About the Program
Successful course completion is dependent upon the student's performance. You must attend all classes, and meet the performance standard for a written exam and a skill evaluation. Tardiness is not permitted. Riding participation is PROHIBITED if you miss any portion of the class. There are no exceptions to this rule!
South Carolina Motorcycle Education Program courses are taught by our instructors as a public service with materials provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. This does not imply any endorsement by the MSF of the sponsors, supporting organizations and businesses, equipment, motorcycles, or other materials involved in the presentation of a Rider Course. Our aim is to expose you to ways to ride more safely. While we cannot and will not assume responsibility for the safe operation of your motorcycle, it is our hope that by presenting responsible viewpoints on safety we will expose riders and the general public to proper and prudent motorcycle operation. We're here to assist your learning, we cannot guarantee it or put it to use.
In order to receive a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course completion card, you must complete a series of skill demonstrations to a predefined standard, and score a minimum of 80% on a written knowledge exam. Nationwide, about 90% of the students who are present at the end of course successfully complete the course. Perfect attendance is required. Once any portion of the building block process is missed, you will not be permitted to continue as an active participant. At the discretion of the Instructor, you may be able to observe the remainder of the class.
Safety
The South Carolina Motorcycle Education Program is about safety. There are certain hazards inherent to riding a two-wheeled motorized vehicle weighing several hundred pounds no matter where you ride - including the training range. In order to ensure this is as safe an experience as possible, students must wear the minimum required safety equipment when participating in the range exercises. This is not negotiable. Students who do not have the required safety equipment at the beginning of the range exercises will not be allowed to complete the training, and registration fees will be forfeited. The required equipment is as follows:
- A D.O.T. approved helmet. Helmets are available in most sizes at locations where the BC course is taught. If you do have your own helmet, it is recommended you use it in class provided it is DOT approved. A DOT approved helmet will have a sticker on the back, a label on or inside the helmet stating the manufacturer's name, model, size, month and year of manufacture, and construction materials. Helmets meeting the minimum DOT safety standard have an inner foam liner - usually about one inch thick - of firm polystyrene foam. Unsafe helmets normally contain only soft foam padding or a bare plastic shell with no foam at all.
- Sturdy footwear which covers the ankle, e.g., riding boots or hiking boots. Tennis shoes or sneakers are not acceptable.
- Long pants - denims acceptable. Spandex discouraged.
- Long sleeved shirt or jacket.
- Full fingered gloves. Leather is recommended to ensure protection and enhance grip.
- Eye protection. Sunglasses are acceptable, safety glasses are encouraged. A face shield is good, but the low speeds on the training range do not ensure good ventilation.
There are other optional safety and convenience items you should bring to the range, depending on the weather: water, "sport drinks", sun screen, bug spray, a change of clothes for after range exercises (at least a t-shirt), and a rain suit. Just like in real life, classes take place rain or shine, with rare exceptions made when lightning or other severe weather conditions create a hazard to students.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles are provided for the BC students at specific locations. These are (typically) standard or cruiser style motorcycles with 125-250cc engines, and weighing approximately 300 pounds. Personal motorcycles may be used in the RSS course as long as it meets the recommended engine size limits (100cc to 500cc), can pass the "T-CLOCK" inspection (see below) and the owner meets insurance requirements (see below). EC and IC students must ride their own street legal motorcycles. Students using privately owned motorcycles must provide proof of ownership and/or a signed and NOTARIZED permission from the registered owner. Proof of insurance is also required. Current SC registration and SC insurance identification cards must be presented prior to the start of range exercises. "Tag Applied For" plates are not permitted, as these indicate the owner has not had the motorcycle long enough to get the required experience on the motorcycle to be used in class.
Personally owned motorcycles must pass a safety inspection prior to the start of range exercises. Mechanically unsafe motorcycles will not be permitted in class. This is not negotiable! Students who do not have the required evidence of registration (and/or authorization for use), evidence of insurance coverage, or a motorcycle which can pass the safety inspection at the beginning of the range exercises will not be allowed to complete the training, and registration fees will be forfeited. EC, IC, and BC students using personally owned motorcycles should request the "T-CLOCK" inspection from the local sponsor (Technical College) or download it below. Student's should inspect their motorcycles prior to coming to class, ensure the bike has a full tank of gas, and that (cold tire) air pressures are proper. Improperly inflated tires are the number one cause of tire failure.
Download the T-CLOCK Inspection Form ยป
Cost
For 2009, Beginning Motorcycle Class (BC) courses are $239. Motorcycles are provided for use by students in the BC course. Intermediate Motorcycle Classes (IC) are $139, and Experienced Motorcycle Classes (EC) are $79. Tuition is subject to change without notice. Check with your local sponsor (school) at the time of registration.
Motorcycle Safety Course Forms
If you wish to save some time during the first class session please download these forms and read before class.
- Course Waiver Form (You will be required to complete an original and sign it in class)
- Permission to Operate Form (For all borrowed personally owned motorcycles being used in the class)
- TCLOCK Inspection Form (For Personally Owned Motorcycles only which are to be ridden in class)
- Ground Rules Acknowledgement (Beginning Motorcycling Class)
- Ground Rules Acknowledgement (Intermediate Motorcycling Class)
- Ground Rules Acknowledgement (Experienced Motorcycling Class)