FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This course is around two hours, but it depends upon the class size, weather, length of breaks, discussions, etc.

No, this is not a licensing course.

With successful completion of the riding evaluation for the Basic RiderCourse, Basic RiderCourse 3-Wheel and the Experienced RiderCourse (BRC2), you will be issued a course completion card. The State of Alaska, Department of Motor Vehicles, accepts this card as proof that you have taken the class and passed the riding evaluation. The DMV still requires you to take their written test which you can do at DMV (in person or online) UMV or authorized testing facility such as Alaska Leather. Take your Course Completion card to the DMV or UMV within one year of class completion and you will get a new license with a M1 endorsement or an M3 endorsement, assuming that you don’t have any outstanding warrants, traffic violations or parking tickets. Keep in mind, the Anchorage Police Department and Alaska State Troopers do not accept the completion card in lieu of an endorsement so you need to go to the DMV, wait in line, fill out the forms, play with the pencils and sit on the bench and get a new license. You get a new picture too.

In general the 3 Wheel Basic RiderCourse is broken down into 2 parts,

Part 1: eCourse (at your home on your schedule) the link is in your confirmation email. This MANDATORY eCourse takes approximately 5 hours. You do not have to do it all in one sitting, however it will need to be completed prior to Part 2.

Part 2
Day 1: Beginning promptly at 5pm. You will ride for approximately 5 hours and have off bike discussion/exercises and breaks.

All class ending times are approximate and based on the actual start time of the class as well as the advance preparation of the students. Range times vary due to rider participation, weather, and other random factors. It is helpful to the class as a whole if you show up early for everything. Showing up early for the range gets you riding sooner and allows time for you to ask questions. Show up early.

Don’t plan on staying up all night. You will be spending around 5 hours riding each day so take it easy and get as much rest as you can.
Day 2: We will then repeat the range times from the first day. You will ride for approximately 5 hours and have off bike discussion/exercises and breaks. The riding evaluation is conducted at the end of your range practice time on the second day. It is mandatory to take both days of the course to complete the evaluation successfully and obtain your completion card.

If you are taking IME—FirstRide or Basic RiderCourse then you do not need a bike. ABATE of Anchorage provides a variety of motorcycles under 500cc’s for you to learn to ride on.

If you are taking the Basic RiderCourse 2 or the Basic Rider Course 2 with passenger then you need to bring your own bike. For this course we recommend that you are familiar with your bike.

A motorcycle permit is not required for any of our courses. Proof of the DMV Written Test is required prior to taking the DMV Road Test.

When you sign up. Paying for the course when you sign up is your commitment to show up and we’ll be glad to see you!

The current class fee is listed for each class and is shown once you hit the Schedule button.

Yes and no. In the beginning of the season there is very high demand, and we will have students waiting. If you want to be on standby for a class you must register for the first available class and show up for the first class you really want. If a student is not prepared, i.e. they don’t have the proper gear or their eCourse done they will be told to reschedule and you can take their spot if you are there with all of your gear and your eCourse is completed.

What if you’re late for a cruise? The ship sails without you. Your slot will be given away to a standby person no ifs, ands or buts. If you are late for ANY scheduled session, you will not be allowed to continue the course.

Upon successful completion of the Basic RiderCourse or 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse you will get a Course Completion Card, this card waives the driving portion of the state’s requirements, you will need to take a written test with the DMV/UMV or authorized testing facility such as Alaska Leather in order to get the appropriate Motorcycle Endorsement on your license.

With successful completion of the riding evaluation for the Basic RiderCourse, Basic RiderCourse 3-Wheel and the Experienced RiderCourse (BRC2), you will be issued a course completion card. The State of Alaska, Department of Motor Vehicles, accepts this card as proof that you have taken the class and passed the riding evaluation. The DMV still requires you to take their written test which you can do at DMV (in person or online) UMV or authorized testing facility such as Alaska Leather. Take your Course Completion card to the DMV or UMV within one year of class completion and you will get a new license with a M1 endorsement or an M3 endorsement, assuming that you don’t have any outstanding warrants, traffic violations or parking tickets. Keep in mind, the Anchorage Police Department and Alaska State Troopers do not accept the completion card in lieu of an endorsement so you need to go to the DMV, wait in line, fill out the forms, play with the pencils and sit on the bench and get a new license. You get a new picture too.

All portions of the class are at the Range on the frontage road just off Tudor Road, 3600 E Tudor Road. Come early to your class because there is a waiting list and if you show up late you might lose your spot in the class. Click to see map.

