Motorcycle Safety: Basic Rider 2-Wheel Course

The Basic Rider 2-wheel course (RVH 130) is offered for one credit. The course provides classroom and actual motorcycle operator training in a controlled environment. This course is not eligible for financial aid and CANNOT be audited. Participants under 18 years of age should contact the DMV for information on obtaining a motorcycle learner’s permit and operator’s license. Students under 18 years of age must have parent signature on waiver forms. 

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation certifies our Instructors/Rider Coaches. A valid automobile license or learner’s permit is required to participate in these courses. No previous riding experience is necessary for the Basic Rider Courses; however, this program is physically demanding, and students should be in good physical condition and have a good sense of balance.

Trainer motorcycles are provided for the basic rider 2- wheel course. Bikes may include, but are not limited to: Suzuki TU25OXL9, Kawasaki Z125PRO, BMWG310R, Yamaha TW200, Yamaha VStar250, & Yamaha XT250.

Students are assigned motorcycles for the best fit possible for riding safety. There is a knowledge and a riding skills test at the end of the course. Passing these two tests earns the student a Completion Card and a Virginia licensing waiver, subject to VA DMV license requirements. The instructor has the final authority in determining if a student shall be permitted to participate in the riding portion of the course.

Class Meetings

Classroom Portion: ONLINE

Students must complete, on their own, the online class and will be emailed a link approximately two weeks before class. You are required to bring the completion certificate to the instructor the first day of the riding portion of the class. If you do not have the certificate, you will be dropped from the program and ineligible for a refund.

Riding Portion: Saturday & Sunday, 8:00 AM -2:30 PM
(Class may end earlier or later as needed at the discretion of the instructors.)

Students will meet at 8 AM Saturday morning for check-in in room M245 of the Business Science Building, 2nd floor, 3099 Colonial Ave, Roanoke, VA 24013. 

Students MUST be on time for both class meetings. NO ADMITTANCE for late arrivals. Late arrivals will be dismissed without a refund.

Register and Pay

Multiple sections of the courses are scheduled each semester. You can view what’s available by accessing the online Class Schedule. Select Recreation and Motorcycle Safety as the subject. You will need the 5-digit class number.

Traditionally, semester classes are scheduled as follows:

• Spring sections meet between mid-March through early May
• Summer sections meet mid-May through July
• Fall sections meet August through first week of November

To enroll in a class:

1. Apply to Virginia Western.
2. With the 5-digit class number from the Class Schedule, use these instructions to register.
3. Pay for your class using one of these options.

For additional information or assistance with the registration process, call 24/7 Student Support at 855- 874-6690. If you need additional information about these courses, call the School of Business, Technology and Trades at 540-857-7272.

Students who cannot attend on Saturday, decide to drop or are removed from the range due to safety concerns on Saturday, will receive a WITHDRAWAL from the class without a refund.

Students who cannot attend on Sunday, decide to drop or are removed from the range due to safety concerns on Sunday, will receive a grade of “U” without a refund.

If a student completes the course and receives a non-passing grade, tuition is not refunded.

Decisions to dismiss a student for safety concerns, are at the discretion of the instructor(s).

Attendance and Tuition Policy

Students who register for a class but do not attend will be charged for the course, unless they withdraw PRIOR to the class start date. Students may call the division office at 540-857-7272 or email the enrollment Center at enroll@virginiawestern.edu for assistance with dropping the class. 

Students dropping the course PRIOR to the first class will receive a refund and not be charged.

Students who are removed from the course for safety issues will not receive a refund. Instructors have final say on whether a student is removed from the course due to safety or other issues.  

Any classes cancelled for weather or other factors will be rescheduled as soon as possible. Students who cannot attend the rescheduled dates will be placed in another section of the course, if available, or refunded.