Basic Riding Courses in Bakersfield, Santa Clarita, and the Antelope Valley
Top Gun Motorcycle Training Centers
Learn to ride and get licensed!
We are part of the California Motorcyclist Safety Program and we are certified to teach the CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC). The MTC is mandatory for those under the age of 21, but is also recommended to those 21 and older who are seeking to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their California driver license.
The Motorcyclist Training Course is designed for the novice rider with no (or limited) street-riding experience. A typical class schedule consists of 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of riding practice. During this motorcycle riding course, you will learn fundamental skills required to operate the motorcycle and progress to street riding skills and strategies. Even though the Motorcyclist Training Course was designed with new riders in mind, most experienced riders that have taken the course have reported improving their riding skills considerably with it!
Topics covered include managing fear, understanding how motorcycles turn, proper cornering strategies, and emergency crash avoidance skills. The course is based on the most current research in rider safety and utilizes modern training methods.
Motorcycles and helmets are provided to all our students for the riding practice portion of the course.
Our course may waive the DMV riding skills test
Upon successful completion of the Motorcyclist Training Course, you will receive a DMV riding test waiver. There are written and riding evaluations after the course to ensure you have competence in the material covered in the basic course—you must pass both evaluations to graduate. Per California regulations, you will still need to complete the DMV written test.
eRider (EMTC) option offered at selected locations
The eRider option (also known as EMTC) allows you to take the classroom portion of the Motorcyclist Training Course, at your own pace, in the comfort of your home using our interactive online classroom. Once you have completed the first half of eRider, you can schedule your first on-cycle practice session. Then complete the second eRider half and schedule your second on-cycle practice session.
$395 for 21 and older
$375 for under 21
IMPORTANT: Do not enroll in this class if you are not able to balance and comfortably ride a two-wheeled bicycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get my motorcycle license by taking the class?
If you successfully complete the class, you will be mailed a DMV DL389 certificate which may waive the riding part of your license process. You will still be responsible for taking the DMV's written tests to complete your M1 license. Please consult your local DMV office for details and individual requirements.
What is the difference between MTC and EMTC (eRider)?
During a conventional MTC course, all the theory portion of the class in presented during two live classroom sessions (in person and/or online), with all the information presented by one of our certified instructors. During an EMTC course (also known as eRider), you can learn all the theory portion of the class at your own pace using online learning tools, guided by slideshows, videos and online questionnaires. Both MTC and EMTC require you to complete successfully both the theory and the riding portions of the class to graduate.
What do I have to wear?
CMSP requires a long-sleeve shirt or jacket, sturdy long pants without rips or holes, full fingered street-specific motorcycle or leather gloves, tough, over-the-ankle shoes or boots and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, face shield, etc). We can provide a helmet, but if you bring your own, it must be three-quarter, modular or full face and DOT approved.
What kind of bikes will we ride? Can I use my own bike?
We offer a wide variety of makes and models that are 125-250cc's. You may use your own motorcycle in the class, but it must meet two of three criteria set by the state program: 525cc or less, 425 lbs or less, and a seat height of 32" or less. Your motorcycle will be inspected for approval and you must also show proper registration and insurance documents.
What if I only want to ride a scooter?
California requires an M1 license for all motorcycles and scooters. You can use your own scooter in class as long as it meets the same criteria as training motorcycles (525cc or less, 425 lbs or less, and a seat height of 32" or less). Your scooter will be inspected for approval and you must also show proper registration and insurance documents.
Do I need to get my motorcycle permit first?
No. To enroll in the class, you only need a valid driver's license, DMV issued ID card or other ID issued by a government agency.
How long is the class?
It is approximately 15 hours total. About five hours are spent in the classroom and around 10 hours are on-bike practice. You can expect to ride between 24 and 30 miles during the class.
What are the schedules?
Classes are offered during the week and on weekends, depending on the location. For specific schedules, please check each location's page on this website.
Am I guaranteed to pass?
Neither passing nor getting a license is guaranteed. You must first attend all classroom and riding sessions and successfully complete a written test and skill test to pass. We will do our best to help you develop your skills but not all students are successful.
What if I don't pass?
Your Instructors can help you make the decision to return for more practice. Sometimes students just need more time to increase their skill level by repeating a portion of the class. In other cases, people decide that riding is not for them. Either way you will have gained the knowledge of what it takes to become a motorcyclist.
How do I sign up and how do I pay?
You can use our online registration pages or if you need assistance with your registration, please contact us. We accept most credit, debit or pre-paid gift cards. Full payment is required to complete your registration. You will receive an email confirmation that includes a receipt after successful registration.
What if I can't show up for a part of my class?
You must complete the entire class to pass it. If you miss a part, it is your responsibility to make up the rest on stand-by. You may be allowed to return if space is available, but you cannot get a second reserved spot. You may also be subject to reschedule fees and restrictions depending on how much notice you give us. The decision to allow students to return on a standby basis is made by the administration.
What if I failed one of the passing tests?
If you failed the knowledge test, you may qualify for one free re-test. Please call the office to re-schedule.
If you failed the skills test, you have 2 options:
- Re-test for a $75 fee.
- Re-ride both days or just Sunday (including the test) for a $250 fee.
You have 60 days from date of your original scheduled class to finish the class and re-test if needed. If you re-test and fail a second time or if you fail to complete the class within that 60-day timeframe, you will have to take the entire course again in order to pass.
Please contact Brandy at 1-800-593-7909 to schedule your next step. Office hours are M-F 8am – 5pm.
What if I was dismissed or counseled out for some reason?
If you self-dropped or got counseled out of class, you must call in to reschedule for the remaining sessions. If you want a guaranteed seat, the cost is $250.Course Policies
Safety First
Safety is our number one priority. The Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) is designed to provide an enjoyable learning experience for all students.
Class Expectations
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. We have a ZERO tolerance policy for alcohol and other drugs. Students who fail to respond to coaching or intentionally interfere with other students learning may be asked to leave. Our goal is to create a safe, positive learning environment.
Site Policies
All attendees must be pre-registered and pre-paid to secure their place in class. This is your only reserved seat.
Refunds and ReschedulingTuition fees are not refundable or transferable for any reason.
You may cancel a reservation and reschedule for another course within three months of the original reservation.
There is a 15% cancellation fee if you cancel 7 business days before your reserved class starts.
Cancellation 7 business days or less before your class begins is considered a voluntary withdrawal, for which there is NO refund. You may pay a partial fee to return as a standby/drop-in student or you may pay the entire course fee again to reschedule with a confirmed seat.
Failure to appear on time to a classroom or riding session or return from a break on time forfeits the course fee. The entire fee must be repaid to take the course again with a confirmed seat, or pay a partial fee to return as a standby. No priority is given for the next open class.
Failure to appear at a classroom or riding session forfeits the course fee, even if you have a really good reason. The entire fee must be repaid to take the course again with a confirmed seat, or pay a partial fee to return as a standby.