After enrolling, you should be contacted by your dealership with any specifics to your course, including what to bring, what is required, and where and when to meet. Some dealers will have the coach call you, welcome you, remind you of items to bring and answer any questions you might have about the class.

DMV Requirements:

All students must obtain a valid, non‑expired Motorcycle “M” Permit from the DMV before the first day of riding. This is a requirement by the state of Illinois. To schedule an appointment you’ll select a new DL/Permit and confirm you are of 18 years of age and a US citizen. The best time to book online is early in the morning (between 6:30–7:30 am).

Schedule your DMV appointment here

Online eCourse

Within 30 days of your class start date, you’ll need to complete the online eCourse using the link provided in your enrollment email. Plan ahead as the eCourse takes about 3 hours to complete. Proof of completion is required on the first day of class (a printed copy, photo or screenshot of your certificate is acceptable).

What to Bring to Class

Please bring the following items with you:

• Your valid driver’s license
• Your Motorcycle “M” Class learner’s permit from the Illinois Secretary of State (DMV)
• Your MSF Basic eCourse completion certificate (with certificate number; photocopy or screenshot acceptable)
• All items listed on the Class Gear Checklist*

It’s a good idea to dress in layers for comfort and to bring rain gear suitable for riding. Please remember that we do not rent gear, so you’ll need to provide your own on the first day of class. You can print this section out as a reminder for what you will need.

If you do not have appropriate, well‑fitting gear at the start of the first range day, you may not be allowed to complete the class. We recommend that sometime before the first night of class, take what you have to the dealer to get it checked out.

They can help you ensure that you have the right equipment.

CLASS GEAR LIST

• Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
• Long pants (heavy denim or riding pants recommended)
• Sturdy over the ankle footwear (Not canvas, low heel, NO athletic shoes)
• Eye protection (helmet visor, eye glasses, sun glasses, goggles acceptable)
• Full-finger gloves (motorcycle specific recommended)
• DOT-certified helmet style based on the requirements of your state

SHOPPING FOR A HELMET

When it comes to helmets, this is the most important piece of gear you’ll invest in, and it’s also very personal. Buying your own helmet ensures the best fit and allows you to focus on learning to ride compared to borrowing one.

Dealer staff are trained to help with proper fitting and will ensure you get the right one. Our staff will suggest you wear the one you settle on around the dealer for about 15 minutes. It takes that long for the helmet to really let you know if it will be comfortable in the long run. Remember, helmets are not typically returnable once they leave the dealership, so take the time to find the right one.

Coach Tip:  More coverage means better protection. A full‑face helmet offers the highest level of safety, followed by a modular design. Open‑face or ¾ helmets still provide good protection if a full‑face feels restrictive, but half helmets—though popular—offer the least protection.

Novelty helmets provide no protection and are also prohibited for use in class.

The first class meeting typically lasts about three hours and begins with a tour of the dealership, completion of class paperwork, and an opportunity to meet your peers and coaches. During the paperwork session, you’ll hear reminders about punctuality, required gear, and overall expectations—this is simply to ensure everyone starts on the same page

You’ll get a ROADBOOK - this is a small Harley-Davidson® Journal that you will use to reflect on important points throughout the class. A review of the eCourse will be next, which gives you a chance to better understand important points of the eCourse. Jump in there and participate! A lot of what is being discussed you have already seen firsthand as a car driver. Then the class will turn to new material – an activity to help demystify motorcycle controls and their use will be held, as well as an activity to help understand important aspects of riding gear.

Toward the end of the evening, coaches will explain what to expect on range days, including what to bring, where the range is located, and when to arrive. The range itself is a large, flat practice lot—either on dealership property or nearby—that is blocked off from traffic to provide a safe, controlled learning environment. The classroom session usually concludes with a discussion of range rules and hand signals, all designed to help you feel comfortable and prepared for the riding portion of the course.

Coach Tip: If you’re unsure of the range location, drive by it on your way home rather than scrambling to find it the morning of class. And don’t forget to pack snacks to stay energized—bottled water will be provided by the dealership.

A typical course includes two days on the range, each designed to build your skills step by step. We will ride rain or shine on our Harley-Davidson X350RAs or Street 500s.

First Day Riding: Your first range session focuses on getting familiar with the motorcycle—how to start it, move it from point A to point B, and shut it down properly. You’ll learn the fundamentals of clutching, shifting, turning, and stopping. Each exercise builds on the last, helping you progress quickly and effectively. Expect each exercise to last about 40 minutes, with breaks in between for ROADBOOK reflections, water, and time to relax with classmates.

After the range, most programs hold a classroom session at the dealership. This afternoon session emphasizes rider behaviors and self‑assessment, and the more you participate, the more you’ll gain from it.

