Frequently Asked Questions
Who We Are
The instruction provided by a CMSP training site is monitored relative to program content, instructor credentials and competence, and adherence to the policies and procedures set forth by the CMSP under the direction of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Each site is subject to several reviews each year to ensure that we are meeting the requirements and goals of the program.
Upon successfully completion of the CMSP course you will receive a DMV licensing skills test waiver. If you are under 21 years of age and you want a California motorcycle license, you must successfully complete a CMSP basic training course.
For an instructor to be certified by CMSP, they need a minimum of 50,000 riding hours under the belt, and all within 6 months, they need to complete MTC and IRC training, get fingerprinted, do CPR and first aid certification, and receive 5 days training from CMSP.
Visit the 'Our Team' page for more information.
Course and Classroom Questions
In private, paved locations with no interfering traffic. See our list of locations.
Each training site has its own schedule. At TWST, we usually have training classes EVERY WEEKEND AND WEEKDAY.
The course consists of two classroom sessions and two riding sessions of approximately 16 hours total. The typical curriculum is:
- Classroom 1
- Range 1
- Classroom 2
- Range 2
Both. Although the course starts out with the basics, the skills which are taught are those essential to safe riding. It is unusual for someone to complete the course without indicating improvements in their motorcyclist skills and awareness.
Aside from age and skills restrictions, there is another element to needing the DL-389. If your local DMV does not offer the bike skills test, then you will NEED the DL-389 proving this part of the exam.
Courses were developed by Total Control Training, Inc. and emphasize critical street skills and strategies for safe riding.
After successful completion of the course, you will have been taught the basics of motorcycle riding. This is the starting place for new riders: you will need to continue practicing these skills to improve your chances of being a safe and confident motorcyclist.
Choose your training location, then view available courses.
Locations:
- Newark Pavilion – 6430 Thornton Ave., Newark, CA 94560
- Ohlone College Fremont Campus – 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539
- Gavilan College Gilroy Campus – 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., Gilroy, CA 95020
- Ohlone College Newark Campus – 39399 Cherry St., Newark, CA 94560
There are both written and riding examinations to verify your comprehension of the material which is covered in the basic course. Both of these examinations must be passed.
If you are counseled out for safety reasons, you must reschedule and take the class from where you left off at a discounted tuition rate. If you do not pass the skill evaluation or the written exam, you may schedule a retest. If you fail any portion of the training twice, you will be required to repeat the training from the beginning, per the CHP/CMSP policy. Returning students to TWST will pay a discounted rate. Please contact the office more details.
Course Requirements & Student Age
If you are between 15.5 and 18 years old you will need the signature of a parent or legal guardian in order to take the course. Your parent or legal guardian will need to come to class with you to sign a waiver in the presence of a CMSP instructor, or other person associated with the site. A parent's notarized signature on the waiver is also acceptable. The waiver will be sent to you in an emailed packet after you register.
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.
Before the start of the first classroom you must provide:
- A current, valid, government issued photo ID. This may be issued from California, any State or any Country
- You are not allowed to take the class if you are operating under a restricted license
- Proper riding gear for the range session – Please review our Minimum Gear Requirements
Long, sturdy pants; leather, “blue-jeans,” or denim only. Sturdy high top shoes or boots that cover the anklebone; fabric footwear is not permitted. Full-fingered gloves, with closed backs and no holes in them. Motorcycle specific gear that meets these requirement is strongly recommended. For a more complete description please refer to our course-information page and our minimum gear requirements.
Course Costs, Insurance and Other Discounts
The rates for the basic course are $395 for under 21 and $425 for others. There is a difference in price because the State of California mandates that this course be taken in order for students under 21 to get their motorcycle license. Because of this, the State has elected to set the price at $395. Please check individual course page for cost variations.
Most companies that provide motorcycle insurance offer discounts with proof of completion of the courses approved by the CMSP.
Please view our Course Policies page.
Questions About the Motorcycle
We provide you with both the motorcycle and helmet for the class. You may optionally use your own DOT-approved full-face helmet. If using your own motorcycle, the bike can be no larger than 350cc and it must be registered and insured.
The motorcycles provided are usually from 125cc to 250 cc.
Please contact our office for more information.
Licensing
After successful completion of the basic course, you will be mailed a California DMV form DL389. With this form, after passing the DMV’s written motorcyclist examination, you will qualify for an M1 motorcycle endorsement. The form waives having to take the on-bike skills test with the DMV.
It is MAILED 3 to 5 days after class ends. Plus USPS mailing time, maximum is 10 days, usually less.