Frequently Asked Questions
2009 policy changes in green

What skills do I need before I attempt to ride a motorcycle for the first time?
Where is West Boylston?
How much does it cost to take one of your Rider Courses?
Can I take the ERC even if I never took the BRC?
Can I take one of your courses on a scooter?
What should I practice in advance of the BRC?
I registered for a course online but haven't received a confirmation. Did I get in?
Does knowing how to ride a dirt bike help me with the Basic Rider Course?
Do I need to bring my riding gear on the first day of a weekday or Saturday/Sunday course?
Why are some courses 3 days, and some 2 days?
Do I need to wear anything special to take the Rider Course?
If I am under 18 years old, can I take this course?
Do you really have classes on holidays such as Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day?
I lost my course completion card, can you replace it?
If I'm less than average height can I still ride your motorcycles?
Can I get waitlisted for an earlier class that's not listed as having space available?
What are your refund, cancellation, and rescheduling policies?
What happens if it rains?
What happens if I arrive late?
What happens if I need to leave early?
If I have a good reason for not showing up, why can't you just put me into a later course at no charge?
What happens if I do not successfully complete the course?
Why are some students dismissed from the course early?
Do I need a motorcycle to take the course?
Do I need a motorcycle permit to register for the course?
Do I need a motorcycle permit to take the course?
How do I get a motorcycle permit?
Will taking your course will make the permit test easier?
How do I get my license through the course?
I'm from Rhode Island. Can I get my RI motorcycle license through your course?
How long does it take to receive my license after the course?
What happens if I have licensing issues?
Do you give trike classes?
What should I do about lunch?
Can I use my own motorcycle for the beginner course?
What do I need know about using my motorcycle during the Experienced rider course?
What are your refund, cancellation, and rescheduling policies?
_______________________________________________________________________________

What skills do I need before I attempt to ride a motorcycle for the first time?
As a minimum, you MUST be able to proficiently ride a bicycle. You'll also need sufficient coordination, and enough strength to operate the controls. The BRC is designed for most people who have little or no experience. If you believe you'll need extra time, consider taking our
Intro to BRC Course first. The sooner you begin, the easier it will be.


_______________________________________________________________________________

Where is West Boylston?
West Boylston is a suburb directly north of Worcester, just off I-190 and close to Route 290. Our centrally located site offers fast and easy access, and we conduct both classroom and riding portions of the course in one location.  
Directions to the Motorcycle School


_______________________________________________________________________________

How much does it cost to take one of your Rider Courses?
Please check our
Motorcycle Course Price page for details.


_______________________________________________________________________________

Can I take the ERC even if I never took the BRC?
Yes! Anyone with at least 1000 to 2000 miles of recent street riding experience can take the ERC.
HINT: dirt bike riding or riding from 10 years ago DOES NOT COUNT (read above carefully)


_______________________________________________________________________________

Can I take one of your courses on my scooter?
Yes, as long as your scooter is more than 50cc and is registered as a motorcycle, we will consider it a suitable motorcycle for taking our Experienced Rider Course (ERC).


_______________________________________________________________________________

What or how should I practice in advance of the BRC?
STOP!
Central Massachusetts Motorcycle School strongly recommends that inexperienced novices DO NOT practice anything on a motorcycle before taking the BRC. Each season several of our course registrants injure themselves due to "practicing" on a motorcycle before taking our course. Quality time on a bicycle would improve 2-wheeled competence, and some students would benefit greatly from grip strengthening exercises and general fitness training in advance of the course.


_______________________________________________________________________________

I registered for a course online. How will I receive a confirmation?
Registrations are checked by humans and confirmed by US Postal Service snail mail within seven days. We will call you at the telephone number you provided on the registration form if your first choice course isn't available. If your credit card was charged and we didn't call you, it means that you got into your first choice course and the confirmation is on the way.


_______________________________________________________________________________

Does learning to ride a dirt bike help me with the Basic Rider Course?
Maybe, maybe not. Many of the techniques used for riding dirt bikes are completely different than for street bikes, plus the riding position and feel of the bikes will be different. "Dirt Bikers" almost universally exhibit strong riding technique idiosyncrasies which may work OK offroad, but are simply bad habits for street riding. If your primary goal is to ride on the street, avoid confusion and just take the Basic Rider Course!


