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Information & FAQ

A female Rider School participant

Ready to hit the open road? Whether you are new to riding, looking to refine your skills, or eager to take your riding to the next level, The Rider School is here to help you achieve your goals. Please carefully review the information below as well as the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). If you have additional questions, please email us at Ride@HowardCC.edu, or call us at 443-518-4808.

Motorcycles
- Absolute Beginner, Basic, and Basic Rider 2 students will ride one of our fleet of Suzuki GZ250s and TU250s. The motorcycles are professionally maintained and can accommodate most sizes.
- If using your own motorcycle, it must be approved by The Rider School instructor and must be brought to and from campus by a licensed motorcycle rider. We cannot accommodate trikes or sidecar rigs. If you are not sure whether your cycle will meet our standards, call 443-518-4808 and we will provide more detailed information.
Required Motorcycle Clothing and Gear
- A motorcycle helmet that meets DOT standards and is either ¾ or full faced. Off-road helmets are acceptable. Snell Foundation certified helmets less than five years old are preferred.
- Sturdy leather (or leather-like), over-the-ankle boots, or shoes. No canvas.
- Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. No yoga-style pants.
- Sturdy, full-fingered gloves (preferably leather).
- Eye protection such as safety glasses, helmet face shield, or sunglasses.
Hot Weather Considerations
When it is hot outside, it is much hotter in the parking lot where The Rider School range sessions are held. To minimize the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, you should:
- Start drinking water the day before your range session.
- Bring sports drinks or water (twice as much as you expect to need) with you.
- Avoid or limit caffeinated drinks for 24 hours before and during class.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before class.
- Bring a hat and wear clothing rating for extreme heat.
- Bring (and use) sunscreen.
- Be aware of signs of dehydration, such as changes in your attention or concentration, headaches, or dizziness. Tell your instructor immediately if you experience any of these signs.
Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities

Requests for special accommodation can be made by emailing the Office of Disability Support Services at DisabilitySupport@HowardCC.edu (please copy Ride@HowardCC.edu) at least three weeks prior to the class start date. If you have any questions, please call 443-518-4808.
Waivers

Tuition is waived for students 60 years of age or older legally residing in Maryland. The waiver applies only to tuition, not to fees. If you qualify for the waiver, you only pay any fees listed in the course description. All courses with “XE” designations are not eligible for tuition waivers. (XE courses are not eligible for state funding to support instructional costs. Maryland residents aged 60+ pay all course costs for such courses.)
Refund Policy

If you drop the course at least seven days before class begins, you are entitled to a full refund. If you attempt to drop the class less than seven days before the class begins, no refunds will be issued.

If you drop the course online at least seven days before the first day of class, you will automatically receive a refund. You may also submit a drop request by submitting a Refund/Transfer Request Form. For other methods of dropping a class, please call 443-518-4808.
Important Notes on Attendance & Policy
The Rider School courses adhere to the following attendance policies:
- MVA policy requires that students enrolled in motorcycle safety courses attend all classroom and range sessions, as specified in each course.
- All classes start promptly. If you are enrolled in a motorcycle safety course and are late or miss any class sessions, you cannot complete the course. You will be dismissed without a refund. No exceptions.
- Classes are held rain or shine; however, in extreme weather, classes may be postponed to the following weekend.

Rider School FAQs