Basic Riding Courses in Bakersfield and the Antelope Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get my motorcycle license by taking the class?

If you successfully complete the class, you will be mailed a DMV DL389 certificate which may waive the riding part of your license process. You will still be responsible for taking the DMV's written tests to complete your M1 license. Please consult your local DMV office for details and individual requirements.

What is the difference between MTC and EMTC (eRider)?

During a conventional MTC course, all the theory portion of the class in presented during two live classroom sessions (in person and/or online), with all the information presented by one of our certified instructors. During an EMTC course (also known as eRider), you can learn all the theory portion of the class at your own pace using online learning tools, guided by slideshows, videos and online questionnaires. Both MTC and EMTC require you to complete successfully both the theory and the riding portions of the class to graduate. Please consult the eRider FAQs for more details.

Is the class offered in languages other than English?

The MTC and EMTC are only offered in English. This includes the eRider software program. You are welcome to bring your own translator to class as long as the translator follows all directions and safety instructions given by the instructors. Obtaining, scheduling and/or any costs related to a translator or translation services is the sole responsibility of the student. Standard refund and reschedule policy rules apply as Top Gun is NOT responsible for any scheduling conflicts between a student and their translator. Translation providers can also assist students with eRider.

What do I have to wear?

CMSP requires a long-sleeve shirt or jacket, sturdy long pants without rips or holes, full fingered street-specific motorcycle or leather gloves, tough, over-the-ankle shoes or boots and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, face shield, etc). We can provide a helmet, but if you bring your own, it must be three-quarter, modular or full face and DOT approved.

What kind of bikes will we ride? Can I use my own bike?

We offer a wide variety of makes and models that are 125-250cc's. You may use your own motorcycle in the class, but it must meet two of three criteria set by the state program: 525cc or less, 425 lbs or less, and a seat height of 32" or less. Your motorcycle will be inspected for approval and you must also show proper registration and insurance documents.

What if I only want to ride a scooter?

California requires an M1 license for all motorcycles and scooters. You can use your own scooter in class as long as it meets the same criteria as training motorcycles (525cc or less, 425 lbs or less, and a seat height of 32" or less). Your scooter will be inspected for approval and you must also show proper registration and insurance documents.

Do I need to get my motorcycle permit first?

No. To enroll in the class, you only need a valid driver's license, DMV issued ID card or other ID issued by a government agency.

How long is the class?

It is approximately 15 hours total. About five hours are spent in the classroom and around 10 hours are on-bike practice. You can expect to ride between 24 and 30 miles during the class.

What are the schedules?

Classes are offered during the week and on weekends, depending on the location. For specific schedules, please check each location's page on this website.

Am I guaranteed to pass?

Neither passing nor getting a license is guaranteed. You must first attend all classroom and riding sessions and successfully complete a written test and skill test to pass. We will do our best to help you develop your skills but not all students are successful.

What if I don't pass?

Your Instructors can help you make the decision to return for more practice. Sometimes students just need more time to increase their skill level by repeating a portion of the class. In other cases, people decide that riding is not for them. Either way you will have gained the knowledge of what it takes to become a motorcyclist.

How do I sign up and how do I pay?

You can use our online registration pages or if you need assistance with your registration, please contact us. We accept most credit, debit or pre-paid gift cards. Full payment is required to complete your registration. You will receive an email confirmation that includes a receipt after successful registration.

What if I can't show up for a part of my class?

You must complete the entire class to pass it. If you miss a part, it is your responsibility to make up the rest on stand-by. You may be allowed to return if space is available, but you cannot get a second reserved spot. You may also be subject to reschedule fees and restrictions depending on how much notice you give us. The decision to allow students to return on a standby basis is made by the administration.

What if I failed one of the passing tests?

If you failed the knowledge test, you may qualify for one free re-test. Please call the office to re-schedule.

If you failed the skills test, you have 2 options:

1. Re-test for a $100 fee.
2. Re-ride both days or just Sunday (including the test) for a $250 fee.

You have 60 days from date of your original scheduled class to finish the class and re-test if needed. If you re-test and fail a second time or if you fail to complete the class within that 60-day timeframe, you will have to take the entire course again in order to pass.

Please contact Brandy at 1-800-593-7909 to schedule your next step. Office hours are M-F 8am – 5pm.

What if I was dismissed or counseled out for some reason?

If you self-dropped or got counseled out of class, you must call in to reschedule for the remaining sessions. If you want a guaranteed seat, the cost is $250.

eRider Frequently Asked Questions

IMPORTANT: If you are unfamiliar with computers, website browsers or you don't consider yourself "tech savvy", you should sign up for traditional class or, if you are already signed up, contact the office to reschedule to a non-eRider course ASAP. Please review all the eRider FAQs below and the system requirements before you sign up for this program.

