FAQ's
ATC Mission
No student is singled out, this is a group effort from the start, to completion! You will work in teams in the classroom and learn to ride in a small group of other students.
Our MSF approved courses were developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and has "evolved" through the years. Many thousands of new, inexperienced students have learned to ride a motorcycle by taking this type of class.
The Basic Rider Course is nationally and state approved and is approximately 14 hours of instruction, both classroom and on-motorcycle training.
You will be amazed at the skills you can achieve in such a short period of time.
We provide late model motorcycles for you to use during BRC class at no additional charge. The motorcycles are 250cc road legal motorcycles that are designed for new riders.
We use humor and fun to help keep you in a relaxed learning environment.
Why pick Alpha Training Center?
We have trained over 4000 new riders and have grown into Michigan's largest provider because of one thing - we know how to teach.
Things to look for when comparing programs are: location, size of the training area, age of the motorcycles, experience of the instructors, and if two riding tests are required to pass the class or just one.
ATC provides the largest training site in the state, we use only late model motorcycles that are carefully maintained, our instructors are hand-picked for their riding experience and their teaching skills, we mail the BRC coursebook to you in advance of the class so you can review the material and be prepared, and we only require one riding test based on the material you practice on beforehand.
Where you go to learn - matters.... All MSF classes are all not the same!
What about the training location?
ATC has Michigan's largest motorcycle only training site. We have over seven acres of smooth pavement that is completely fenced in and has no light poles, crack sealer, or anything else to make your learning more difficult. Compare our site to others and you will see the difference. We have three full sized MSF approved standard training ranges to allow us to offer a wide-range of classes. Where you choose to learn does make a difference.
What about your classroom?
ATC in 2007 constructed our classroom building next to our riding ranges. This modern building has a state of the art classroom. Our students enjoy an air conditioned classroom with comfortable seating designed for adults. We have on site parking and you will not be sharing your classroom time with anyone else. You will find the quality of the training site we offer is not found anywhere else. Do not learn valuable skills in the backroom of a dealership or in an old building without air conditioning.
Do I need a motorcycle learner's permit to take the class?
You do not need a learner's permit to take the BRC.
Is there a minimum age?
The minimum age is 15 and we require the student to have a driver's license or permit.
What does the class get me?
Upon successful completion of the BRC or the ERC-W, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate is used to waive the motorcycle endorsement skills / riding test for the State of Michigan.
Do I have to take the motorcycle course to get a motorcycle endorsement?
If you are age 15, 16, or 17, you are required to take the motorcycle rider safety course and you must present your course completion certificate to the Secretary of State branch office before your motorcycle endorsement will be issued. If you are age 18 or older, you are not required to take the motorcycle rider safety course unless you fail the motorcycle rider skills test twice, but attending the course is highly recommended.
Do you furnish the bikes and what kind?
Yes, we supply the bikes for the BRC courses. The motorcycles are late model Suzuki GZ-250 and DR-200, and Honda Nighthawk 250 models. Short? Smallest bike is 27.8" (ground to seat top), shortest inseam 27". If your inseam is less then 27' - give us a call.
How much are the classes?
BRC classes are $215.00. This price includes the use of our motorcycle for the course and all the related course materials mailed to you in advance of the course. ERC class schedule and pricing is posted on the ERC link of this page.
What are the course requirements?
Attend all sessions - you must be on time! Pass a written test on the course material. Pass an on-bike skills evaluation.
What about the riding test?
Unlike other areas of Michigan, ATC only requires you to pass the MSF riding skills test at the end of your class. These test skills are covered in class and you will practice the skills beforehand. Many other Michigan programs require you to pass second test to complete their program and these skills are NOT taught in the Basic Rider Course.
How do I register?
Use the registration form on our web-site. We require a $50 non-refundable
deposit to reserve your space in class. This deposit is due to hold
your place in the class. The deposit can be paid by credit card, check or
money order at the time you sign-up with us. If you choose, you may pay the
course deposit by check within five days of your sign-up. Your place in class
is not reserved until we receive your deposit.
You will receive an invoice for the the balance of the class fee. The course
fee must be paid in full - 21 days prior to the first day of your class.
We will accept Personal Checks, Money Orders, or Credit/Debit Cards.
Can I just drop in for a class?
Our classes are normally full so we strongly suggest you pre-register for
a class. However, you can drop in to a session on a space available basis.
