How do I get a motorcycle permit?
Massachusetts residents who meet age requirements can simply go to any full service Registry with the appropriate identification documents by 4PM - no appointment necessary - and request a motorcycle permit exam. You will pay $30 for the permit test plus $15 for the license endorsement. You'll take a multiple choice computer quiz, and walk away with a permit if you score 70% or better. Have a new picture taken at this time, as an older file picture may prevent the RMV from processing your new license. Most of the permit test questions relate to simple rules of the road or penalties for DUI, and are not motorcycle-specific. The RMV has a motorcycle rider's manual which can be downloaded from our site. Expect several questions regarding the Junior Operator Law (JOL) on the permit test, regardless of your age. NOTE: The motorcycle school does not administer permit tests. You must go to the RMV.

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I'm worried about taking the Mass motorcycle permit test. Shouldn't I complete your course first, so that the knowledge I obtain from your course will make the permit test easier?
This is a common misconception. The Massachusetts motorcycle learner's permit test questions relate to basic rules of the road, penalties for bad behavior (such as DUI), and the Junior Operator Law (JOL). The MSF Basic Rider Course material is more about riding techniques and safety strategies. Thus, waiting to take the permit test until after the course is actually disadvantageous, since it will complicate the licensing process slightly.

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How do I obtain my Massachusetts motorcycle license through the course?
Here's what you need to do:

• Students under the age of 18 must have already completed Driver's Ed and have had a permit for 6 months.
• Have a permit which expires at least 2 weeks after the course date.
• Have a recent picture on file at the RMV (have a new picture taken when you get your motorcycle permit).
• Pay the $15 "motorcycle license endorsement fee" in advance (in addition to $30 for the permit).
• Make sure that all obligations such as excise taxes, child support, parking tickets etc. are paid up.
• Arrive on time to all class sessions and pass the course!
• Wait 2 weeks +/- for new license to arive in mail.

• If you are a Massachusetts resident who does not have a motorcycle permit or you are less than 18 years old and have a JOL hold on your license, you must fix the deficiency and obtain your license within ONE YEAR of taking the course (no exceptions). For the above two deficiencies only, you must inform us upon your eligibility, and fax, mail or bring us a copy of your permit before we will attempt to issue your license. If you are otherwise eligible but have financial issues such as unpaid tickets, $15 license fee not paid, overdue taxes or child support, or your RMV file picture is too old, we will mail you a "course completion letter" which expires in 90 days. The course completion letter must be brought in person to the RMV within the 90-day period along with your permit, course completion card and existing license.

Pre-Payment of the $15 RMV "motorcycle license endorsement fee" can be made by calling 1-617-351-4500 or 1-800-858-3926. The Motorcycle School is a privately owned business, and cannot process this fee for you. Please ensure that the RMV has your proper mailing address, as they will mail your new license directly to you.

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What happens if I have licensing issues?
If the RMV uncovers issues such as: unpaid $15 fee, file picture too old, overdue taxes or child support, parking tickets, etc, you will not receive your license in the mail 10-15 days after the course along with the rest of the class. If the RMV denies our request to issue you a license for any of the above reasons, we will automatically mail you a "course completion letter" good for 90 days, to the address that you gave us at registration. DO NOT THROW THIS LETTER AWAY, as it will be issued ONLY ONCE!! You must then clear up any issues and use the letter within the 90 day period, or forego licensing through this course. If you do not have a permit when you take the class, you will need to get your permit within one year and provide us with a copy of the new permit before we can process your license. Central MA Motorcycle School is extremely diligent in submitting timely and accurate license requests to the Registry: the rest is up to you!

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Can I use my own motorcycle for the beginner course?
Unless you have modified your bike to accomodate a handicap or other special need, the MSF requires that you use our specially-prepared training motorcycles.

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What do I need know about using my motorcycle during the Experienced rider course?
Make sure your motorcycle is in good running order; it is inspected, registered, and insured. Your motorcycle will be given a pre-ride inspection by the instructor. If there are defects (worn tires, etc) you will not be allowed to ride and you will forfeit your tuition. Similarly, if your motorcycle breaks down during the course and you cannot continue, you will be dismissed (you must complete ALL exercises) and tuition will be forfeited. All motorcycles used in the ERC must be fully street legal incl. meeting Mass General Laws Chapter 90, Section 7U for noise emissions. The motorcycle school does not rent or loan out motorcycles for use in the ERC. Unregistered training bikes used in the BRC are not allowed in the ERC, neither for student nor ridercoach use.

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What are your refund, cancellation, and rescheduling policies? (effective 11/01/07)
Cancellation and rescheduling policy as established by the Massachusetts Rider Education Program department of the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles:

Cancellation Policy: To receive a refund, requests must be sent in writing (US Mail, e-mail, or fax) and received by the site coordinator more than 10 days prior to the start of the course for which you are registered. Refunds will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds will be made to students who are no-shows for any reason, or who cancel with less than 10 days written notice, are late to class, dismissed for safety reasons or voluntarily leave, do not pass the evaluation, have previously rescheduled, or miss a segment of either course.

Reschedule Policy: To reschedule, a request must be sent in writing (US Mail, e-mail, or fax) and received by the site coordinator more than 48 hours prior to the start of the course for which you are registered. Students may reschedule to another class within the same calendar year one time only, space permitting. All reschedule requests that are received by the site coordinator more than 7 days prior to the start of the course will be charged a $25 rescheduling fee. Reschedule requests received between 48 hours and 6.99 days before the start of a course will be charged a $100 rescheduling fee. No rescheduling is allowed within 48 hours of a course, nor after the originally-scheduled course has already taken place. Students must also pay the difference between the rate at which they originally registered and the current price, if any difference exists.

In the unlikely event that we are forced to cancel a course due to circumstances beyond our control, we will at our option refund your money in full or reschedule you at no charge. A minimum of 4 students is required for a class to be conducted (3 for IBRC): if the minimum number is not met, we reserve the right to refund or reschedule students into a later course.

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Now that I've finished the course, where should I go to look for a motorcycle?
That's really up to you, but Craigslist and the following dealers would likely be a good start.

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