Motorcycle Safety

Students must be able to ride and balance a bicycle. Students must provide and wear the following required safety gear: DOT approved helmet, eye protection (glasses or face shield), full-fingered gloves, long-sleeve shirt or jacket, over-the-ankle boots (with low heels), long pants (jeans or sturdy material with no holes or tears).

Upcoming Basic RiderCourse classes: 

2023

• Jan. 14-15 - FULL
• Jan. 21-22
• Jan. 28-29
• Feb. 4-5
• Feb. 11-12
• Feb. 18-19
• March 4-5
• March 25-26
• April 1-2
• April 22-23
• April 29-30
• May 6-7
• May 20-21
• May 27-28

Class times
This course takes a full weekend to complete. 
Class meets Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Locations
This class is held at the VC Emerging Technology Complex, Industrial Training Center, Room 221 which is adjacent to the motorcycle riding range.

The following forms must all be completed and returned to the WCE office in order for registration to be complete. Note: Minor must be accompanied by his/her parent or legal guardian and must register in person.

• Motorcycle Basic RiderCourse Registration Forms

Register by mail. Print the forms above. Mail completed forms and payment to:

            Victoria College
            Workforce & Continuing Education
            Emerging Technology Complex
            Conference and Education Center
            7403 Lone Tree Road
            Victoria, TX 77905

Tuition may be paid by cash, check, MasterCard, VISA, or Discover.

Note: The registration is neither complete nor secure until fees are paid.

The Workforce & Continuing Education Office is located in the Emerging Technology Complex Conference & Education Center, 7403 Lone Tree Road, Suite 309. 

Note: The Registration, Waiver, Student Information Forms, and a copy of your valid driver's license are required with payment in order to register for the course.

1. How much does the course cost? The Basic RiderCourse is $250.
2. When is payment due? Payments can be made up until the last business day before the class, but please note that registration is neither complete nor secure until payment has been made. 
3. What time is the course held?  The course is held on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. What will I need to bring to the course? Review the admissions and requirements to learn what you need to bring and what will be provided.
5. What type of motorcycles will we use during the course? We use Kawasaki, Honda, and Suzuki motorcycle models 250cc or less.
6. Where does the course take place? The course is held at the Emerging Technology Complex, Industrial Training Center room 221, 7403 Lone Tree Road.  
7. Who will teach the course? Our RiderCoaches are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Please visit Motorcycle RiderCoaches to learn more about our instructors.
8. I've never ridden a motorcycle. Is this course for me? Absolutely! The Basic RiderCourse is designed for students who have not had much riding experience or who have never ridden a motorcycle at all.
9. Does this course waive the written and driving portion of the DPS motorcycle test? Successful completion of the Basic RiderCourse should waive both the written and driving portions of the Texas DPS test, for those 18 and over.  Students less than 18 years of age will still need to take the driving portion at the DMV. 
10. What is the refund guideline? Refunds are issued due to course cancellation or student withdrawal before the first class day. If a course is canceled by the College or the student drops the course before the first class day, a 100% tuition refund is automatically issued to the enrolled student. Students who must drop a course before the first class day are responsible for giving advance notice of the withdrawal to the appropriate College office during office hours. Refunds are not issued for students who fail to show up for class or arrive late.
11. What happens if it rains during the course? The course is held rain or shine! The instructor may stop or postpone the class if he or she deems it necessary in the event of dangerous weather conditions.
12. When is the Basic RiderCourse offered? The course is offered on the weekends: 
    Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
13. How old do I need to be to register for this course? Students must be at least 15 years old before the class begins and must have a Class C learner license or an unrestricted Class C, or higher, driver's license. Note: Minor must be accompanied by his/her parent or legal guardian and must register in person. 
14. Is there a guarantee that I will pass the course? No. To complete the course, riders must pass a knowledge and skills test. While many students pass on their first attempt, it is not uncommon for some students to repeat the course.  Tuition will be charged for repeating the course.

• TDLR Motorcycle and ATV Operator Safety
  
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation
• LookLearnLive.org
• American Motorcycle Association
• National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators
• Dale's Fun Center
• Victoria Harley-Davidson
• Atzenhoffer's Velocity Powersports

Aftan Puente

Aftan Puente received her certification on April 2013.  The Bay City native is a graduate of Victoria College and UHV with a Bachelor of Science in math. The former full-time math teacher now full time mother also works as a part-time educator, serving as a VC adjunct instructor and private tutor when she isn't on the range.  She was the first female RiderCoach at Victoria College.  She began riding in 2009 and  owns a 2009 Suzuki Boulevard M50 special edition.  When she is working, she says it doesn't feel like a job. She enjoys helping students learn and have serious fun.

Lee Lemmons

Lee Lemmons, a resident of Victoria since 1995 and one of Victoria College's newest MSF certified RiderCoaches, is excited to share his joy of safe, responsible motorcycle riding with others. He began his riding experience at the age of 12 on a Honda Trail 70. He currently rides a Kawasaki Voyager 1700 and Kawasaki Concours 1400. Lee is married, a father and grandfather. He is a graduate of the Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science in Houston, Texas. Lee retired from the Victoria Police Department as a Sergeant after serving as a Peace Officer for over 38 years.  

Michael Rojas

Michael Rojas began riding motorcycles as a high school student in Houston. After retiring from the U.S. Army where he served as a helicopter mechanic, Michael returned to his hometown of Victoria and earned his Associate of Science degree at Victoria College. Through the years, Michael has collected a stable of vintage and eclectic motorcycles that include a cruiser, sport bike, enduro, motocrosser, scooter, and moped. One of his biggest thrills was racing motocross in the Houston Astrodome. His hobbies include mountain biking, restoring ninth-generation Ford F-150 trucks, and riding motorcycles.