• Helmet. We have loaner helmets for the IME—FirstRide and BasicRider courses.
• Eye protection. Glasses (prescription, not fashion), sunglasses or safety glasses.
• Long sleeves in the form of a jacket, sweatshirt or a long sleeve t-shirt. Think layers. If it is hot you will want to take your jacket or sweatshirt off and you need to have long sleeves for a variety of reasons.
• Gloves. Full-finger leather or riding gloves. Absolutely NO fingerless gloves allowed.
• Pants that aren’t loose around the ankles. Leave your bell bottoms at home.
• Over the ankle footwear. You need ankle support when you are riding. Sturdy boots, over the ankles and lace-ups are acceptable. Open toed sandals are expressly PROHIBITED.
• Raingear, just in case. We call it rain insurance.
• Water, granola bars, etc. There are portable toilets but no other facilities.

What if it rains? Rain is something you will face as a rider eventually. So, what better way to prepare for that than training in the rain and by doing so in a controlled environment. Riding in the rain is more fun than you might think, so don’t worry about it. This is the perfect environment to learn in.

We have a high passing rate but passing is not guaranteed. Take it easy and have some fun. If you do not successfully complete the riding evaluation you are allowed one free re-test within 30 days. Retests are done on most Tuesdays, please call 907-562-2339 to schedule.

The Basic RiderCourse costs $295.00

No, however you may show up at the classroom the first night of class at 5:45PM. You must be pre-registered with homework in hand. We will choose standby names (randomly) at 6:15PM if there are slots available.

What if you’re late for a cruise? The ship sails without you. Your slot will be given away to standby person at 6:15PM no ifs, ands or buts. If you are late for ANY scheduled session, you will not be allowed to continue the course.

Upon successful completion of either the Basic or Experienced RiderCourses you will get a Course Completion Card, this card waives the driving portion of the states requirements, you will need to take a written test with the DMV/UMV in order to place a Motorcycle Endorsement on your license.

The Basic RiderCourse 2 takes approximately 5 hours and it runs from 5:00 to 10:30 PM or later. Just one evening on the range. For the Basic RiderCourse 2-License Waiver there is a Mandatory online course that takes about 4 hours and is completed at home within 30 days of your course. At the end of the evening, you have the option of participating in the riding skills evaluation to obtain a completion card.

You do not need a motorcycle endorsement. You need a fully functional street-legal motorcycle with current registration and proof of insurance. This course is perfect for recent BRC graduates, great as a spring refresher, to sharpen skills, or to get more comfortable with that new or new-to-you bike. If desired, this course may also be taken while carrying a dedicated passenger.

Yes, you must use your own motorcycle to practice and become comfortable with managing traction, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving.

Even if you've been riding for some time, there is always something new to learn or re-learn. Seasoned riders need to keep skills sharp to avoid complacency and stay out of trouble! This is a great opportunity to improve basic street riding techniques and crash-avoidance maneuvers, or to get more comfortable with that new or new-to-you bike. This is also the only course that may be taken while carrying a dedicated passenger.

Braking, swerving, limited-space maneuvers, cornering judgment, multiple curves hazard avoidance. This is a great opportunity to improve street riding techniques and crash-avoidance maneuvers.

Qualified graduates may receive insurance premium discounts with some motorcycle insurers.

Upon successful completion of the Basic RiderCourse 2-License Waiver Skills Evaluation you will get a Course Completion Card. This card waives the driving portion of the state’s requirements, you will need to take a written test with the DMV/UMV or authorized testing facility such as Alaska Leather in order to get a Motorcycle Endorsement on your license.

You must provide a motorcycle with current registration, proof of insurance and a Motorcycle Permit. The motorcycle must be street legal and in good operating condition.

We will enter your results into the DMV System the evening of your test. The next business day you will be able to go to the DMV and they can view your results in their system. The DMV will then issue your endorsement providing you have met all their requirements.

There is not a knowledge test or skill test. All Course participants will receive a completion card and the ARC Rider Handbook.

No, but it is preferred. You can rent a training motorcycle for $100 if needed. For a borrowed motorcycle to be used, written permission from the owner must be provided. A motorcycle must be in appropriate operating condition as determined by a course RiderCoach.

It is a partial-day event lasting around five hours. There are 11 riding and four discussion lessons. Some of the riding lessons are optional to "discuss only" or "discuss/demo only," depending on variables such as the surface composition, rider aptitude and comfort, and the availability of an appropriate hill.

There is not a knowledge test or skill test. All Course participants will receive a completion card and the ADV Rider Handbook.

As an off-pavement course, the ADVRC riding lessons require more stamina and dexterity than typical on-pavement street courses. The course is for licensed riders who own an adventure bike (ADV) and have experience with it on the street. No experience riding off-pavement is required. Early riding exercises determine if a rider possesses the needed skills to complete the course.

What defines an ADV for the purpose of this course? An OEM-manufactured, street-legal motorcycle designed for long-distance highway riding as well as off-pavement riding. Motorcycles must have sufficient off-pavement capabilities for the course, with a Coach making the final determination. Conversion or modified motorcycles are not suitable. Motorcycles with tires designed solely for on-pavement operation are not suitable. If you do not have a suitable motorcycle we may have a rental available for $100. For a borrowed motorcycle to be used, written permission from the owner must be provided.