Northcentral Technical College offers Motorcycle Safety classes April through October. Open enrollment and class dates may vary each semester. NTC offers two motorcycle courses: Basic Rider and Basic Rider 2.
All courses are offered at a variety of locations including: Wausau, Merrill, Antigo, Medford, Spencer, and Park Falls. Use the links below to browse available course sections. If there are none currently available, and you wish to be added to an interest list to be notified when future courses are scheduled and available for registration, please email ce@ntc.edu.
Basic Rider Course Information
The 17- hour Basic Motorcycle Rider course, including online ECourse and in person instruction, is designed for beginning riders and above and was developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Any person over the age of 15 ½ may enroll in this course. Instructors are certified by the MSF and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). It is taught off-street, out of traffic, and motorcycles and helmets are provided.
The course consists of 1 hour of classroom and 11 hours of on-cycle instruction. In addition, there is a 5 hour ECourse that must be completed prior to class (fees for ECourse separate from course fee). The Basic Rider Course covers preparing to ride, turning, shifting and braking, street strategies, special situations, increasing riding skills, maintenance and insurance.
Available Basic Rider Course Sections →Required MSF ECourse
- Basic Rider Course ePackage 1 — Link will be provided after enrollment
- Must complete less than 30 days prior to the start date of class and certificate will need to be printed and presented at the start of class
- Course Fee: $39.99
- Estimated Completion Time: 5 Hours
Can I Bring My Own Motorcycle?
No, due to liability issues, students are required to use the motorcycles provided by NTC. Please see Basic Rider 2 Course for student owned motorcycles.
Do I Need My Motorcycle Instruction Permit Before Taking the Class?
No. You need a valid driver’s license or valid driver’s license instruction permit.
Do I Have To Take a Driving Test Before the DMV Will Issue My License?
No. Passing the Basic Rider Course waives the driving test.
If I Take Your Class, Do I Still Need To Take My Written Test at the DMV?
Yes. The state requires you to pass a written test to get your Class M license. You can take the written permit test either before our class or after you complete the Basic Rider Course.
What Do I Need To Bring for the Range?
All students are required to wear the following personal items for all on-cycle exercises. You need to bring your own personal equipment. Failure to bring your own personal equipment may result in you not being able to complete the range portion of the class. No refunds will be given if you fail to bring the equipment required for class.
- Helmets are provided for use at NTC or you may bring your own helmet — must be Department of Transportation approved, three-quarter or full face, no half helmets allowed.
- Full-finger, sturdy gloves
- Sturdy over the ankle boots
- Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Long sturdy pants — must cover the ankle when seated on motorcycle - no leggings or stretchy pants
- Eye protection — can be helmet shield, but glasses allow for best ventilation
- Rain gear, if needed (class will be held rain or shine)
- Driver’s License
Basic Rider 2 Course Information
This 10-hour basic course, including an online E-Course and in-person instruction, is designed for riders with a Wisconsin Motorcycle Instruction Permit who are either returning to riding or seeking a refresher course. Participants may be practicing for or pursuing their motorcycle license or endorsement, though already licensed or endorsed riders may also enroll. Any person over the age of 16 may join this course.
Students must already possess basic riding skills, including starting out, stopping, and turning. They are required to bring their own two-wheel motorcycle, which may be either manual or automatic. Additionally, students must provide proof of registration and insurance for the motorcycle they will be using.
The course consists of 6 hours of on-cycle instruction and a 4-hour E-Course that must be completed prior to the in-person class (E-Course fees are separate from the course fee). The in-person portion includes eight range exercises, beginning with a screening exercise to ensure participants have the necessary skills to continue. Completion of this course may waive the road test requirement when applying for a Wisconsin Motorcycle license, provided the E-Course is also completed.
Available Basic Rider Course 2 Sections →Required MSF ECourse
- Basic Rider Course 2 ePackage 2 — Link will be provided after enrollment
- Must complete less than 30 days prior to the start date of class and certificate will need to be printed and presented at the start of class
- Course Fee: $39.99
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Hours
Motorcycle Insurance
You must provide proof of insurance for the motorcycle you bring to the Basic Rider Course 2.
Do I Need My Motorcycle Instruction Permit Before Taking the Class?
Yes, you are required to have your WI Motorcycle Instruction Permit to participate in the Basic Rider Course 2.
The DMV will require proof of enrollment of the Basic Rider Course 2 when applying for the instructional permit if:
- You have renewed your permit more than 2 times already.
- You are under the Age of 18.
- You have failed the DMV Motorcycle Road Test 2 times.
This must be completed prior to attending class.
Do I Have To Take a Driving Test Before the DMV Will Issue My License?
No. Successful completion of the Basic Rider Course 2 waives the driving test.
If I Take Your Class, Do I Still Need To Take My Written Test at the DMV?
No, having your current Wisconsin Motorcycle Instructional Permit satisfies this requirement.
What Do I Need To Bring for the Range?
All students are required to bring the following for all on-cycle exercises. You need to bring your own personal equipment. Failure to bring your own personal equipment may result in you not being able to complete the range portion of the class. No refunds will be given if you fail to bring the equipment required for class.
- Your own motorcycle, in good working order. If borrowing a motorcycle from family or a friend, you must also bring a letter from the owner granting you permission to use their motorcycle.
- Proof of registration and insurance for the motorcycle you are riding.
- Helmet — must be Department of Transportation approved, three-quarter or full face, no half helmets allowed. If your helmet does not meet the above criteria, you may use one of ours.
- Full-finger, sturdy gloves
- Sturdy over-the-ankle boots
- Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Long sturdy pants — must cover the ankle when seated on the motorcycle; no leggings or stretchy pants.
- Eye protection — can be a helmet shield, but glasses allow for best ventilation.
- Rain gear, if needed (class will be held rain or shine).
- Driver’s license
Additional Information & Requirements
Who Needs a Motorcycle Class Proof of Enrollment To Get a Motorcycle Permit Before the Class?
- Any teen between the ages of 15 ½ and 18.
- Anyone who has had three motorcycle permits but never gotten their license must have a waiver before being eligible to obtain a fourth permit.
- Anyone who has failed two motorcycle road tests with the DMV.
Waiver of Liability
All students must sign a “waiver of liability form.” Students must be a minimum of 15½ years of age. If the student is under the age of 18, the form must be signed by their parent or legal guardian in the presence of an NTC employee or notary. The form must be signed and presented at the start of class. This can be done by bringing the parent or guardian on the first day of class to sign the waiver in front of the instructor if need be.
Ecourse Technical Support
Online Course Technical Support: email msfsupport@msf-usa.org or call 949-727-3227, ext. 3158.