FAQ: ESC Motorcyle & S/TEP Rider Courses

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Novice Rider Course (NRC)

NRC classes are designed for the beginner. Exercises progress from simple to the more difficult. Classes are 16 hours, split between classroom and range (riding) time. In class, minimizing risk, proper riding gear and best street strategies are covered. On the range, classroom techniques are put into practice. Course handbook is available for review from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Course Locations

Classroom sessions are offered in Seattle, Renton, Kirkland, South Seattle Community College, and SeaTac Clarion Hotel, with range riding sessions in Renton, Kirkland, South Seattle Community College, and SeaTac Range in SeaTac.We try to make the most of daylight in scheduling ESC training classes.

This schedule is for general informational purposes and is subject to change.

WEEKDAY Schedule

Renton - Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday

Day	Time	Location
Monday	6:00 pm - 9:00 pm	Evergreen Safety Council
Tuesday	8:00 am* - 12:00 pm	Renton Boeing Parking Lots * Summer 7:30 am
Tuesday	12:00 pm - 5:00 pm	Renton Motorcycle Company
Wednesday	8:00 am - 2:30 pm	Renton Boeing Parking Lots

Renton - Tuesday/Wednesday

Day	Time	Location
Tuesday	8:00 am - 11:00 am	Evergreen Safety Council
Tuesday	11:00 am - 6:00 pm	Renton Boeing Parking Lots
Wednesday	8:00 am - 2:00 pm	Renton Boeing Parking Lots
Wednesday	2:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Evergreen Safety Council

Kirkland - Tuesday/Wednesday (Spring/Summer Only)

Day	Time	Location
Tuesday	8:00* am - 11:00 am	Lake Washington Technical College
Tuesday	11:00 am - 6:00 pm	Lake Washington Technical College
Wednesday	8:00* am - 11:00 am	Lake Washington Technical College
Wednesday	11:00 am - 6:00 pm	Lake Washington Technical College

WEEKEND Schedule

Kirkland - Thursday/Saturday/Sunday

Day	Time	Location
Thursday	6:00 pm - 9:00 pm	Lake Washington Technical College
Saturday	8:00* am - 5:00 pm	Lake Washington Technical College * Summer 7:30 am
Sunday	8:00* am - 2:30 pm	Lake Washington Technical College * Summer 7:30 am

Renton - Thursday/Saturday/Sunday

Day	Time	Location
Thursday	6:00 pm - 9:00 pm	Renton Motorcycle Company
Saturday	8:00* am - 12:30 pm	Renton Boeing Parking Lots * Summer 7:30 am
Saturday	12:30 pm - 5:00 pm	Renton Motorcycle Company
Sunday	8:00* am - 2:30 pm	Renton Boeing Parking Lots * Summer 7:30 am

South Seattle - Thursday/Saturday/Sunday

Day	Time	Location
Thursday	6:00 pm - 9:00 pm	South Seattle Community College
Saturday	8:00* am - 5:00 pm	South Seattle Community College * Summer 7:30 am
Sunday	8:00* am - 2:30 pm	South Seattle Community College * Summer 7:30 am

SeaTac - Friday/Saturday/Sunday

Day	Time	Location
Friday	6:00 pm - 9:00 pm	SeaTac Clarion Hotel
Saturday	8:00* am - 12:00 pm	SeaTac Range * Summer 7:30 am
Saturday	12:00 pm - 5:00 pm	SeaTac Clarion Hotel
Sunday	8:00* am - 2:30 pm	SeaTac Range * Summer 7:30 am

Kirkland - Saturday/Sunday

Day	Time	Location
Saturday	8:00 am - 6:00 pm	Lake Washington Technical College
Sunday	8:00 am - 6:00 pm	Lake Washington Technical College

South Seattle - Saturday/Sunday

Day	Time	Location
Saturday	8:00 am - 6:00 pm	South Seattle Community College
Sunday	8:00 am - 6:00 pm	South Seattle Community College

Course Costs

Subsidized Classes

WA State DOL subsidizes a certain number of training classes for WA State residents (determined by driver’s license), so the full cost of the course is not borne by the student. Since these courses are less expensive they tend to fill first.