Coach Tip: Riding can be mentally and physically demanding. Plan to rest that night so you’re fresh for the second day.

Second Day: Riding Day two shifts to advanced riding skills such as cornering, swerving, and maximum braking. Just like the first day, you’ll complete two exercises back‑to‑back with a ROADBOOK break in between. These sessions are at slightly higher speeds and are often the most fun—you’ll see plenty of smiles as confidence grows.

At the end of the second day, coaches will set up and score five evaluation exercises. These are based on the same drills you’ve already practiced, serving as a fair measure of your current abilities before heading out on the open road. Stay relaxed, listen to your coaches, and watch the riders ahead of you to understand the path of travel and techniques being scored.

Coach Tip: Don’t grade yourself during evaluations. Not every aspect of the exercise is scored, and most mistakes only cost a few points. Riders who dwell on errors often make more. Focus on riding your best.

After evaluations, your coach will share your results. If you don’t pass or feel you need more practice, don’t worry—there are often opportunities to retake part of the course or the class as a whole. Speak with your Riding Academy Manager to explore your options.

The final classroom meeting may include state‑specific content, a little paperwork, and, of course, some well‑deserved celebrating. By this point, you’re officially part of the family!

Students who successfully complete both the classroom and range sessions will receive a completion certificate along with an MSF completion card, which may even qualify you for insurance discounts. Keep in mind, however, that these documents are not a motorcycle license and are not recognized by law enforcement as such. 

After finishing the dealership portion of your Riding Academy Course,  Riding Academy staff will reach out to arrange testing for your official “M” classification. Once you’ve earned your license, the road is yours—get out there and enjoy the ride!

We understand that every rider learns at their own pace, and we’re here to support your journey. We have a few options to get you going again.

Class Retakes: If you feel you need more time to build confidence, you may retake the Riding Academy course. Reach out to our Riding Academy staff for details on scheduling and availability.

Additional Practice: This is an option for those who have already taken our course and completed it regardless of result. Extra practice sessions are available for riders who want more time on the range. This type of session is a 1 day course designed to reinforce skills and deliver more time in the saddle to boost your confidence.  You will need to reach out to the Riding Academy staff to discuss this in further detail to determine if this is an appropriate option for you.

Attendance is mandatory for all Riding Academy classes. You need to attend all 3 days of classroom and the range. Arriving late or missing class will automatically disqualify you, so please be on time. No refunds will be issued for missed or late attendance.  

We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you miss a class or need to reschedule, please contact us so we can go over your options. 

Cancellations and reschedules with less than 14 days notice will result in forfeiture of your entire tuition and will not be refunded.

For students who are not a graduate: You are not eligible to participate and will need to complete our New Rider Course in order to qualify.

Current‑season graduates will be invited by Riding Academy staff upon successful completion and will receive guidance regarding testing requirements. Alumni from previous years must re‑take the course in order to be eligible for licensing.

Showing up prepared is part of the ride. All students must wear the proper riding attire regardless of the weather. This includes long pants, a long‑sleeve shirt or jacket, and sturdy non-athletic footwear. You can review specifically what you need to bring in the “What should I wear” section or your gear checklist that is gone over the first day in the classroom. Our dealership is equipped to handle inquires on what you will need as well so please feel free to stop by or contact our motorclothes department to schedule a gear fitting.

Yoga pants, shorts, Crocs, or sandals are not permitted. Without the required gear, you will not be able to participate in range sessions, and no refunds will be issued as a result. Be smart—check the forecast and dress for the season so you’re ready to ride.

For footwear, any leather boots or high‑top shoes are recommended. Dress and athletic shoes are not suitable. Riders are welcome to bring an extra set of gear if they’d like to change during the day. Gentlemen should avoid steel‑toe boots, as they can interfere with shifting. Ladies should avoid boots with heels for comfort and control.

Our Riding Academy coaches may remove a student from the course if they demonstrate behavior that poses a danger to themselves or others. In these cases, no refund or automatic reschedule will be provided. Students who are removed must contact Riding Academy staff directly to discuss available options.

No refunds will be offered if you were removed from the course.

We do not. We only offer 2 wheel Motorcycle Training.

If you’re looking to obtain your M‑Classification to legally ride a 3‑wheel motorcycle, we recommend enrolling in our New Rider Course. While the course does not include 3‑wheel training, it will provide the licensing you need to operate your 3‑wheeler on the road

We’re always looking for passionate riders to join our team of coaches. If you’re interested, please complete the form below to see if you qualify — our Riding Academy staff will reach out to you with next steps if selected

If you’re simply looking for information on how to become a coach, please reach out to us and our team will provide you with all the details. 

Coach interest form here