Continuing Education > Motorcycle Safety

Western Nevada College offers motorcycle courses in Carson City for riders of all skill levels. Classes are offered every weekend from April – October.

Basic Motorcycle Rider Course

Aimed at beginning riders, this program introduces students to motorcycle controls, motorcycle riding, basic maneuvers, street riding and traffic skills. All levels of experience are welcome. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) completion card to take to Nevada DMV to obtain a class M (motorcycle) endorsement on their current Nevada driver’s license.

A motorcycle and helmet are provided for all students. Classes use 250CC Honda Rebels and Suzuki TU250s.

Weekend Basic Rider Courses run from 6-10 PM on Friday evenings and from 7 AM-6 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday Basic Rider Courses run from 6-10 PM on Tuesday evenings and from 7 AM-6 PM on Wednesday and Thursday. Your receipt may indicate that class runs from 7 AM-6 PM on all three days of the course; please disregard this.

Course Requirements:

• Students must be at least 16 years of age with a class C or A license, or proof of completion of a 30-hour driver’s education course.
• Students under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign their class waiver prior to the start of class. Please call the Community Education office at (775) 445-4268 for a copy of the waiver.
• Students must be able to ride a bicycle.
• Students must be able to maneuver the motorcycle on their own, including up hills. Students who are shorter than 5’2” or who weigh more than 400 pounds should contact the Community Education office at (775) 445-4268 to arrange for a bike that will meet their needs.
• Required riding attire includes boots or shoes that cover the ankles, long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, full-fingered riding gloves and eye protection.

Class Fee: $150

Range Only Course

This is an on-cycle program consisting of riding exercises from the Basic RiderCourse (see above). It is designed for riders to practice their basic skills, whether or not they were successful in the standard Basic RiderCourse. There is no formal classroom instruction. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for your use. A skills test is an option for those students who did not successfully complete the skills test in their first Basic RiderCourse.

While anyone is welcome to enroll in this class, we are unable to provide an M-class waiver to any student who has not previously completed the full Basic RiderCourse and successfully passed the written exam as a part of that course.

Course Requirements:

• Students must be at least 15 ½ years of age and possess either a valid driver’s license, a class C instruction permit, or proof of successful completion of a driver education class.
• Students under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign their class waiver prior to the start of class. Please call the Community Education office at (775) 445-4268 for a copy of the waiver.
• Students must have completed all portions of the Basic RiderCourse. (Students do not need to have passed the range test in the Basic RiderCourse.)
• Students must be able to maneuver the motorcycle on their own, including up hills. Students who are shorter than 5’2” or who weigh more than 400 pounds should contact the Community Education office at (775) 445-4268 to arrange for a bike that will meet their needs.
• Required riding attire includes boots or shoes that cover the ankles, long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, full-fingered riding gloves and eye protection.

Class Fee: $85

Advanced Rider Course

This course is designed for riders with real road time and mileage on a motorcycle. This course covers self-assessment, risk management, rider behavior, advanced cornering techniques, braking, throttle operation, riding posture, body position, tire traction, swerving, avoiding traps, traffic kill zones, and emergency stops. Working in small groups, students will learn how to create riding strategies with plenty of emphasis on the special skills and mental attitude necessary for dealing with traffic.

Course Requirements:

• Students must possess a valid motorcycle license and have recent riding experience.
• Students must provide their own street-legal motorcycle and proof of insurance and registration. Please note that if the motorcycle you plan to use is not registered under your name, you will need to bring a note from the registered owner of the motorcycle providing you with permission to use the motorcycle for the course.
• Required riding attire includes boots or shoes that cover the ankles, long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, full fingered gloves, DOT-approved helmet, and eye protection if there is no face shield on the helmet.

Class Fee: $85