_______________________________________________________________________________

Do I need to bring my riding gear on the first day of a weekday or Saturday/Sunday class?
Absolutely yes! Classroom in the morning, riding in the afternoon on BOTH DAYS!


_______________________________________________________________________________

Why are some of the courses 3 days, and some 2 days?
All of our courses are ~15 hours. The "A" weekend schedule meets on Friday evening for a 3 hour classroom session, but gets out early on Sunday. All "B" schedule weekend courses and weekday "W" courses are a 2-day, 9AM to 6PM format. The total training time is the same for every course.


_______________________________________________________________________________

What happens if it rains?
If you don't bring good rain gear, you will become quite wet indeed! Remember, this is New England - if we were to run and hide from every raindrop, we wouldn't do much training (or riding).

(Quality motorcycle-specific rain gear - EXCELLENT. Multi-layer Gore-tex shells top and bottom - GOOD to VERY GOOD. Department store rain suit - FAIR to GOOD. Standard nylon windbreaker - POOR. Jeans with cotton sweatshirt - USELESS!)


_______________________________________________________________________________

Do I need to wear anything special to take the Rider Course?
You will need long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, sturdy full-finger gloves, eye protection (most regular sunglasses or prescription glasses are OK for the low speeds we go), and sturdy over the ankle boots. Boots should not have a pronounced heel. Bring appropriate outerwear if it is wet and/or cold!


_______________________________________________________________________________

If I am under 18 years old, can I take this course?
Yes! If you are under 18 but already have a class "D" or class "M" learner's permit, you will simply need a parent or legal guardian to sign a waiver form. Please note that the Driver's Ed requirement also applies to obtaining a motorcycle license!

Under 16? See you next year!


_______________________________________________________________________________

Do you really have classes on holidays such as Memorial Day, 4th of July and Columbus Day?
Yes, it's a sacrifice that we make for our students. We'll have plenty of time off in winter!


_______________________________________________________________________________

I lost my MSF course completion card. Can you replace it?
If you took the course within the last 3 training seasons (2007 to 2009), just give us a call at 508-835-2333 and we'll replace it free of charge. For courses taken in 2004 to 2006, send a check made out to "CMSC" in the amount of $25, write your full name, address and course date, and send to: CMSC Motorcycle Office, 186 West Boylston Street, West Boylston, MA 01583. Due to a strict RMV mandate we are not allowed to replace cards for courses that are more than 5 years old (pre-2004). Please store your card in a safe place with other important documents (such as passport, birth certificate, etc). If it has been more than 2 years since you took a course, consider taking our low-cost
ERC to refresh your skill set instead of merely trying to replace an old card.


_______________________________________________________________________________

If I'm less than average height can I still ride your motorcycles?
We have small 125cc cruiser style bikes with very low seat heights, which have successfully accomodated previous students who are 4'10" or taller. If you're still not sure, please call and make arrangements to come in to the office so you can "test sit" one.


_______________________________________________________________________________

Can I get waitlisted for an earlier class that's not listed as having space available?
No problem. Register for a class with space available, then ask to be wait listed for the first opening which comes up if/when we get a cancellation.


_______________________________________________________________________________

What happens if I arrive late?
We try to be understanding, but per RMV mandate you are to be sent home without a refund. Students who arrive even a few minutes late for a riding session will be sent home and will need to re-register for a later course at full tuition, at their own expense.


_______________________________________________________________________________

What happens if I need to leave early?
You will need to re-register for a new course at full tuition, at your own expense. Please plan ahead carefully (one important characteristic of a good motorcyclist) before registering.


_______________________________________________________________________________

If I have a good reason for not showing up, why can't you just put me into a later course at no charge?
When you register for a motorcycle training course, you are reserving a specific spot or "seat" in the course. If you do not use that spot, it cannot be used by anyone else and is gone forever, much like an unused ticket to see a Patriots or Red Sox game. Our motorcycle course consists of "hands-on" training done in small groups, in contrast to lecture-type courses done in an auditorium. The number of students allowed is severely restricted by both the MSF and MREP for safety reasons. Therefore we cannot just add another spot in a later class to accomodate you without taking a spot away from someone else, because the number of available spots is fixed.


