Motorcycle Safety

Basic RiderCourse

If you haven't had much riding experience, or if you've never ridden at all this course is for you. Students learn how to operate a motorcycle, the best protective clothing to wear, how to avoid dangerous situations, and, what's most important, how to get out of those dangerous situations you can't avoid.

Students are required to take an MSF eCourse online prior to the first day of the Basic RiderCourse. MSF eCourse fee is included in the class tuition.

Upon successful completion of the two-day course, students are issued an MSB-8 certificate which should satisfy the Texas Department of Public Safety's driving and written exams for those 18 and older. Students less than 18 years of age will still need to take the driving portion at the DMV.

The Texas Motorcycle Law requires the completion of a Basic Motorcycle Course to receive a new motorcycle license (M endorsement). More information on the law is available at the Texas DPS Motorcycle and Moped licenses.

Basic RiderCourse Requirements & Dates

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:

2020

Aug. 1-2
Aug. 15-16
Aug. 22-23
Sept. 5-6
Sept. 19-20
Sept. 26-27
Oct. 3-4
Oct. 10-11
Oct. 24-25
Nov. 7-8
Dec. 5-6

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.
Registration Information
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 check, MasterCard, VISA, or Discover (cash payments must be made at the Welcome Center/Student Services).

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.
Basic RiderCourse FAQs
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 300cc 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 instructional permit 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.
Useful Links
Motorcycle RiderCoaches

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.

Jerry Glassic

Jerry Glassic started as a RiderCoach for Victoria College in June 2015. He is a graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. degree in Computer Science and has over 21 years of experience in healthcare IT. He has worked for 3M since 2004 and is presently an Implementation Support Analyst in the Health Information Systems division. He is a devoted father of two children, participates in billiards league, and is active in the PTA and KC’s. He collects hobbies in his free time and is usually making, building, fixing or upgrading something. Jerry has been riding motorcycles since 2000 and has owned sport bikes and cruisers over the years. Currently he rides a Yamaha FZ-09. Jerry has always been enthusiastic about riding and the benefits provided by the MSF Basic Rider Course for riders of all experience levels.

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 and has been a Peace Officer for over 37 years. Lee is currently employed by the Victoria Police Department as a Sergeant assigned to the Patrol Division.

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.