The 2019 training season has ended.
Please check back in February for our 2020 training season.
Free Motorcycle Training
Free Motorcycle Safety Program classes are offered for beginning and experienced riders at more than 50
locations throughout Illinois. This Illinois Central College site provides information for courses
throughout Region B. For information on courses in regions A or C, contact the
Regional Training Center for that area. (see below)
Courses
The Motorcycle Safety Program offers courses for novice, intermediate and experienced riders.
What is the Basic Rider Course (BRC)?
The BRC is a 20-hour program that includes both classroom and "hands-on" instruction. It is designed to teach the fundamental skills of straight-line riding, shifting, turning, and stopping, then works toward developing more complex street skills including essential braking, turning and swerving techniques. It also focuses on developing good mental strategies and managing special situations. Motorcycles, helmets, and textbooks are provided for each student's use. Students must bring the required motorcycle gear to the first class.
Who is eligible to enroll in the BRC?
Illinois residents who are at least 16 years of age on the first day of their class are eligible to enroll in the Basic Rider Course (BRC) if they have a valid driver's license or instruction permit. Persons under 18 years of age must bring a parent or legal guardian to the first class to sign a participation waiver. The ability to balance and ride a bicycle is expected.
Licensing
Upon successful completion of the Basic Rider Course, a completion card will be issued that will allow the Illinois Secretary of State driver's license examiner to waive the written and the riding portion of the motorcycle license test for all graduates who are 18 years of age or older. Persons who are 16 or 17 years of age must complete this course and take the Secretary of State's written and riding tests to be eligible for a class "M" motorcycle endorsement.
What is the Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2)?
The BRC2 is a 9 hour program that includes both classroom and on-motorcycle instruction. It was developed to provide a training experience for riders who already have the basic motorcycle operational skills of straight line riding, shifting, stopping, clutch control and who need, or desire, to improve those skills to demonstrate the minimum competencies required for motorcycle licensing or endorsement purposes.
Who is eligible to enroll in the BRC2?
Riders must be at least 18 years of age with recent riding experience. The course is also effective for experienced dirt bike riders who want to start riding on the street as well as current street riders who have been riding with a permit or illegally and wish to become licensed.
Licensing
Successful completion of this course meets the requirements for a license waiver in Illinois.
What is the Advanced Rider Course (ARC)?
The ARC course is one day of classroom and on-motorcycle instruction. The ARC focuses on advanced braking, cornering, and perceptual skills. You will learn to use body positioning to manage traction and improve handling, and have multiple opportunities to self-assess your riding skills, risk taking behaviors, and attitudes.
This high challenge, low threat course was originally developed for military sport bike riders and has recently been adapted for civilians. You will ride your own sport, cruiser, standard, or touring bike in this course.
Who is eligible to enroll in the ARC?
This course is for riders with on-street experience who have a valid motorcycle license and can provide a street legal motorcycle in good mechanical repair. A DOT approved helmet, proof of current motorcycle registration, valid insurance and a completed motorcycle safety inspection checklist (checklist provided prior to the class) are required without exception.
Licensing
A valid motorcycle license is required to take the ARC. Completion of the ARC does not waive the test requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license through the Secretary of State but may qualify you for an insurance discount.
Important!
- You must present a valid Driver’s license at the first class session.
- You must be an Illinois resident with a permanent Illinois mailing address to register for these courses.
- A Waiver or Release of Liability form must be submitted by all students at their first class session. Persons under 18 years of age must bring a parent or guardian to the first class to sign the participation waiver.
- Arrive at least 20 minutes before the first class start time. All classes start on time. If you are late, your place may be given to a walk-in student.
- Refund requests: After you have completed your class, you have the option to donate the $20 registration fee or request a refund. Your donation helps to make it possible for us to continually improve the program.
Registration Information
- Registration is only available online through the icc.edu/motorcycle website with credit or debit payment.
- You will receive a confirmation email after completing your online registration with the status of “registered”. Contact Illinois Central College Motorcycle Safety Program at 800-252-3348 or email [email protected] if your confirmation email shows “pending” status. This indicates an error with your registration. You are NOT enrolled in a class with a “pending” status.
- If a class if marked full, we encourage you to try to get into the class as a walk-in.
- NOTE: Walk-ins are not guaranteed a space in the class! If a space is available after the registered names have been called, your name will be put into a lottery to determine order of acceptance
- If a walk-in is accepted into the class, you will be given instructions to register and pay through the icc.edu/motorcycle website before the class concludes.