With a Washington State driver’s license (or active duty military): $125
Out-of-state driver’s license: $225-$250
WA resident under 18: $50

Unsubsidized Classes

The State does not pay for or (subsidize) a portion of the cost for these courses, therefore the student pays the full cost of the class. These classes tend to have better availability.

$225-$250, depending on location (Regardless of age or residency)

Registration and Payment Types

Students can register online or by phone using a credit/debit card. Students may also mail in a check or money order. However, we do not register a student until payment is received.

Please note: Students must attend all classroom and practice riding sessions and pass both a multiple-choice knowledge test and a riding skill evaluation to graduate from this course. Graduates will receive a WMSP course completion card that will allow them to receive their 2-wheel motorcycle endorsement at the Department of Licensing within 180 days after graduating.

Students that are not Washington residents are invited to take this course. However, there is no guarantee of reciprocity with your home state for licensing purposes.

These courses emphasize the risk involved with riding a motorcycle. These risks also exist while one practice rides during the course. Students should be able to, at minimum, balance and ride a bicycle.

Students unable to keep pace with the class or who pose a hazard to themselves or others may be dismissed from the class by the instructor.

There will be no refunds, pro-rated or in full, should they be dismissed by the instructor.

Statewide approximately 85% of students successfully complete this course their first time. Please understand that these courses have group learning format that limits the ability of the instructors to provide individual instructions to students. These courses are mentally and physically demanding, and weather conditions can increase the stress on students.

All students must bring to class:

Driver’s license and confirmation letters
Pen or pencil for taking notes

NRC students under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them to the first meeting of class session to sign a release waiver in the presence of the Motorcycle Course Instructor. The State will not allow a minor to take the course without a parent or legal guardian signature witnessed by the Instructor. (Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information from our web site.)

All students must bring to practice:

DOT-approved helmet (ESC provides helmets at all its sites. However, students are encouraged to bring their own if they own a DOT approved helmet)
Eye protection (eyeglasses, sunglasses, face shield or goggles)
Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear
Full-fingered leather gloves
Long sleeve shirt or jacket
Long denim pants or jeans
Rain gear (Class will continue during rain)
Sun block, as needed
Snacks, lunch, and non-alcoholic beverages

Policies and Conditions

Students must:

Provide proper riding gear (We have DOT-approved helmets available to borrow).
Be on time. You cannot and will not be permitted to participate if you are late to class or practice.
Refunds/Transfers will be given:
Only with a 6 business day minimum written notice (for any reason) before the start of the class.
If class is cancelled by us, full refunds or rescheduling will be given. (Remember, class will run rain or shine.)

Refunds/Transfers will not be given:

If you cancel less than 6 business days prior to class.
If you fail to attend your scheduled class.
If you had previously rescheduled.
If you arrive late to class or practice and are not allowed to participate.
If you are dismissed by the instructor.

Other Motorcycle Safety Courses

We are happy to refer students to other motorcycle training courses.

Advanced street survival/police style training

(206) 542-1915

Advanced Rider Training

1(800) 545-9944

Mike Sullivan Performance Riding School

1(360) 736-2791

2-Fast Track Days and Instruction

1(425) 241-6119

Scooters

Scooters smaller than 50ccs with a maximum speed of 30mph do not require a motorcycle endorsement. If your scooter engine is 50ccs or larger OR is capable of exceeding 30 mph, you must have an endorsement to operate it legally. If a student wishes to bring their scooter (as defined by the motorcycle industry) to class, they may do so ONLY with proof of ownership and liability insurance. The scooter owner must complete a T-CLOCS Inspection (a pre-ride safety checklist to make sure a bike is safe to ride) and bring the form to class.

Dirt - Bike Classes

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is organizing Dirt Bike classes in Washington and Oregon; please contact 877-288-7093. Classes are scheduled only when enough students are on the waiting list.

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Intermediate Rider Course (IRC)

Course Locations

Classroom and riding range sessions are offered in Kirkland and South Seattle Community College.

Course Times

Saturday, Sunday, Monday

: 12:30pm-6:30pm or 10:00am-4pm.

