The Perfect Next Step for Newer and Returning Riders
Developed by Total Control Training, the Intermediate Riding Clinic / CMSP 1-Day Premier Course is the perfect next step for newer riders who are looking to improve their skills as well as riders that have recently returned to riding after years off. This course includes both classroom and on-cycle instruction.
The IRC/1DPC is based on the most current research in rider safety, utilizes modern training methods and has been proven to enhance student outcomes. Although designed primarily as a safety course, the course is also challenging and fun and it is completed in one 8-hour day.
Licensing Option
The California Motorcyclist Safety Program offers experienced students who take the 1DPC—but are not licensed—the opportunity to achieve intermediate-level skills along with their motorcycle license, in which case riders will also have the option to either take it on their own motorcycle or do it in one of our available loaner bikes.
IMPORTANT: Students who attend this class to obtain their license must be at least 21 years old and will be required to demonstrate fundamental riding skills by passing a basic riding evaluation at the beginning of the class, similar to the Motorcycle Skills Test applied by the California DMV. You must successfully complete this test in order to continue with the rest of the class.
Riders who already have their own bike and a motorcycle license can be take this course without the testing requirements.
What It Covers
The IRC/1DPC covers essential cornering and crash-avoidance skills such as:
The single most important control on your motorcycle is the throttle. This is because—beyond speed and acceleration—it applies forces to so many aspects of your bike's handling, including traction, suspension, weight transfer, steering, stability, and ground clearance. Knowing how to skillfully apply the throttle is one of the major distinctions between good riders and great riders.
Because emergency stops can be scary due to the limited amount of traction you have and how much it would hurt to kiss the ground, very few riders practice quick braking and even less have the actual knowledge and skills to do it safely. During our Intermediate Riding Clinic, you will learn and practice the right technique to achieve short stops so you are prepared when you need to brake quickly and avoid a hazard.
Vision is, without a doubt, the most fundamental skill for proper riding. The majority of decisions made while riding are based on information coming in through your eyes. The main reason for vision being so critical is that you go where you look but even experienced racers struggle with maintaining proper vision through the corners. At Total Control you will learn why riders go where they look and how you can use your eyes to your advantage and safety during every ride.
Unlike cars, motorcycles can take a lot of different lines through a particular corner. Some of these lines will help you make a safe and serene progression through the bends, while others will ruin your perfect ride! During our Intermediate Riding Clinic you will learn how to plan and follow proper lines on every corner of the road.
Few activities in street riding can be as frustrating as having to make a low-speed, tight turn in a limited amount of space—especially if you don't know the technique. Fortunately, it is one of the easiest skills to learn. In fact, most riders are able to reduce their minimum turning diameter by 30 to 40 percent in as little as five minutes of practice!
Swerving around an obstacle at speed can be a life-saving technique but it requires skill and practice to avoid surpassing the available traction of your tires and crashing during the maneuver. During our Intermediate Riding Clinic, you will learn and practice the technique necessary to do it safely when the emergency arises.
During our Intermediate Riding Clinic, you will learn how to put together the throttle control, vision, line selection and body position techniques to practice safe turns at road speeds during your everyday rides.
Riders who complete the IRC/1DPC report significantly improved riding skills, confidence and the ability to make better choices about when and how to ride. The IRC/1DPC is also used extensively by the Navy and Marine Corps as "Level 2" training (within 60 days of completing a beginner course) and "Refresher" training (every three years) to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities. It is officially recognized for Level 2 training by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, which satisfies requirements for active duty service members and civilians to get their base sticker to ride on base.
We provide loaner motorcycles for unlicensed students. Licensed students must bring their own motorcycles for the class and adhere to the following guidelines:
Motorcycles used for the range exercises must be street-legal and have current registration.
Students must provide insurance policy and license (tag) numbers at the start of the class.
Your tires should have sufficient tread (at least 3mm). Air pressure will be checked before the class starts.
No car tires or race tires or race compound tires allowed regardless if they are DOT approved.
Your bike should not overheat while stopped with the motor running on a hot day.
On liquid cooled bikes, check the coolant level.
Check the engine oil level.
Your charging system must function properly, and a relatively new battery is highly recommended because you will be starting the bike frequently.
Brakes are in good working order.
No motorcycles with leaking fluids will be allowed on the range. This includes: engine oil, transmission fluid, gasoline, engine coolant, brake fluid or anything else that may leak from a motorcycle.
Gear Requirements
Full-finger, 100% leather or street-specific motorcycle gloves.
Long sturdy pants with no holes (denim jeans, leather pants, motorcycle specific pants).
Learn the basics of riding safely in a controlled environment and receive the certificate that may waive the DMV riding skill test. Our friendly basic riding course was designed for people with zero experience on a motorcycle. We provide motorcycles and helmets for you to learn with.
Become a better—and safer—rider using your own motorcycle with our Intermediate Riding Clinic. Or take your cornering and crash-avoidance skills to the highest level with our Advanced Riding Clinics, taught only by the best certified instructors in the Bay Area!
"Had a great time learning how to ride. Instructors were patient both in the classroom and on the range, even for a total beginner like myself. Went from never having been on a motorbike before to being able to have a bit of confidence while riding, not to mention lots of fun!"
― Natalie Steffen
"Doesn't matter if you're a beginner or a seasoned rider - PMT has been taking riders to new levels of riding safety and skill for years. Instructors are patient and effective - can't recommend this crew enough!"
― Miles Riley
"Extremely positive experience with this knowledgeable team. Couldn't have asked for better teachers and communication all around. Thank you!"
― Logan Andrews
"I am training to be an instructor and it is required to take several classes to get an understanding of the program from a new rider's perspective. I am impressed with how well the program works I have been to 1 class and then I was a student both times I watched Evie teach very new students ranging in age how to ride a motorcycle. She is a great teacher and is very good at giving positive feedback and helping the students if they need help in a certain drill. I have been riding for 50 years and it was a good opportunity for me to see if I have learned the proper skills...this helped to reinforce what I have learned but is a good reminder that just because I have been riding for 50 years doesn't mean I learned the proper skills. This program will teach you the skills you need to ride a motorcycle."
― Stinker doodle
"Amazing ! I got more than what I expected. Full of fun and excellent training. The best in Bay area. Chris and Issac are excellent."
― Krishnaraj Venkatesan
"I feels so much more confident on the bike now! The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and patient with us. I would recommend anyone looking to get on a motorcycle to take this class first!"
― michaela Frates
"This place embodies people 1st mentality! Nothing except top tier instruction and training. This is the only place I would recommend that teaches the confidence, competence and skills you can use for a lifetime."