Total Control Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC)
All Courses:
This course is for those who want to get the DL 389 waiver for the DMV Motorcycle License Skills Test. For beginners and re-entry riders of all ages. No experience necessary. Get complete class information, including what to bring to class and to the range, requirements for students under age 21, exams, graduation, certificates and more!

MTC Class
- Over 30,000 Riders Trained Since 1991
- Motorcycles & Helmets Provided
- California Approved (CMSP) Instructor
- Convenient Locations: Newark (2 locations), Fremont and Gilroy
If you are under 18
Your parent or legal guardian will be required to sign a waiver in the presence of an instructor or an approved staff member prior to your being allowed in the class. Your parent or guardian's notarized signature is also acceptable
If you are under 21
Effective January 1, 2011 (AB 1952/Niello), this law requires a person under 21 years of age to complete a motorcycle safety basic training course at a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training site in California before being issued a motorcycle instruction permit. Students under 21 must take their DL389 obtained from the training to the DMV immediately and acquire their motorcycle permit to practice operating a motorcycle for the required six months before being issued a class M license endorsement. Students under 21 must NOT surrender their DL389 to the DMV. The DL389 is ONLY surrendered to the DMV after the permit has been held for six months and when the motorcycle endorsement is being acquired. DL389 certificates are valid for 12 calendar months from the date issued.
We offer the eRider Online Classroom option
- The Two Wheel Safety Training eRider option allows a student to complete all classroom sessions online. Students are still required to attend all physical motorcycle riding range classes to complete the training.
- The eRider Online Classroom consists of 6 units of online video and interactive training that can be done in around 6 hours or more.
- Students should plan on completing the eRider classroom at least a week before heading to the riding range in case any problems occur.
- To participate you will need a computer with the following browser requirements: https://erider.totalcontroltraining.net/system_requirements.pdf
- The online classroom requires a modern desktop computer, laptop computer or tablet computer; a current operating system and Web browser; high-speed Internet; and headphones, earphones or speakers. Smart phones are not recommended – they navigate poorly and do not provide adequate detail for graded activities. eRider is not compatible with the Safari browser (we recommend using Google Chrome).
- After sign-up you will be sent a username and password to start your training. Requirements, further information and range directions will also be included in your sign-up e-mail.
- By clicking on the "Register Now" button you will be directed to the tab to open the eRider schedule to register and participate in the online eRider classroom training.
About This Class
The California Motorcyclist Safety Program Motorcyclist Training Course (CMSP MTC) is designed for the novice rider with no (or limited) street-riding experience. This course includes both classroom and on-motorcycle instruction. You will learn the fundamental skills required to operate the motorcycle.
Topics covered include how to make a motorcycle move, turn and stop efficiently. The course is based on the most current research in rider safety and utilizes modern training methods. It provides approximately 8 hours of classroom instruction in two meetings and around 10 hours of riding time in two range sessions. Students will be evaluated on proficiency in the classroom and on the range.
This course is mandatory in California for riders under 21. Students Under 21 will start the endorsement process with this class. Those over 21 may first go to the DMV to take their multiple choice written test. In all case the DMV’s written test must be finished before an endorsement is issued. We recommend taking their practice exam online before taking the test in their offices.
The MTC is highly recommended for anyone else seeking to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their California driver’s license. It is possible, but not easy, for those over 21 to schedule a riding test their own motorcycle at a DMV location. This test requires very precise, slow speed maneuvers that can be difficult for even skilled riders. It is very difficult on larger motorcycles.
We provide motorcycles and full-face helmets for this course. You must bring: 1) sturdy gloves, 2) over-the-ankle foot wear, 3) long pants and 4) long sleeved top covering. Glasses that fit under a helmet, water and snacks are also recommended.
Successfully passing both the riding and written evaluations of this course will results in issuance of a DL389 DMV Riding Exam Waiver. The DL389 is presented along with a valid California Drivers license to the DMV. The DMV will issue a new license with an M1 endorsement allowing the holder to legally ride any motorcycle on any public road.
The following information will help prepare you for the exciting and educational experience ahead of you.
What to bring to the in-person classroom
- Water or other (non-alcoholic) beverage and a snack
- A current, valid, government issued photo ID. This may be a photo ID issued from California, or any other State or Country
- Signed waiver required for all. If under 18, student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or a notarized waiver.
- Paper & pen to take notes
- Also view the Location page for additional details, such as maps of where to go.
What to bring to the range
This list includes specific riding gear that you MUST have to participate!
- Signed waiver required for all. If under 18, student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or a notarized waiver.
- Water or other non-alcoholic beverage, quick to eat foods and lunch that does not require refrigeration. There are very few locations with opportunities to purchase food or beverages.
- Full-fingered gloves, closed back, with no holes in them. They must be street-motorcycle specific and/or durable leather. Mechanics gloves, batting gloves, etc. are NOT acceptable.
- Sturdy high-top shoes or boots, footwear MUST COVER the anklebone; fabric footwear is not permitted.
- Long, sturdy pants - leather, "blue-jeans," or denim only.
- HELMETS are provided as part of the course.
- Recommended: Bring your own full-face DOT approved helmet. If it does not have a face shield, you will also need glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.
- Motorcycle-specific gear that meets these requirements is strongly recommended
- Please review our full chart (images) of acceptable gear here. (or click the image above)
Motorcycles
You are encouraged to use our training motorcycles. If you want to use your own vehicle it must meet the following criteria:
- Under 350 cc in size
- Safe and in good condition, subject to inspection, and the instructor's approval
- Fully insured and registered (bring proof)
Spectators
Spectators are not allowed for safety reasons; friends and family will be asked to leave.
Exams, Graduation and Certificates
There will be a knowledge exam at the end of the in-person classroom session, or during eRider online sessions.
There will be a riding exam at the end of the second day of riding.
There are no guarantees that you will pass and there are no refunds. This policy applies even if you leave before the course is complete, whether the decision is yours or made by the Instructor. Our goal is to keep you and others safe.
Within 10 days of successful completion, you will be mailed your DL-389 and CMSP completion certificate required to apply for your motorcycle license.
You must be on time!
The state program prohibits allowing students to enter the class after the session has started.
To Register
Select your Location and then book your course: