Frequently
Asked Questions
Why should I take one of these courses?
First and foremost, in a fun and safe environment you will learn and develop the physical and mental skills needed to safely ride a motorcycle. Upon successful completion, you will receive a DMV licensing skills test waiver certificate. When you take this to the DMV (along with any other necessary documentation), they will waive the written and riding tests. You will also receive a Motorcycle Safety Foundation card, entitling you in Tennessee to a liability insurance discount.
What if I'm only going to ride a scooter?
We have scooters available at some locations. Please call the office to schedule to use it. You can also bring your registered and insured scooter to any of our BRC 2 wheel classes as long as it is under 500cc.
What happens if I don't pass the knowledge test
If you don’t pass the knowledge test you can retake it once without having to repeat the course.
What happens if I don't pass the skills test?
Sometimes it takes more than once to get all the skills needed to safely ride a motorcycle. Therefore, we have a couple of retake options for students. Based on the recommendation of your ridercoach you may complete the skill eval only, retake all of range exercises or a portion of the range exercises. Please call the office after your class to discuss your retake options. We offer discounts for retakes. You can come on standby or schedule a retake class for a discounted rate.
Who administers the courses?
Mid Tenn Motorcycle Education Center, a private company in cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Safety and the State of Tennessee Motorcycle Rider’s Education Program (MREP), administers these courses. All course curriculum adheres to strict standards of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), and is closely monitored by the State of Tennessee, Department of Safety, Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) All Rider Coaches are certified by the MSF, and most are also licensed by the State of Tennessee. These dedicated men and women are regularly observed by State and MSF inspectors to ensure they continue to perform at the high standards set by the MSF.
Do I automatically pass if I take this class?
No, however, our nationally certified Rider Coaches work hard to ensure your success.Our classes have a high success rate. While there is no refund if a student doesn’t pass, we do offer large discount rates for students to retake class.
What is provided in the courses?
For the Basic RiderCourse, we provide the motorcycles and classroom materials. We cannot provide helmets at this time. The Basic RiderCourse curriculum includes an online eCourse you will complete on your own time as well as classroom time with material to introduce the student to motorcycle types, risk awareness and risk acceptance, preparing to ride with proper personal protective gear and a pre-ride inspection, the various controls on motorcycles, engine starting and stopping procedures, strategies for managing risk on the street, common situations, maximum braking and swerving, special riding situations; and the need to ride unimpaired by drugs, alcohol, or other things that can reduce your ability to safely operate a motorcycle.
What do I need to bring with me to class?
You must bring a long sleeve shirt or jacket, long sturdy pants, over-the-ankle footwear (boots), full fingered gloves, a DOT approved helmet with eye protection. You must come to class with these items in order to participate. We also recommend that if the weather forecast is predicting more than a 20% chance of rain that you bring rain gear. (We do not cancel class because of rain.) You will need to bring a copy of your eCourse certificate of completion or be able to show it on your phone. You should also bring water and snacks, and something to sit on during breaks if you wish.
What is the eCourse and where can i find it?
The online eCourse covers the MSF rider handbook and prepares you for class. You will complete this on your own time before you attend the in-person hands on training. Completion is required before we can issue your license waiver. Once you register for class you will receive the link to register for the MSF eCourse in your confirmation email. The course takes approximately 5 hours to complete.
Do I need any prior motorcycle experience before coming to class?
It is not essential to have any riding experience. However, you need to have the ability to balance and stabilize a two-wheeled vehicle. If you have not ridden a bicycle in a long time, it would be a good idea to get some practice before attempting to ride a motorcycle.
If I'm under the age of 18, can I take the course?
If you are between 15 and 18 years old you will need the signature of a parent or legal guardian in order to take the course. This parent or guardian MUST be with you before class starts on Saturday morning in order to sign the course waiver form. If you show up for class on Saturday without your parent or legal guardian you will be sent home. Anyone under the age of 16 that desires their motorcycle license will be required to take the written rules of the road test at the DMV before a license is issued.
Do I need to bring a motorcycle to class?
Those taking the Basic RiderCourse are furnished training motorcycles for class. Those taking the Experienced Rider Course/Basic Rider Course II will need a licensed and insured motorcycle to take class or need to rent one from us for an additional charge of $99.00.
Are there tests in class?
Yes, after much study, review and practice, students take a written test in class and a skills evaluation on the range. All the material is covered and re-covered before tests are given. Verbal tests are available for those with reading or language issues. The Basic Rider Course Handbook.
Will I get my license after the class?
Upon successful completion of the course, you are given a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) completion card. Take this card to your insurance agent for the discount on your liability insurance. It is also needed for those wanting to ride on military installations. You take the State certificate to your drivers license testing station where the knowledge and skills tests are then waived. The certificate is not a license to ride a motorcycle. The drivers testing station requires the original copy of your certificate. Be sure to sign the certificate before you go to the DMV. You will also need to bring a birth certificate or passport with you to the DMV per homeland security rules. You may also be asked to take a vision test. They will keep the copy of your certificate and issue you a new driver’s license with you motorcycle license included. Note: If your driver’s license is from another state, you need to call your state’s drivers license testing station and check with them about whether or not they will accept an out-of-state course completion certificate. Some states do, others do not.
Do I need a motorcycle helmet?
Yes, you will need to bring your own helmet to class.
Do you share my information provided to take the class?
Yes, upon successful completion of our class your name, email address and phone number will be shared with our sponsors. If you do not wish to have your information shared please contact the office @ 931-823-7744.
What is the ``Semi-Private Class``?
This is a small class , catering to those who haven’t had much–if any–experience on motorcycles or bicycles. It is a class where you can learn in a less intimidating environment and receive extra teaching time.
How long does the course take?
These hours are TENTATIVE and may vary, due to class size, rate of progression, weather, and range schedule of classes. The 2 Wheel and 3 Wheel Basic RiderCourses are 2-day 16-hour courses, approximately 5 hours of online training, and 11 hours of hands-on training. The 2 Wheel Experienced or Basic RiderCourse II is a 1 day course, approximately 10 hours including 4 hours of online training and 6 hours of hands-on training. Depending on the weather conditions the individual students’ abilities, these times may vary.
What is a typical class like? (How do things go?) this schedule is subject to change based on weather and facility availability.
Class starts on Saturday at the designated time on your registration email
- You need to arrive before the designated time on your email with all the appropriate gear. We have you fill out and sign liability waivers.
- We then cover class introductions, sponsors, liability statements, course requirements and the class schedule.
- With you standing by the motorcycles and geared up, we go over the various motorcycle controls.
- We cover the range rules and hand signals, and then begin the riding range exercises. We take short breaks as appropriate.
- At some point during the 2 days administer the Knowledge Test.
Class starts again on Sunday morning at the designated time
- Students who arrive early may warm up on one of the exercises from Saturday, and those needing a little more attention can be coached before class starts.
- We finish the range exercises, and take time for skills practice.
- We then administer the Skills Evaluation.
- Finally, we briefly review the course, and graduate the class.
What is your refund policy?
CANCELLATIONS: To receive a refund, you must cancel at least 10 business days before your first scheduled class. The refund will be issued minus a fee for the eCourse and associated costs.
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RESCHEDULING: If you need to reschedule your class, please notify us at least 3 days before the class start date. If you do not provide 3 days’ notice, you will be charged to reschedule.
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RETAKES: Students who do not pass class, who are counseled out, or for any reason choose to leave class may reschedule the next available class for a discount rate.