What is eRider?

eRider MTC is motorcycle endorsement course for novice riders with four to six hours of online classroom instruction and 10 hours of in-person range (on-cycle) instruction. The course takes place over two days and builds fundamental street-riding skills and strategies. The classroom is done at home on the computer.

What can I expect with an eRider course?

The eRider online classroom is highly interactive, using video and other features to address risk management, riding strategy, roadway management, impairments, and special riding situations like carrying passengers and group riding. Participants complete all classroom activities (6 chapters) before the first riding session and show proof of completion to the instructor. Each chapter takes approximately one hour to complete. eRider is a self-paced learning experience, and we recommend you start eRider approximately one week before your scheduled class begins. Students who have not completed the online classroom may be dismissed from class.

Is eRider for me?

The eRider course is a great option for students who are successful at learning in an individualized, self-paced environment. For students who enjoy independent study without the interaction of a live instructor, then eRider is the right choice for you. Please note which class you are signing up for when you register.

What if I can't get eRider to work?

Almost all issues students encounter with eRider are due to lack of internet connection or using devices and/or software that is not supported. Please be sure your system meets basic system requirements before signing up. After reviewing the system requirements, if you still encounter problems, call us at 800-593-7909, Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM. Do not wait until 5 PM the day before class starts to begin your eRider course as there is no call support after 5 PM.

When should I complete eRider?

It is strongly recommended that you complete all 6 chapters of eRider at least one week before your riding sessions begin so you can get help from the office if you have any trouble. The office is open Mon-Fri from 8am-5pm. If you start eRider late and cannot finish it in time, you will not be allowed into class and will not be refunded and/or rescheduled.

What if I don't complete eRider before my class starts?

You will not be allowed into the class if you have not completed eRider. There are no refunds or reschedules if you are not able to show your grades to the instructors. You will, however, be eligible to come back for an additional fee.

When I go to the eRider website, it asks me for payment, but I have already paid and registered.

You do not need to make an additional payment to take eRider. Most likely your eRider account is not yet set up, or you are on the Oregon State eRider website instead of the CMSP eRider website. To set up an eRider account, go to your original email confirmation letter where you will find your personal eRider link. Use that link to create your eRider account.

If you have already used the link in your confirmation email to set up an account, then you might be on the wrong website. Be sure to log into California Motorcycle Safety Program's Total Control eRider website, and not TeamOregon's eRider website.

Can I get my motorcycle license by taking the eRider course?

After successful completion of the eRider course you will be mailed a California DMV form DL389. With this form and the passing of the DMV written evaluation you will be eligible for a M1 motorcycle endorsement. To receive a DL389 you must complete all classroom activities (6 chapters) and on-cycle riding sessions, pass the online quizzes with 80% or higher and pass an on-cycle skill test.

What if I don't complete eRider before my class starts?

You will not be allowed into the class if you have not completed eRider. There are no refunds or reschedules if you are not able to show your grades to the instructors. You will, however, be eligible to come back for an additional fee.

What are the system requirements for eRider?

eRider students must use a computer that meets basic system requirements.

The online classroom requires a modern desktop, laptop or tablet computer; a current operating system and Web browser; high-speed Internet; and headphones, earphones or speakers. Smart phones are not recommended – they navigate poorly and do not provide adequate detail for graded activities.

eRider is not compatible with the Safari browser (we recommend Google Chrome).

Course Policies

Safety First

Safety is our number one priority. The Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) is designed to provide an enjoyable learning experience for all students.

Class Expectations

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. We have a ZERO tolerance policy for alcohol and other drugs. Students who fail to respond to coaching or intentionally interfere with other students learning may be asked to leave. Our goal is to create a safe, positive learning environment.

Site Policies

All attendees must be pre-registered and pre-paid to secure their place in class. This is your only reserved seat.

Refunds and Rescheduling

Tuition fees are not refundable or transferable for any reason.

You may cancel a reservation and reschedule for another course within three months of the original reservation.

There is a 15% cancellation fee if you cancel 7 business days before your reserved class starts.

Cancellation 7 business days or less before your class begins is considered a voluntary withdrawal, for which there is NO refund. You may pay a partial fee to return as a standby/drop-in student or you may pay the entire course fee again to reschedule with a confirmed seat.

If you signed up for eRider, you must complete the eRider (online) portion of the class before you can take the riding portion of the class. There are no refunds or reschedules if you are not able to show your grades to the instructors. You will, however, be eligible to come back for an additional fee.

Failure to appear on time to a classroom or riding session or return from a break on time forfeits the course fee. The entire fee must be repaid to take the course again with a confirmed seat, or pay a partial fee to return as a standby. No priority is given for the next open class.

Failure to appear at a classroom or riding session forfeits the course fee, even if you have a really good reason. The entire fee must be repaid to take the course again with a confirmed seat, or pay a partial fee to return as a standby.

IMPORTANT: Any potential student who possesses a license that has been restricted due to one or more convictions for driving while impaired may not participate in any CMSP classes until all restrictions to the license have been lifted.