Safety Program

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1.  How do I register for a course?

Registration for the Rider Course (Basic, or Experienced) is accomplished by mailing in a completed registration form along with a check made out to the Alabama Traffic Safety Center for the full tuition. The course registration form can be accessed by clicking on the "registration form" menu item listed to the left.  Additionally, registration forms can picked up at most area motorcycle dealerships.

 2.  How do I get a registration form?

 Click on the following link to view the registration form.

 3.  Where do I find the course schedule on the website?

 Click on the following link to view the course schedule.

 4.  Can I register on-line?

 No. All registration is completed either in person at the Alabama Traffic Safety Center or by mail. All courses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and slots can not be reserved.

 5.  Can I pay with a credit card?

 No.  At the present time, we are unable to take credit card payments. Payment must be in the form of a check or money order. If paying in person at the Alabama Traffic Safety Center, cash will be accepted.

 6.  After completion of the course, do I get the motorcycle license?

 No. Alabama does not require a motorcycle riding skills evaluation. You would still be required go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Office and pass the Alabama motorcycle license written exam.

 7.  Will my insurance company offer a premium discount for successful completion of the course?

 Many, though not all, insurance companies provide a premium discount for people successfully completing a motorcycle rider course.  You will need to contact your insurance carrier to determine what discounts may be available.

 8.  What happens if it rains?

 Rider Courses will still be held if it is raining. Severe weather situations, such as lightning, tornado watches or warnings, flooding, strong winds, or extremely heavy rain may cause a delay in the riding portion of the course. However, students are required to arrive for class on time and are encouraged to bring some type of raingear and/or a spare set of clothing if rainy conditions are expected.

 9.  What motorcycles are used?

 In the Basic Rider Course, 125 and 250 cc street motorcycles are used. In the Experienced Rider Course, motorcyclists use their own street legal motorcycles.

 10.  Can I ride my own motorcycle?

 For the Basic Rider Course, you must use one of the program’s training motorcycles. For the Experienced Rider Course, you must provide the street legal, properly insured, motorcycle.

 11.  How long is the course?

 The Basic Rider Course is approximately 15-17 hours and the Experienced Rider Course is approximately 5 hours in length. The exact course duration is based upon factors such as weather and student progress.

 12. How many people are in the course?

A maximum of 12 students can enroll in a Basic or Experienced Rider Course. The maximum enrollment numbers will not be exceeded under any circumstances.

13. Should I take the Basic or the Experienced Rider Course?

The Basic Rider Course is designed primarily for those with limited or no riding experience.  The course is conducted at a pace that results in successful completion for most novice riders. 

The Experienced Rider Course is for people who are currently riding a street legal motorcycle and possess a valid motorcycle license.  This course is designed to be beneficial for riders who have years of riding experience, as well as, those who have just begun to ride.

Today’s complex and congested traffic mix varies greatly from the driving environment of years ago. Vision, reaction time, and other riding skills diminish with time and your agility and balance are not what they were when you were younger. If you haven’t ridden a motorcycle in a number of years, the Basic Rider Course is your best choice.

14. What should I wear?

Students must wear a DOT approved helmet*, long sleeved shirt or jacket, long pants, full fingered gloves, eye protection**, shoes or boots that cover the ankle and have low heels (1 inch or less), and rain gear if the weather is questionable.

* In the Basic Rider Course helmets are provided. Students may use their own helmet if it is DOT approved, in good condition, and fits properly. For the Experienced Rider Course, you must furnish you own DOT approved helmet.

** Eye protection can consist of a full face shield, prescription glasses, safety glasses or goggles, or sunglasses.

 15.  What if my schedule changes and I can’t make the course?

 You have until 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to your course starting date to contact and speak with someone at the Alabama Traffic Safety Center (205) 665-6740, of your need to change your course date. At that time, you will incur a $35 fee for course cancellation or rescheduling. If you contact the Alabama Traffic Safety Center after 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to your course starting date, you will forfeit your entire registration fee and will be required to pay the full course fee in order to register for another course session.

 16. What physical and mental demands are important in preparing for the course?

 As you will be on a motorcycle for a number of consecutive hours, you will need to have a moderate degree of stamina. If you typically have limited physical activity, you will want to build yourself up for the course. Please be aware that you will want to be well rested and have eaten prior to participating in the course. You will also need to have good balance and the flexibility to get on and off the motorcycle. If any of these situations present an issue for you, please consider taking a course later so you can be prepared for the intense physical and mental demands of the course. Bicycle riding prior to your course date may assist in balance and eye-hand coordination.

 17. Can I view the Basic Rider Course Handbook to get a better idea regarding what will be covered in the course?

 Yes, you can review course material and the pre-course assignment for the Basic Rider Course at the following website:

Basic RiderCourse Student Handbook