1.4 – Motorcycle Rider Education, Training, and License Test Waivers

The Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) offers rider education programs for every level of rider. GMSP also promotes motorist awareness programs, Share the Road campaigns, and focuses on highway safety issues affecting Georgia motorcyclists. The DDS directly operates 14 training sites throughout the state of Georgia. Rider training is popular and potentially life-saving. Without proper training, new riders are more likely to be involved in a crash. Experienced riders also can benefit from additional training to hone their crash-avoidance skills.

Three-Wheel Waiver Program

DDS is pleased to announce that the License Test Waiver Program has been expanded to include the Three Wheel Training Course. Since July 1, 2017, certified Motorcycle Training Schools that offer this training have the ability to issue a 90-day license test waiver upon successful completion of the course. This expansion is being implemented to enhance customer service, expand the Motorcycle Safety Program and to foster consistency.

Rider Education

When you take a Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program Course, you will receive professional training in risk management, motorcycle operation, and skilled riding techniques as well as earning a License Test Waiver (when you successfully complete a license test waiver course).

The License Test Waiver will allow you to bypass the knowledge test and the on-cycle skills test at a DDS Customer Service Center.

You may earn a License Test Waiver for your Motorcycle License in the Basic RiderCourse and Basic RiderCourse 2 License Waiver Course. A 90-day license test waiver is furnished to successful graduates. Courses are low-cost and provide professional training to assist riders in improving their skills in:

  • Turning
  • Traffic strategies
  • Braking
  • Evasive techniques
  • And more!

Basic RiderCourse

  • Self-paced eCourse and On-Cycle Training
  • For new & experienced riders
  • Motorcycle & helmet provided (at GMSP/DDS Training Centers)
  • Earn a Motorcycle License Test Waiver
  • $250.00: Enrollment fee (at GMSP/DDS Training Centers; see website for non-resident enrollment fee)

The Basic RiderCourse is the best way to prepare to obtain your motorcycle license. With no experience necessary, it is designed for beginning riders with no previous riding experience. We also recommend this course for riders who have not been on a motorcycle for a while. It combines practice riding on a closed course with classroom discussion.

GMSP provides training motorcycles and helmets at our DDS locations (there are additional riding gear requirements for students). If you own a scooter, you may ride your own scooter, 51-500cc, in the course. Scooter students must call GMSP at 678-413-8400 after registering and inform staff of their intention to use a scooter so we can notify your Coach.

The Basic RiderCourse offers complete and professional training. You will learn how to operate a motorcycle safely, with emphasis on the special skills and mental attitudes necessary for dealing with traffic. GMSP Coaches will start off with straight-line riding, turning, shifting and stopping.

You’ll gradually progress to cornering, swerving and stopping in shorter distances. In the classroom, you’ll learn about the different types of motorcycles, their characteristics, how they operate, and mental processes for riding.

The GMSP Coaches, all experienced motorcyclists, will advise you on what to wear for comfort, visibility and protection. You’ll find out how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to ride safely. A very important segment of the course will introduce a strategy for riding in traffic, and how to deal with critical situations. The course concludes with a knowledge test and an on-cycle skills evaluation.

Once you successfully complete the course, you will receive a 90-day motorcycle license test waiver. To register, go to the DDS website, or call 678-413-8400.

Basic RiderCourse 2 – License Waiver

If you are an experienced rider without a motorcycle license or have been riding on a permit, earn your license now.

  • 1-day Training
  • Ride your own bike
  • Earn a Motorcycle License Test Waiver with a Basic RiderCourse 2 - License Waiver (BRC2LW) course (some classroom)
  • $100.00 Enrollment fee (BRC2LW) (at GMSP/DDS Training Centers). NOTE: The enrollment fee is $150.00 for out-of-state residents.

To register, go to the DDS website, or call 678-413-8400.

Advanced RiderCourse (ARC)

The ARC is a one-day course that complements a rider’s basic skills and helps with personal risk assessment. It focuses on the complex skills of self-assessment, personal risk management, and riding strategies.

The ARC includes a fast-paced classroom segment with several interactive activities to improve perception and hazard awareness. Range exercises enhance both basic skills and crash avoidance skills. Improving braking and cornering finesse is emphasized. The course is beneficial for riders on any type of street motorcycle. For details and a list of facts including required riding gear, visit http://dds.georgia.gov/advanced-riders-course.

To register, go to the DDS website, or call: 678-413-8400.

Scooter Riders

Scooters have become a popular and sensible transportation option. Many people perceive them to be safer and easier to handle than a motorcycle. The reality is that any two-wheel vehicle takes a different skill set to maneuver on the street.

With that in mind, the GMSP welcomes scooter owners to participate in our License Waiver Basic and Basic 2 rider education courses. Scooter owners can now use their machine in a rider education program, and if successful, earn a license test waiver.

Of course, there are a few rules.

  • Students use their own scooters. No scooters are provided.
  • The scooter must be owned, registered, and insured by the student.
  • The scooter must be street-legal and be 500cc or less.
  • If the scooter is going to be ridden to and from class, a Class M Instructional Permit (MP) is required. (NOTE: Some classes are held after dark, and permit holders cannot ride after dark.) Students can trailer the scooter to the training location.
  • Scooter students must call GMSP at 678-413-8400 after registering and inform staff of their intention to use a scooter, so we can notify your Coach.

Military Waiver

A military member or dependent will not be subject to taking a knowledge test or skills test as if he/she has completed a class offered by the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program and/or recognized private sites.

Military members and dependents will be eligible to obtain a 90 day license waiver by submitting the following documents to the Motorcycle Safety Program:

  • Motorcycle Safety Program Military Waiver application
  • copy of a Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Basic RiderCourse, or Basic RiderCourse 2 completion card
  • copy of your current Georgia driver’s license
  • copy of your active, retired or dependent military I.D. and/or a copy of your DD214.

Once the documentation has been verified, a 90 day license waiver will be updated to his/her driving record. After receiving the waiver, the military member/dependent must visit their local DDS Customer Service Center within 90 days to obtain their Class M license. A military member or dependent that is not currently in the State of Georgia can go to the DDS website for information on renewing a license by mail.