It expects to add 4,800 to 5,000 more graduates this year. The program is funded through motorcycle endorsement fees and tuition charged for the classes. Different courses are offered for beginning, intermediate and experienced riders. Would-be motorcyclists under 21 are required to take the course before they can receive their license endorsement. Although riders over 21 are not required to take the course, motorcycle manufacturers and related businesses offer incentives for them to do so.
Incentives range from tuition rebates to savings bonds to insurance discounts.
The 16-hour beginning course, which includes seven hours of classroom instruction and nine hours of riding over three days, teaches basic riding and street skills. The eight-hour intermediate course builds on the fundamental skills learned earlier. The experienced course, also eight hours, for riders with at least one year's experience helps sharpen skills in cornering, braking and emergency situations.