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Home > Adult and Continuing Education > Upcoming Events > Motorcycle Basic Rider Course > Frequently Asked Questions
 
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain my temporary motorcycle permit?

Visit any Deputy Registrar office and ask for a motorcycle permit packet.  There is a $23 fee for this packet.  You must take a written test to validate your permit before you start the Basic Rider class.  To help you study for this written test, be sure to pick up a Motorcycle Operator Manual and a Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws.

After studying for the test , go to a drivers license exam station and take a vision test and the motorcyle written test.  No fee is charged for either test.


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Do I need a temporary motorcycle permit before I register for class?

No, but you do need a permit before you start the class.  We suggest that you get your permit at least a week prior to taking the class.  You must bring your permit the first day/night of class.


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I'm 15-1/2 years old. Can I take this Basic Rider class?

Yes, you can take the class if you have your temporary motorcyle permit.   But the course completion card can only be used within 60 days of the class completion date as a waiver for the state motorcyle skills test.  Those under 18 must meet Graduated Driver Licensing requirements.  Note:  Minors will need to have a parent or guardian sign forms on the first day/night of class.


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I did not have my permit the first day/night of class, so the instructor would not let me start the class. Can I still get into the class?

You will have to re-register for a later class.  Call 513-771-8881, and explain your situation.  Our registration staff will give you the next available class openings, so that you can select the one that fits your schedule.  A $25 registration fee will be required for this later class.


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Do I get my motorcycle endorsement by taking this class?

Yes.  Present the course completion card to a Deputy Registrar within 60 dys of the course completion date.  Those under 18 must also meet Graduated Driver Licensing requirements.


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I don't live in Ohio. Can I get my endorsement by taking this class?

Yes.  You must have a valid motorcycle permit to take this course.  Both Indiane and Kentucky recognize completion of the Ohio Basic Rider MSF course as a waiver for the rider test.  After successfully completing the course, do the following: 

Indiana:  Contact John Bodeker, Indiana Education Department, 317-232-0893 or 800-446-9227; fax 317-233-0858.

Kentucky: Take the completion card to your local county license location.

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I'm already registered for a class, but I have a schedule conflict on the class date. Who should I call?

Call 513.771.8881 or 800.441.6257 at least two weeks before your scheduled start date to request a change.  You will be given priority in filling any available opening during this riding season.  If you call less than two weeks before the class start date, or if you have already scheduled previously, an additional $25 registration fee is required.  NO REFUNDS will be made for this class.


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I was not able to attend the class I registered for. Do I have to register again?

Yes, you can call 513.771.8881 or 800.441.6257 to register for a later class.  Registration staff will provide you with available class openings.  A $25 registration fee is required, and can be paid by credit/debit card.


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My work schedule changes, so it is hard for me to schedule a class. What do you suggest?

We offer a variety of class schedule dates, so re-check the schedule to seee if any might work.  You might also try the standby walk-in process.  See Options to consider when classes are filled for details.


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I've already paid the $25 registration fee. Why do I have to pay again?

A $25 registration fee is required for each class.  You can avoid an additional fee when rescheduling a class if: 1) you can at least two weeks before the start date, and 2) this is your first rescheduled class.  If you need to reschedule a second time, or if you call less than two weeks before the class start date, and additional $25 registration fee is required.  Please call 513.771.8881 or 800.441.6257, and you will be given priority in filling any available opening during the current riding season.
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How can I get in the next available class?

Online registration will start at 1:01 a.m. on three Saturdays - see Online Registration Information.  If online registration is not convenient for you, you could have someone else register you online for a class.  You could also register by calling 513.771.8881 or 800.441.6257 during normal business hours on Monday through Friday after the registration start date, or you could try our standby walk-in process.

 


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Is there a waiting list for classes?

No, we do not use a waiting list for the motorcycle safety classes.  But you might consider trying to get into a class as a standby walk-in.  See When Classes Are Filled for details.

You could also try the standby walk-in process to enter a class earlier than the one you are already registered for.  If you get into the class, show the instructor your payment receipt that shows you have paid the $25 registration fee for a later class.

 


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Can I use my own motorcycle or scooter, instead of the state provided motorcycle?

Yes, you can request permission from the Columbus Motorcycle Ohio office to use your own motorcycle or scooter-if it is between 100 and 500 cc.  Click here for details or call 1.800.837.4337.

 

 


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What clothing do I need to wear when riding?

There are specific clothing requirements, as follows:

  •  Over the ankle sturdy footwear
  • Full-finger gloves
  • Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
  • Long pants without holes - preferably jeans
  • DOT-approved helmet if you have one.  We also have helmets that you can use.
  • Eye protection if using an open-faced helmet or a full-face helmet with the face shield open.

See additional information on the Motorcycle Ohio website.


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Are classes cancelled if it rains?

Riding stops during a thunder/lightning storm, but will continue after the lightning has stopped.  Otherwise classes continues in the rain.
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What will I learn in the class?

The Motorcycle Ohio website lists the topics covered in this class.  See www.motorcycle.ohio.gov, and select Basic Rider, then classroom topics.
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Why don't you hold more classes?

Over 1950 students completed motorcycle safety training during 2006 at Great Oaks.  We completed 161 Basic Rider classes.  This is an Ohio Department of Public Safety program, withy specific resource requirements and budget limitations.  Classes are limited to 12 students per class for the riding sessions.

 

 


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Why don't you hold classes during the Winter?

Motorcycle Ohio (under the Ohio Department of Public Safety) sets the policy and procedures for this training program.
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Why are the motorcycle classes in such demand?

Students who successfully complete the Motorcycle Ohio Basic Rider Course will have the State of Ohio skill test waived, and will receive their motorcycle endorsement/license upon presenting the course completion card to a Deputy Registrar.  Some insurance companies may also give a discount on policies to those that complete this course.
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I want to become an instructor. Who should I contact?

Instructor information is available at www.motorcycle.ohio.gov/instructors.htm.  Take the Basic Rider class if you have not already done so recently.  Also talk to one of our instructors after any Basic Rider class.
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