Note: Recommended for motorcyclists with 1000 miles of riding experience and 6-12 months or more experience. The course teaches advanced turning, braking, and swerving skills, as well as re-emphasizing street survival skills taught in the novice class.

Sidecars and Trikes are not allowed in this class. A separate class for 3-wheeled motorcycles is offered by the Evergreen Safety Council; please see our Sidecar/Trike Education Program (S/TEP).

We are happy to refer students to other motorcycle training providers who may have earlier class openings.

Course Cost

$125 Regardless of age or residency

Registration and Payment Types

Students can register online or by phone using a Credit/Debit card. Students may also mail in a Check or Money Order. However, we do not register a student until payment is received.

Equipment to be Provided by Student

Students must use their own bikes in this course. The bikes will be subject to a safety inspection (T-CLOCS) prior to the riding phase of the class. Unsafe machines, as determined by the instructor, will not be allowed to participate.
Sturdy over-the-ankle boots, preferably with a small heel (i.e. work, hiking or motorcycle-specific). Tennis shoes or shoes made with cloth or canvas are not acceptable.
Students must have a minimum of liability insurance.
The instructor will ask to see photo ID, proof of insurance and proof of ownership prior to the class.
Passengers are permitted in the Intermediate Rider Course. A $10.00 passenger fee is to be charged to the student who is enrolled in the class. The student in the IRC class is to be issued an IRC completion card.
Passengers do not receive certificates. Students with passengers do not take the test at the end of the training.

Required Riding Gear

DOT Approved helmet (your own or use one of ours)
Protective eyewear (goggles, sunglasses)
Full-fingered leather gloves or motorcycle specific gloves
Protective clothing covering arms and legs (should be form-fitting; no baggy pants)
Sturdy footwear that covers the ankle (must have a low heel and a non-slip sole)
Sunscreen or raingear, depending on weather (appropriate clothing for inclement condition)

Receiving an Endorsement

IRC students who are already endorsed will receive an IRC completion card.
Students who do not have an endorsement will be receiving the NRC card (license waiver card) upon successful completion of the IRC course.
This class will waive both the written & riding tests for a license endorsement in WA. Students are not required to have an endorsement or permit to take the class, but are responsible for transporting their bikes safely and legally to and from class.
The WA motorcycle license endorsement allows you to ride any size engine 2-wheel motorcycle or scooter.

Cancellations

We can issue refunds only if you cancel at least 6 full business days prior to the class date. You must attend all class sessions or forfeit your registration fee.

Transfers

We can transfer you into another class only if you notify us at least 6 full business days prior to the class.

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Additional Riding Course (ARC)

Course Cost

$100 Regardless of age or residency

Registration and Payment Types

Students can register by phone using a Credit/Debit card. Students may also mail in a Check or Money Order or come into our office; however, we do not register a student until payment is received. No online registration due to need for screening.

Who can take the class?

Only students who have completed a NRC may take the course. Proof comes either with a completion card or from being listed in our database as completing the course successfully or completing the course but failing the test.

Is there a time limit?

Yes, the limit is 1 year. If a student intends to use the ARC as practice prior to scheduling a retest, they need to be within the 90 day retest time limit imposed by the WMSP/DOL.

Can students request scooters?

Yes, but it must be at the time of registration.

If a student wishes to bring their scooter (as defined by the motorcycle industry) to class, they may do so ONLY with proof of ownership and liability insurance. The scooter owner must complete a T-CLOCS Inspection (a pre-ride safety checklist to make sure a bike is safe to ride) and bring the form to class.

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Sidecar/Trike Education Program (S/TEP)

Where and at what times are the classes held?

Seattle: Friday evening will begin with classroom time at the South Seattle Community College in Seattle from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Saturday morning classes begin at 8:00 am at the range, Saturday afternoon the class returns to the classroom from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. Sunday morning will begin at 8:00 am at the range and finish there. Students will need their own transportation to get from the classroom to the range on Saturday.

Moses Lake: Friday evening will begin with classroom time at the Super 8 Motel conference room on Melva Lane., from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Saturday morning will begin at the Boeing Test Flight Site near Big Bend Community College, starting at 7:30 am. Saturday afternoon, the class returns to the classroom. Sunday morning, you will begin at the Boeing site and finish there. Students will need their own transportation to get from the classroom to the range.

