Ride Prerequisites

PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS

  • Automobile Driver’s License is required!
  • Motorcycle Learner’s Permit is NOT required to take the Motorcycle Safety Program’s Basic RiderCourse.
  • A waiver of liability and acceptance of risk must be signed and dated prior to the first on-motorcycle training session.
  • Anyone younger than 18 years-of-age must have this waiver signed by their parent or guardian (and notarized if the parent or guardian signs outside the presence of Big Apple Motorcycle School personnel).

For one-on-one lessons (not the Basic RiderCourse), you will need a New York State Motorcycle Learner’s Permit in order to take lessons. The Learner’s Permit must be obtained from the NY State Department of Motor Vehicles. Effective September 2014, you do NOT need a NY Motorcycle Learner Permit prior to attending the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program’s Basic RiderCourse. However, a permit is still required to be eligible for the road test waiver and become licensed. Students don’t have to have a permit to attend the class, however, students are advised that the BRC does not waive the permit requirement and a valid permit will be required in order to waive the road test and apply for a license at DMV. You can get this AFTER completing the class as you will have to go back to DMV anyway. See: Changes to Learners Permit Requirement for more information. This policy change provides customers the convenience of making a single trip to DMV to get their motorcycle license instead of two trips, and it affords them the opportunity to experience motorcycling before having to commit to a permit. A motorcycle learner’s permit is still a requirement for any one-on-one lessons. A waiver of liability and acceptance of risk must be signed and dated prior to the first on-motorcycle training session. Anyone younger than 18 years-of-age must have this waiver signed by their parent or guardian (and notarized if the parent or guardian signs outside the presence of Big Apple Motorcycle School personnel).

GEAR REQUIREMENTS

  • A Helmet that meets DOT standards. (Because of COVID-19, it is recommended that each student provide this).
  • Shatter-resistant eye protection. Regular sunglasses are not adequate as proper eye protection! If using glasses, they must have foam backs to prevent air and dirt from entering the eyes and be shatter-proof. A helmet with faceshield is also considered proper eye protection.
  • Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear.
  • A long-sleeved shirt or jacket.
  • Long non-flare denim pants or equivalent protective material.
  • Full-fingered gloves. (Because of COVID-19, the student must provide this).

We require all students to wear a helmet designed to meet DOT standards, shatter-resistant eye protection, sturdy over-the-ankle footwear, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long non-flare denim pants or equivalent protective material and full-fingered gloves. Right now, we CANNOT provide a helmet and gloves because of COVID-19. Students MUST PROVIDE their own – helmets and they must be DOT-approved and eye protection must be provided; gloves must be full fingered . Important note: Regular sunglasses are not adequate as proper eye protection! If using glasses, they must have foam backs to prevent air and dirt from entering the eyes and be shatter-proof. A helmet with faceshield is also considered proper eye protection.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • You must be able to ride a bicycle!
  • Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before the course to determine if your medical condition, or the drugs that you are taking for it, could interfere with your ability to operate a motorcycle.

Riding a motorcycle requires alertness, coordination, balance, grip and fine muscle control of the hands and feet. Certain medical conditions, recent surgery or injury and/or certain prescription or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with safe motorcycle operation. If you have a history of dizzy spells, fainting, seizures, epilepsy, muscular, balance/inner ear or other physical or stress related problems, are recovering from recent injury or surgery and/or are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, it is imperative that you consult with your doctor or pharmacist before the course to determine if your medical condition, or the drugs that you are taking for it, could interfere with your ability to operate a motorcycle.