frequently asked questions

Check the schedule on this website for availabilities. Go to our registration page and purchase a class to secure your spot. Waiver forms and any other information you’ll need will be available at the start of class.

The state allocates us a certain amount of subsidy money to use for Safety classes. We try to offer some subsidized seats in each class. Any Washington resident with a valid WA state ID can purchase a subsidized seat if available. Military personnel stationed in WA and their dependents may also purchase a subsidized seat.

Any person who has a valid WA state Drivers Lic, WA state ID, Student ID, or Active Duty Military ID or Military Dependent ID can qualify for a subsidized class. 

No you do not. However, if you are interested in operating a motorcycle on the public roadways, you will have to start with a motorcycle instruction permit. The permit is valid for 180 days. To qualify for the motorcycle permit, you must be at least 16 years of age, have a Washington State Drivers License and pass the WA 2 Wheel Motorcycle Permit Knowledge and Skills Tests. While learning to ride you may not carry passengers, and you may not ride a motorcycle during the hours of darkness. If you are under 18 years old you will need your parents/guardian permission to get a permit.

For more information go to: www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/motorcycles.html

The Basic Rider Course includes the permit level testing. After successfully completing a BRC class, your scores will be uploaded into the DOL system. Within 365 days take your drivers license to a licensing office or replace your license online to add a motorcycle permit to your driver license without any further testing at DOL. To obtain a motorcycle endorsement you’ll need to pass permit AND endorsement level testing. Endorsement testing is included in the BRC2 class. To take the tests without training, see our testing schedule for endorsement testing times. For further information, please visit: www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/motoendorsement.html

The following equipment is required to ride a motorcycle on our property:

• Properly fitted US DOT-compliant (49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.218) helmet. Loaner helmets are available.
• Eye protection (face shield, sunglasses, etc.)
• Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear (think function not fashion)
  • (i.e. canvas high-tops, or slip-on-boots with elastic (only) ankle coverings are not acceptable.)
• Full fingered gloves or motorcycle riding gloves
• Long sleeve shirt or jacket
• Long sturdy pants

Each one of our partners carries a full line of protective gear and has knowledgeable staff that would be happy to assist you with your riding needs.

Bellingham: Mt Baker Moto-sports, Wings, Cycle Gear, Pacific Northwest Motorcycles.

Seattle: Triumph of Seattle/NW Moto, Studio Moto, Seattle Used Bikes [SUB]

Skagit: Skagit Powersports, Lifestyles Honda.

The Basic Rider Course (BRC) and the Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2) do not require you to own your own motorcycle. We will provide training motorcycles for you.

If you have your own motorcycle, you MUST bring a TCLOCS safety inspection, proof of insurance, and current registration.

The types of motorcycles will vary over time, but some of the bikes we currently use at Cascade Motorcycle Safety are:

• 200cc Yamaha TW200 (Dual Sport)
• 125cc Kawasaki Eliminator (Standard)
• 250cc Suzuki TU250 (Standard)
• 250cc Kawasaki Ninja (Sport)
• 411cc Royal Enfield Scram (Scrambler)
• 350cc Royal Enfield Meteor (Standard)
• Various loaner bikes from local motorcycle dealers

No. By successfully completing a Basic Rider Course (BRC) you will be able to obtain a WA motorcycle permit without any further testing at the DOL. After you have passed the permit level testing in a course you will need to take the endorsement level tests or a BRC2 class. Once you have passed both permit and endorsement level testing you will be able to add a WA Motorcycle endorsement to your license. Replace your license online or at a DOL office. You will still be required to pay the DOL fee to have the endorsement added to your license. To keep your endorsement at license renewal time, you will also need to renew your endorsement each time.

We offer Private lessons to introduce you to motorcycle controls and basic riding skills in a slow paced and relaxed 1 on one environment. We also offer the Basic Rider Course (BRC) that is designed for students with little, or no experience. This course introduces the risks of cycling, personal protective gear, basic riding skills and control, street strategies, and hazard avoidance.

To qualify for a motorcycle endorsement you must pass permit AND endorsement testing. 

Classes are not required unless a rider is under 18 years of age, or mandated by the state of Washington. If you do not wish to take training before challenging the tests, view our test schedule here.

The Basic RiderCourse is designed for new riders, and riders returning to the sport.  The permit level testing is included in the course. See our BRC page for more information.

The Basic RiderCourse 2 is designed for riders with a permit, or have the riding experience and knowledge of a rider with a permit. You do not have to have a permit to take this course. The BRC2 includes the endorsement knowledge and endorsement skills test.  The BRC2 does not include the two permit tests.  The permit tests can be taken before or after the BRC2 during one of our regular testing sessions. All 4 passing test scores are required for a motorcycle endorsement. See our BRC2 page for more information.

Private lessons are also an option for experienced riders looking to gain a little bit of practice and coaching before taking the permit or endorsement tests. Visit our lesson page here.

You betcha! Our classes will run rain or shine. Students are responsible to dress accordingly bringing clothing/gear appropriate for the weather. (i.e. rain gear and/or extra layers for cold weather)

We offer several options for experienced riders to expand your skills and elevate your enjoyment. Cascade Street Strategies is a great class for riders that want to work on skills at highway speeds. Cascade Gymkhana is a great way to spend time boosting your skills and riding with your friends with a small time commitment. If you have your own motorcycle, you MUST bring a TCLOCS safety inspection and proof of insurance. 

CMS now offers training and testing for 3 wheel motorcycles (sidecars, trikes, Spyders). See our schedule for 3 Wheel Classes.

All of our policies can be found here.

Our Testing Reschedule Request Form can be found here

Once on your license, your motorcycle permit is valid for 180 days.  You are responsible for keeping track of when it will expire. Before your permit expires, choose the option to replace your license on the DOL website. If you believe your permit is still valid, but the option to renew is not available on the page shown below, contact the motorcycle desk at DOL at motorcycle@dol.wa.gov

Below are links to the DoL pages associated with transfer from out-of-state as well as a link to the Motorcycle Operator Manual with some info on the subject.

Transfer your endorsement 2 Wheel

Transfer your endorsement 3 Wheel

WA Motorcycle Operator Manual page 1-6 “Transferring from out of state”

Maybe. To get on the standby list for a future class, complete the form here. If approved, you’ll get an email response that you will take to your standby class. Upon arrival, you will show that email to the coach. If there is room in that class or someone is a no show, you may be able to take their spot.