How long is the course?

The BASIC S/TEP class is approximately 16 hours in length, and is structured for the beginner.

How much are the classes?

The cost subsidized classes is $125 for WA residents and $250 for non-residents, payable in advance. This course is subsidized by the state like the Novice Motorcycle Rider Course. Unsubsidized classes cost $250 flat for South Seattle Community College courses in Western WA and $325 for Moses Lake courses in Eastern WA.

How do I register?

Credit/debit card for online or telephone registration; mail in a check or money Order; or come and pay in our Seattle office. We do not register a student until payment is received. Class availability isn't guaranteed until actual time of registration, which is receipt of payment.

What do I need for class?

You need a helmet (we have a limited supply of helmets on hand), protective eyewear, full-fingered gloves, protective clothing (covering arms and legs), and sturdy footwear that covers the ankle. You should dress for the weather and be prepared for inclement conditions. Sturdy over-the-ankle boots, preferably with a small heel (i.e. work, hiking or motorcycle-specific) are required. Tennis shoes or shoes made with cloth or canvas are not acceptable.

Do we furnish the rigs?

Seattle: Yes, we can supply the motorcycle/sidecar combination and a trike for the classes. However, if the student wants to use their own rig it is encouraged, assuming they have a safe way of transporting it to the range.

Moses Lake: We have a very limited supply of sidecar combinations and trikes for the Moses Lake location, so it is strongly recommended that you bring your own with you to class. If you are not able to bring your sidecar or trike, please let us know what type you have when you register.

If you bring your own sidecar combination, you must have at least 50 pounds of removable ballast in the sidecar for the first day's riding exercises. (A sandbag, available at your local hardware store, is a good option.) You must also provide proof of liability insurance.

Sturdy over-the-ankle boots, preferably with a small heel (i.e. work, hiking or motorcycle-specific) are required. Tennis shoes or shoes made with cloth or canvas are not acceptable.

What does the class get me?

Upon successful completion of the S/TEP course, you will receive a WMSP Course Completion Card. This course satisfies the Department of Licensing's requirements for a license endorsement for a “Type 5 three -wheeled motorcycle only" or a "Type 7 two and three-wheeled motorcycles" if you currently have a Type 3 "two wheeled motorcycles only" endorsement. Some insurance companies are also offering discounted rates with proof of successful completion of this course.

Do I need a motorcycle learner's permit to take the novice class?

No you don't have to have a learners permit for the novice course, but you do have to be at least 16 years old and have a valid drivers license. (Doesn't have to be a WA State License).

What happens if I have to cancel or don't show up for class?

Refunds are only authorized if you let us know at least 6 full business days prior to the class.

Can I just drop in for a class?

You may drop in for a class. If there are fewer than 12 registered students in the class, or if one of the registered students doesn't show up on time, you may (at the instructor's discretion) join the class. You will be required to pay the full tuition at that time. (Moses Lake drop ins must bring their own rig) If you are registered in a later class and are attempting to "drop in" on an earlier class you will be required to pay at the time of the "drop in," then call the Evergreen Safety Council to cancel the later class and obtain the refund.

Don't you have an earlier class?

We enroll students "first come first served" in the earliest open training slot. We offer this class as often as is possible considering classroom/range and instructor availability.

Do you offer classes in any other locations?

There are several other locations in different areas of the country. Refer to the national schedule for a complete listing.

Do I have to have an endorsement?

For Washington residents: you must have an endorsement on your license to legally operate a sidecar or Trike. This can be either a Type 5 endorsement - "three-wheeled motorcycle only" or a Type 7 endorsement-"two and three-wheeled motorcycles”.

The Washington Class 5 license endorsement allows you to ride any size engine 3-wheel motorcycle. If a student has already has a Class 3 2-wheel motorcycle endorsement, upon completion the student will receive a Class 7 2 wheel and 3-wheel motorcycle endorsement.

The WA Department of Licensing does offer a separate driving test for a three wheeled motorcycles (Sidecar/Trike). Not all of the DOL offices are able to offer this test; you may need to speak with your local DOL office to see where it is available.

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