As a vital public service, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation is dedicated to providing the highest quality motorcycle training to the Clark County community and surrounding areas. Our staff of highly trained instructors offers both novice and intermediate riding classes.  We are proud that our location has been a Washington Motorcycle Safety Program-approved site for more than 20 years.

To view upcoming classes, please click on the RecConnect logo (to the right), then choose "class and activities," then "adult activities" then "motorcycle classes."

Types of Classes:

Starter Rider Session

Novice riders with absolutely no experience should enroll. This is a perfect course for building confidence and mastering basic skills. Gain experience in mounting and dismounting, control identification and usage, clutch control and getting underway, straight line riding, basic stopping and turning. This course DOES NOT offer a Washington motorcycle endorsement test waiver. Complete the SRS and then enroll in the Novice Rider Training for additional training and the opportunity to test for the endorsement test waiver, or re-enroll in this starter class for additional beginning practice. $99

Novice Rider Training

This is a very popular course designed for new riders and riders returning to the sport. The NRT is described by many of our students as rigorous, challenging and fun! Begin with motorcycle familiarization, controls, straight line riding, stopping and turning, and then move on to more advanced turning, stopping, and swerving techniques. Success on the skill test and written test earns the student a waiver of the State of Washington tests for a motorcycle endorsement. $50 (under 18 years of age), $125 subsidized, $189 non-subsidized.

Additional Riding Session

Designed for riders who have taken the NRT within the past 90 days and desire additional practice and riding time. Riders must have (successfully or unsuccessfully) completed the NRT to enroll. Gain more experience in the basics: clutch control, straight-line riding, stopping and turning. Additional practice is offered for stopping quickly, limited space maneuvers, cornering and curves, swerving, and the skill practice. (Skill practice only, the evaluation is not included.) This course does not offer a Washington motorcycle endorsement test waiver. Complete the Additional Riding Session and enroll again in the Novice Rider Training for the opportunity to complete the skill evaluation, or re-enroll for more practice.  $99

Intermediate Rider Training

The IRT is designed for those that currently own and operate a street-legal motorcycle. The course includes instruction and practice in stopping, turning, swerving and limited space maneuvers, plus other valuable techniques. Gain useful skills in a closed riding environment with guidance from our experienced instructors. Our students tell us this class is a great “spring tune-up” for learning about their limits. Students also tell us they learned and developed good riding habits and were able to discard bad habits. Success on the skill test and written test earns the student a waiver of the State of Washington tests for a motorcycle endorsement. $125

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: 

Motorcycling may expose riders to various levels of risk.

It is illegal to ride a motorcycle on public roads without a motorcycle license endorsement or a motorcycle permit. Riders are subject to state and local laws and the legal consequences for riding a motorcycle without a license.

Student owned motorcycles must pass a safety inspection prior to the class.

How much does it cost?
Novice Rider Training that is subsidized by the State of Washington is $125. For riders under the age of 18, it is $50. For out-of-state riders, the cost is $245. We also offer non-subsidized NRT classes for $189. The Intermediate Rider Training (IRT) is $125.

Please note: State instructors are required to monitor students' progress in the course according to specific parameters. If a student is dismissed because of an inability to meet any of these parameters, the student will not receive a refund.

Is my money refunded only if I do not pass or if I drop out? Refunds are given if we are notified 5 working days or more prior to the start of the class.

How do I qualify for the subsidized course?
Any person with a Washington state driver's license ( Washington resident), or any person who is in the military stationed in Washington is qualified to take the subsidized NRT.

I've never ridden a motorcycle before. What course is right for me?
The Starter Rider Session is the best place to begin. This course moves at a slower pace than Novice Rider Training. Consider taking the Starter Session then the NRT.

What if I'm an experienced rider? Is there a course for me?
We offer Intermediate Rider Training (IRT) for those who already have experience on the road. In order to take this course, you must have at least six months of riding experience, and/or ridden a total of at least 3,000 miles. You must have your own motorcycle (approval/inspection required), with proof of insurance.

How long is the course?
Novice Rider Training (NRT) is approximately 17 hours of instruction/riding, broken down into two, three or four days. We offer evenings/weekend classes as well as weekday classes. Intermediate Rider Training (IRT) is about six hours of instruction/riding completed in one or two days. The Starter Rider Session and the Additional Riding Session are approximately 5 hours of instruction/riding.

Do I need my own motorcycle?
The NRT, ARS and SRS do not require you to own your own motorcycle. We provide training motorcycles for your use. The Intermediate Rider Training (IRT) does require that you have your own motorcycle in well maintained and street legal condition (including noise emissions) to ride in the course.

Can I ride my own motorcycle during the beginner courses?
If your motorcycle meets all necessary requirements of our training motorcycles and you have the necessary insurance, you may be permitted to ride your own bike.

Will I still have to take a test at the DOL to get my endorsement?
If you successfully complete the Novice Rider Training (NRT) or the Intermediate Rider Course (IRC) you will receive a completion card. The card is valid for 180 days to have the endorsement added to your license, which is done at the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). There is a small fee, but you do not need to take any additional tests. Motorcycle fees support motorcycle safety training in the State of Washington !

What riding gear do I need in order to take these courses?
The following equipment is required for all classes.

• DOT approved helmet in good working condition (novelty helmets are not accepted)
• Eye protection (face shield, sunglasses, etc)
• Sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear/boots. No low shoes, tennis shoes, etc.
• Full-fingered leather gloves, motorcycle riding gloves preferred.
• Long sleeve shirt or jacket, pants (sturdy clothing)
• Raingear (we ride rain or shine, it’s Washington )
• Prepare for weather (rain gear, sunglasses, etc)
• Water and snacks.

Are classes cancelled for rainy weather?               
No, we ride rain or shine. Riders MUST be prepared for the elements. This includes rain gear and water proof attire for wet weather and sunscreen and sufficient hydration for hot weather. You will be outdoors for 4-6 hour durations. Be prepared!

Will I ride on the street in class?                          
No, all classes are conducted on a closed course riding area. This allows riders to practice skills in a safer riding environment relative to in traffic street riding.

“Subsidized/Non”? Motorcycle license endorsement fees provide the funding for all motorcycle safety training in the State of Washington . The state cannot provide unlimited subsidized funds, so we offer the option of non-subsidized classes with the goal of less wait time and more convenience for our customers. All Starter, Additional and Intermediate Rider courses are non-subsidized.

Can I be dismissed from the class?  Riders may be dismissed from any class for unsafe behavior or unsafe riding, missing class sessions or arriving late for class sessions, failure to observe course rules or meet objectives. State instructors are required to monitor students' progress in the course according to specific parameters. If a student is dismissed because of an inability to meet any of these parameters, the student will not receive a refund. Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation is not obligated to schedule riders into another course or refund course fees.

If I enroll in a class, will I receive an endorsement?  Two courses offer the opportunity for an endorsement test waiver.  The NRT and the IRT riders must pass both a knowledge test and a skills test.  Motorcycle license endorsements are granted only by the state.

Can I ride my motorcycle to class?
Students are reminded that riding a motorcycle to class on public streets without a proper learner's permit or license endorsement is against the law in the State of Washington .

How do I register for a class?
We currently have openings; please call 487-7001 Ext. 0 or 487-7027 to register for upcoming classes.

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, you must call 487-7001 Ext. 0 or 487-7027, at least five working days prior to the start of your class to receive a refund. There is a $5 processing fee.

Additional questions? E-mail David Miller