Paid pre-registered students will receive priority for the class and are placed on a waiting list for earlier classes if they choose.
If space is available for you in class, the course fee is due in full the
first sessiont of class. Walk-in students should arrive 30 minutes prior to
the start of the class.
What do I need for class?
You need a helmet (we have a very limited supply of helmets on hand - call to reserve a helmet), protective eyewear, full-fingered leather gloves, protective clothing (covering arms and legs that are reasonably form fitting, no baggy pants), and sturdy footwear that covers the ankle. You should dress for the weather and be prepared for inclement conditions. Training is held rain or shine.
Cancellation Policy?
A $50 FEE WILL BE CHARGED and deducted from your BRC course fee of $195.00. A $50.00 fee will be charged and deducted from your ERC course fee. Cancellations must be made 10 days before your scheduled course. Absolutely No Refunds in full will be made with less than 10 days notice to us! Just reschedule with us should you be unable to attend your scheduled course.
What if I change my mind about taking the class or just do not show up for class?
A 100% refund, less the $50.00 deposit fee, will be issued if you cancel MORE than
10 days in advance. Refunds are not available if the registrant cancels less than
10 days prior to the beginning of the class. If the instructor determines the student
is not eligible to complete the class or if the student voluntarily decides to leave
the class, no refunds are given.
If you fail to show up for your scheduled class for ANY reason - your entire course fee will be retained.
You would then need to register for another class and pay the course fee a second time.
If you need to reschedule with less than 20 days notice to us - there is a $25.00
rescheduling fee that may be charged. NO changes in the schedule can occur after 5
days prior to the start of the class.
Attendance Policy?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of class so we can complete the
required paperwork. Critical information is covered right from the start of class.
If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will have to reschedule and pay the course
fee again.
You must attend 100% of the class, you cannot be late or miss any part of the classroom
or range activities, there will be no refunds and you will not be able to complete the class.
Class Rules?
It is the primary responsibility of the instructors to see that the class is held in a safe manner, should you be excused by instructor for unsafe handling of the motorcycle (at the sole discretion of the instructor), no refund will be given as it is impossible to replace your spot in class once the class has started. This is a very rare event; our instructors will work with you to help you be successful in the course.
Do you train people in Off Road Motorcycle / ATV Safety?
No.
What if I want to ride a scooter - can I take the course?
Yes, you can use your personally-owned scooters in the BRC or ERC courses.
How do I pay for class?
ATC accepts personal checks, money orders, or credit/debit cards (Visa/MasterCard/Discover)
for payment for class. All classes must be paid in full prior to the start of class.
Dishonored checks will result in a $25.00 additional fee and any collection costs
associated a dishonored check will be charged to the student's account.
BRC Weekend Course Schedule
Weekend Class
Classes start each week on Friday from 5:30 PM to approx. 9:30 PM.
On Saturday from 8:00 AM to approx. 6:00 PM
On Sunday from 8:00 AM to approx. 4:00 PM.
Actual range riding times will be assigned on Friday night in class for the riding sessions. Students will only attend one five-hour session on each of the riding days (Saturday and Sunday).
Completion requires 100% attendance. Successful completion of this course provides a waiver of the State of Michigan Road/Skills test to obtain a motorcycle license endorsement.
Weeknight Class
Classes start each week on Monday night and will continue until Thursday night from 5:30 PM to approx. 9:30 PM.
Each class session will be include classroom and riding sessions. Completion requires 100% attendance. Successful completion of this course provides a waiver of the State of
Michigan Road/Skills test to obtain a motorcycle license endorsement.
ERC and ERC Waiver Course Schedule
The ERC / ERC Waiver course is held on one day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Qualifications for this course:
- Be at least 15 years old.
- If you are a minor (15 or younger than 18), a parent or guardian must sign all documents for class.
- Proper full protective gear during all on-cycle instruction, including:
- DOT Approved Helmet (loaner helmets are available, call to reserve a helmet).
- Eye protection (i.e. face shield, goggles, glasses, or sun glasses).
- Sturdy over the ankle shoes. Leather high tops are fine.
- Boots should be low heeled.
- Long sleeved shirt or jacket so arms are completely covered.
- Long, non-flared denim pants or equivalent (i.e. jeans).
- Full fingered gloves, preferably with at least leather palms.
- Rain gear is optional, but recommended. We do ride if it rains.