Frequently Asked Questions
2010 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?
Now that I've finished your course, where should I go to look for a motorcycle?
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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, courage, and enough strength to operate the controls. The BRC is designed to accomodate most (but not all)people who have little or no experience. If you believe you'll need extra time (or aren't sure), consider taking our
Intro to BRC Course first. The sooner you begin, the easier it will be.


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Where is West Boylston?
West Boylston is a suburb of Worcester, the first town directly to the North. We're 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


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


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Can I take the ERC even if I never took the BRC?
Yes! Anyone who owns their own bike and has recent street riding experience can take the ERC.
HINT: dirt bike riding or riding from 10 years ago DOES NOT COUNT (read above carefully)


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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).


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What or how should I practice in advance of the BRC?
STOP!

To minimize the potential for injuries or acquiring bad habits, Central Massachusetts Motorcycle School strongly recommends that inexperienced novices DO NOT practice anything on a motorcycle before taking the BRC. Riding a bicycle and/or working on grip strength is likely the best preparation.


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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. We will also confirm by telephone if your course begins in less than 72 hours. We will call you at the telephone number you provided on the registration form if your first choice course isn't available. Unfortunately, due to overly aggressive spam filters on the student's end we have found email to be unreliable. 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.


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Does learning to ride a dirt bike help me with the Basic Rider Course?
Maybe, maybe not. Dirt riding techniques, riding position and feel of the bikes are much different than for street bikes. If your primary goal is to ride on the street, avoid confusion and just take the Basic Rider Course!


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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!


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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.


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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.

(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!)


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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 you do not have your own helmet, we will provide one for you.


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If I am under 18 years old, can I take this course?
Yes, Massachusetts residents who are under 18 but already have a class "D" or class "M" learner's permit will simply need a parent or legal guardian to sign a waiver form to take the Basic Rider Course (BRC). Experienced Rider Course (ERC) students and anyone from out of state must be over 18. NOTE: completing a separate driver education course is required to obtain a motorcycle license if under age 18; taking the BRC does not fulfill this requirement.
Under 16? See you next year!


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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!


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I lost my MSF course completion card. Can you replace it?
If you took the course between 2007 and 2010, just give us a call at 508-835-2333 and we'll replace it free of charge. For courses taken in 2005 or 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 RMV mandate and for practical reasons, we do not replace cards for courses that were taken more than 5 years ago (pre-2005). 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.


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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.


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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.


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What happens if I arrive late?
We want to be understanding, but the policy is to send you home without a refund. Students who arrive late will need to re-register for a later course at full tuition, at their own expense.


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What happens if I leave without completing the course?
If you would still like to finish the course, you will need to make arrangements (including tuition) to come back at a later time. Unfortunately, there are no refunds for the unused portion of the original course, nor any discounts on the new course, if your original reservation is not fully utilized.


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If I think that my reason for being late, no-show, canceling on short notice or leaving early is somehow better than all others, can't you make an exception and put me into a later course at no charge?
The policy is set by the RMV and applies to all students regardless of the personal circumstances, no exceptions. When you register for our motorcycle training course, we reserve a space or "seat" in a limited-availability course specifically for you, and you are making a commitment to that specific course. Your course reservation is just like a ticket for a Patriots or Red Sox game - good only for the specified time. Because this is an on-motorcycle course, not a lecture, class sizes are severely restricted by the MSF and MREP for safety reasons. We cannot just add an extra space to a future class to accomodate you; giving away a spot would displace someone else and thus unfairly punish students who don't ask us to bend the rules. By definition, according to the MSF:
Accepting responsibility for one's own actions is an important first step to becoming a good motorcyclist.


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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.


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Why are some students dismissed from the course early?
In order to promote a safe learning environment for the entire group, it may become necessary to send home students who fall too far behind and/or become a serious safety hazard. This situation normally occurs with only a small % of our students. The BRC curriculum from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation moves quickly and uses a group learning format, restricting opportunities for individual 1-on-1 instruction. If you feel a need for extra time or attention, taking our
Intro to BRC Course first might be a good idea. Although it may be difficult to know if taking the Intro Course is necessary for you, it is better to come to the BRC overprepared than to risk being left behind. The $59 Intro Course is a very inexpensive way to find out if you "have what it takes" to ride a motorcycle.


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


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Do I need a motorcycle permit to register for the course?
You don't need to already have a motorcycle permit to register. You only need some type of permit or license (Class "D" or "M") to register if you are under 18.


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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 up to one year after completing the course to pass the permit test. Residents of other states do not need a Massachusetts motorcycle permit.


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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:

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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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 by taking the course completion letter that we mail you to CCRI. The procedure is then the same as if you took the course in RI (riding on a permit for one month before receiving a license, etc). Residents of CT, ME and NH can also obtain a license through our BRC course by simply submitting their MSF course completion card. Out of state residents generally cannot receive a license by taking our ERC. New York residents cannot obtain a license through any course other than in NY. Residents from other states not mentioned are advised to contact their state's DMV to obtain licensing information.


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How long does it take to receive my license after the course?
Unless the RMV uncovers certain issues (see below), you should receive your license in the mail within 15 days. If you receive a "course completion letter" from us, it means that there was a problem with your status at the RMV and you will need to go to the RMV in person with the letter, your course completion card, your permit and your regular license and clear up the issues. If you receive neither a license nor a letter from us within 15 days, call us at 508-835-2333 ext.30 - 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!


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


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What should I do about lunch?
There are fast food and other restaurants close by, but it's always better to bring a lunch with you. Be a good motorcyclist and think ahead! Be advised that students are responsible for providing their own food and drinks: this is especially important during hot weather.


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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.

Students who do not pass an evaluation can get a second try for a $40 fee within 2 weeks of the original date, space permitting.


Addtional Central Massachusetts Motorcycle School Policies and Clarifications:

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. 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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