Required Motorcycle Gear
You must arrive with the following motorcycle gear on the first meeting of your class:- Eye protection (prescription glasses or sunglasses are acceptable)
- Full fingered gloves
- Long sleeve clothing
- Long pants - must be sturdy material (yoga pants are not sturdy)
- Sturdy, over the ankle footwear (not cloth or canvas)
- You can wear your own helmet, but it must be at least ¾ and DOT approved
Cancellation Policy
- To reschedule or cancel, you must call the Illinois Central College Motorcycle Safety Program at (800-252-3348) or email [email protected] at least 5 business days prior to class start date.
- Your refund will be issued back to your credit card.
- Note: We reserve the right to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment/attendance. In the event of a cancellation, your fee will be refunded. In the event of attendance of five or fewer students in a class, only those who were present at the start of the class will be refunded or transferred to another class.
Regions
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How much does the course cost?
IT'S FREE! We only require a $20 deposit to hold your registration, but it's refundable upon completion of the course.
2) Is this REALLY a FREE course?
Yes, Illinois motorcyclists support this course every time they register their motorcycles or renew the motorcycle endorsements
on their driver's license.
3) How long is the basic course?
20 hours are scheduled, with about 8 hours in the classroom and about 12 hours on the motorcycle range.
4) Do I need to have my motorcycle permit prior to taking the course?
No, any valid driver’s license or permit will meet the requirements for taking the Basic Rider Course or the Basic Rider Course 2.
However, you must hold a valid motorcycle license to attend an Advanced Rider Course.
5) Do I have to take this course to get my license?
No, you may take a motorcycle to the Secretary of State's Driver Services Facility to take the written and riding test.
However, if you are 16 or 17 years old and wish to obtain an "M" class motorcycle license,
you are required to successfully complete our course to be eligible to test at the Secretary of State's Driver
Services Facility. FYI: a legal guardian must accompany a 16 or 17 year-old to the first class to sign the participation waiver.
6) Will you accept an out of state driver's license?
Yes, as long as it’s a valid driver's license and you meet the eligibility criteria.
7) Do I have to mail a check or money order or pay the registration fee with a credit card?
We only accept credit/debit card payments
8) I had a deposit on file last year. Can I apply to this year's registration?
No, we do not carry fees over from one year to another.
9) Can I just take the one day Advanced course to get my license waiver?
No, you must currently hold a valid Class M operator's license to attend our Advanced Rider Course.
10) Do I have to bring my own motorcycle?
No, we provide the motorcycles for the Basic Rider Course and the Basic Rider Course 2.
You must bring your own motorcycle, however, if you're attending the Advanced Rider Course.
11) Do I have to bring my own helmet for the course?
No, we provide helmets for the Basic Rider Course and Basic Rider Course 2, however, you are welcome and
encouraged to bring your own DOT approved helmet if it is of the "3/4" or full face variety.
You must bring your own helmet if you’re attending the Advanced Rider Course.
12) What size are the motorcycles that we will be using?
Small. The smallest course motorcycles are 200cc and the largest are 250cc.
13) What is a registered seat?
A registered seat is a guaranteed seat in a class.
A pending seat is not a registered seat in a class.
This indicates an error with your online registration.
14) What is a walk-in?
If the class you want is full or the registration deadline has passed, you can try to get in as a "walk-in".
No pre-registration is necessary. Simply arrive no later than 20 minutes prior to start of the first class meeting,
and notify the instructor that you would like to attend as a walk-in. At the class starting time, a lottery will
determine which walk-in students will be assigned to any unclaimed seats. Walk-in students will be given instructions
to register and pay through the web site before the class concludes.
15) ) If all the classes I want are full, how can I get into a class?
See above about attending as a walk-in student. Persistence pays off.
16) How can I make sure I get a class in April or May?
There is no sure way. Class size is limited and we do not offer classes at all of our sites early in the spring.
Keep in mind EVERYONE wants a class early in the year, and there are limited openings at that time.
17) The location I want doesn't show a schedule, how can I find those classes?
We are working with those sites to get a schedule approved. As soon as the schedule is finalized, it will
immediately be made available. The system is "real-time."
18) How can I find out when a class re-opens due to cancellations?
The availability online is current information. A seat will automatically become available if a student drops from a class.
19) How soon will I get information about my class?
ALL COMMUNICATION IS THROUGH EMAIL. Please make sure your e-mail address is correct.
You will receive an immediate e-mail confirmation with class details after you submit your payment.
You will also be receiving a REMINDER email with class details approximately four days before your class begins.
20) Is class cancelled if it's raining?
No, instructors may adjust inside and outside instruction.
21) When will I get my completion card?
The completion card will be processed within two weeks after the course end date.
22) What do I do with my completion card once I receive it?