_______________________________________________________________________________

What happens if I do not successfully complete the course?
There are a number of options depending on your individual situation. Please call us at (508) 835-2333 ext30 to discuss your best course of action.


_______________________________________________________________________________

Why are some students dismissed from the course early?
In order to promote a safe learning environment for the entire group, it may be necessary to send home students who become a hazard. This situation normally occurs with only a small % of our students. Those who leave the course before exercise 4 begins will be partially compensated. Please note that the MSF curriculum uses a group learning format which restricts individual 1-on-1 instruction. If you feel a need for extra time or attention, a
private lesson or Intro to BRC Course might be a good idea.


_______________________________________________________________________________

Do I need a motorcycle to take the course?
We provide the motorcycles for the BRC. You bring your own motorcycle for the ERC.


_______________________________________________________________________________

Do I need a motorcycle permit to register for the course?
If you are over 18, you don't need to already have a motorcycle permit to register. You only need a permit (motorcycle or class "D") to register if you are under 18.


_______________________________________________________________________________

Do I need a MA motorcycle permit to take the course?
Anyone is welcome to take the course without a Mass motorcycle permit. For Massachusetts residents this course waives only the road test portion of the two-step licensing process: Massachusetts residents without a motorcycle permit who desire a motorcycle license will have at least 90 days after completing the course to take the RMV permit test.
Students who are under the age of 18 must already possess a Massachusetts class "D" or Massachusetts motorcycle permit to take this course.


_______________________________________________________________________________

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.


_______________________________________________________________________________

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.


_______________________________________________________________________________

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

That's it! Pre-Payment of the $15 RMV fee can be made by credit card. Call 1-617-351-4500 or 1-800-858-3926. The Central MA Motorcycle School is a privately owned business, and cannot process this RMV fee for you. Please ensure the RMV has your proper mailing address, as they will mail your new license directly to you. If you have issues such as unpaid tickets or taxes, or you take the course before you get your motorcycle permit, you will have 90 days after taking the course to clear up these issues.


_______________________________________________________________________________

If I'm from Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire or Maine, can I get my motorcycle license through your course?
Yes! Rhode Island residents who take our Basic Rider Course will receive their RI motorcycle license in similar fashion to taking their ridercourse in RI. CT, ME and NH can also obtain a license through our course by submitting their MSF course completion card. Out of state residents generally CANNOT receive a license by taking our ERC.


_______________________________________________________________________________

How long does it take to receive my license after the course?
Unless the RMV uncovers certain issues such as unpaid $15 fee, overdue excise tax or parking tickets etc., you should receive your license in the mail within 15 days. If you don't receive it within 3 weeks, call us at 508-835-2333 ext.27 - DO NOT GO TO THE REGISTRY!   Registry branches will often not know the status of a license issued through the Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) until after you already have this license in your hand. We have actually had several people call us after waiting several hours at a Registry branch, which told them in error that they had no license, then open their mail on the same day, finding that their new license had already arrived!


_______________________________________________________________________________

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 (Note: we consider the US Mail to be 99.99% reliable provided that you gave us a usable address). 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 during the same calendar 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!


_______________________________________________________________________________

Do you give trike classes?
Sorry, not at this time.


_______________________________________________________________________________

What should I do about lunch?
There are fast food and sub shops close by, but it's always better to bring a lunch with you. Be a good motorcyclist and think ahead!


_______________________________________________________________________________

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.


_______________________________________________________________________________

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.


_______________________________________________________________________________

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 (except as covered under our guarantee policy), do not pass the evaluation, have previously rescheduled once before, 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 7 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 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.

Students who do not pass an evaluation can get a second try for a fee within 2 weeks of the original date, space permitting.


Addtional Central Massachusetts Motorcycle School Policies and Clarifications:

Refund or reschedule requests are received during regular weekday business hours only. Any requests made when our office is closed will be deemed to have been received at the beginning of the next regular business day. Students who reschedule must pay any difference between the original tuition paid and the current full price for the new course, plus the rescheduling fee. Course registrations are not transferable between persons. Reschedule requests cannot be open-ended; a specific new course must be requested in writing for a reschedule request to be valid.

Students who arrive for the riding portion of the class without proper attire will be sent home without a refund.

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.


_______________________________________________________________________________


| Home Page |



Copyright © 2006 - 2009 Douglas Gilmore. All rights reserved