2 Wheel Safety Training Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs cover the 2 Wheel Safety Training programs.

See also the FAQs for the 3 Wheel Safety Training program.

What is 2 Wheel Safety Training?

2 Wheel Safety Training (TWST) is a motorcycle riding school, contracted and approved by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) to provide rider motorcycle instruction. We operate training sites in Newark, Santa Clara, and San Jose CA.

What does CMSP approval mean?

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.

What are the benefits of taking a class from a CMSP site?

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.

What do you mean ‘successfully complete’ the course?

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.

What if I am unable to pass or complete the course?

If you are counseled out for safety reasons, you must re-enroll and take the class from the beginning at the full tuition rate. If you do not pass the skill evaluation or the written exam, you may schedule a retest. Please call the office for details. If you fail both the written exam and skills test, you must re-enroll and take the class from the beginning at the full tuition rate.

What does it take to get a California motorcycle license after completing the course?

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.

What do I need to take the basic course?

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

If I’m under 18 years old, can I enroll in the course?

If you are between 16 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 parents notarized signature on the waiver is also acceptable.

What if I am under 21?

Effective January 1, 2011 (AB 1952/Niello) This new 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.

Where do I get the motorcycle and helmet for the course?

TWST provides you with both the motorcycle and helmet for the class You may optionally use your own DOT approved full face helmet.

Can I take the course on a scooter?

Please contact the TWST office for more information.

What size are the motorcycles?

The motorcycles provided are usually from 125cc to 250 cc.

What else do I need?

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.

Where are the classes taught?

In private, paved locations with no interfering traffic.

How long is the basic course?

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

When are the classes?

Each training site has its own schedule. At TWST we usually have basic classes EVERY WEEKEND AND WEEKDAY.

What does it cost?

At TWST our 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 requires that this course be taken in order for individuals under 21 to get their motorcycle license. Because of this, the State has elected to set the price at $395.

What are the course content and materials?

Courses were developed by Total Control Training, Inc. and emphasize critical street skills and strategies for safe riding.

Will taking this course help with my insurance?

Most of the companies that provide motorcycle insurance offer discounts for completion to graduates of courses approved by the CMSP.

Is the MTC course for beginners or for people who already know how to ride?

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.

After I finish this course, will I be ready to ride?

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.

How do I Register?

Course Locations are shown below. Click here to go to the Registration page.

• 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
  [/expand]

When are the classes?

We offer the Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) WEEKENDS 48 weeks a year.