You have one year to obtain your motorcycle license. If you are 18 or older, the Illinois Secretary of State driver’s license facility
will waive the written and riding portions of your exams. If you are 16 or 17 years old, the completion card will
entitle you to test for an "M" class license, which you otherwise could not do. Also, many insurance companies offer
discounted rates for successfully completing one of our courses. Check with your insurance agent.
23) Can I miss any of the course?
No, you should not register for a class if you cannot attend all sessions.
You are expected to attend the entire course and participate in all classroom sessions and range exercises.
24) Can I get a replacement card?
Yes, replacement cards can be issued if your course was completed within the last 12 months.
They can only be mailed to an Illinois address. A service fee of $10 will be charged.
Click here to order a replacement card.
25) What if I have a disability?
If you have a disability, contact Erik Hanks at [email protected]
prior to making your class selection to discuss making reasonable accommodations.
For events held by the Motorcycle Safety Program that require an interpreter, we prefer the student contact our office at
800-252-3348 at least four weeks in advance. To cancel services call our office no less than 48 hours prior to the start
of the scheduled event. In case of shorter notification, the student will be charged at the identified hourly rate for the
minimum number of hours stipulated.
If a request is submitted less than two weeks prior to the event, there is no guarantee we can get an interpreter.
Due to our large geographical area, there are times an interpreter may not be available.
In an effort to provide you with the best service, please be prepared to give us at least three different class choices.
26) Contact Information
Email us at [email protected] or call 800-252-3348.
Directions
Canton
Class Location
Spoon River College
Taylor Hall, Room T102
23235 N County Rd 22
Canton, IL 61520
Click here for directions.
Champaign
Class Location
Market Place Mall
2000 North Neil Street
Champaign, 61820
Click here for directions.
Click here for class location at Market Place Mall.
The classroom is located next to
exterior store entrances to Christopher and Banks, J Jill and Xfinity.
The closest parking lot light pole is Labeled B3.
Decatur
Class Location
Richland Community College
One College Park
Decatur, IL 62521
Schrodt Health Education Center, Classroom S188
Click here for directions.
East Moline
Class Location
Rock Island County Fairgrounds
4200 Archer Drive
East Moline, IL 61244
Fairground Office
Click here for directions.
East Peoria
Class Location
Illinois Central College
Dirksen Hall
1 College Drive
East Peoria, IL
Click here for directions.
Click here for ICC East Peoria Campus Map
Galesburg
Class Location
Carl Sandburg College
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
Park in Lot C.
Meet in classroom C209
Click here for directions.
Joliet
Class Location
Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431
Park in Student Lot E7. Look for Building U.
Click here for directions.
Click here for a Joliet Junior College campus map.
Kankakee
Class Location
Greater Kankakee Airport
813 A East 4000 South Road
Kankakee, IL 60901
Meet in red brick building, adjacent the main terminal. Enter through the south door.
Click here for directions.
LaSalle
Class Location
JC Whitney/US Auto Parts
761 Progress Parkway
LaSalle, IL 61301
Park in the parking lot at the back of main building.
Meet at the large container at the rear of the building.
Click here for directions.
Macomb
Class Location
Spoon River College Macomb Outreach Center
Red Trailer
2500 E. Jackson
Macomb, IL 61455
Click here for directions.
Normal
Class Location
Illinois State University
700 W. College Avenue
Normal, IL 61761
Turner Hall, Room 201
Click here for directions.
Pontiac
Class Location
Pontiac Caterpillar Plant
Pontiac Public Safety Complex
413 N. Mill St.
Pontiac, IL 61629
THE FIRST SESSION DOES NOT MEET AT THE CATERPILLAR PARKING LOT
Report to the Public Safety Building and wait outside for the instructors to check you in.
Meet nearest the east entrance.
Click here for directions.
Springfield
Class Location
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
1021 North Grand Avenue East
Springfield, IL 62794
Meet outside the north security entrance.
Wait for the instructors to come to you.
Please do not bother the security guards
Click here for directions.
University Park
Class Location
Governors State University
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL 60480
Click here for directions.
Click here for class location at Governors State University.
Employment
If you are interested in becoming an instructor, you must first be hired and work as a Range Aide for our program.Range Aide
Range Aide Qualifications:
• Have passed at least a beginning rider course (BRC)
• Have and show evidence of a valid Class “M” or Class “L” Illinois driver’s license or an equivalent from another state.
• Have knowledge of and ability to perform basic motorcycle maintenance and repair.
Range Aide Job Description:
• Assists instructors in setting up cones for range exercises.
• Assists instructors in preparing motorcycles for instruction.
• Assists instructors in maintaining motorcycles throughout the course.
• Assists instructors in securing motorcycles at the end of instruction.
• Assists instructors in keeping range and storage area clean.
• Assists instructors in non-instructional roles during the course.
Click here to apply for Range Aide position
.