THE COURSE:
Q: Do I need to have my knowledge test completed to take the course?
No you do not. We actually recommend you wait until after your classroom session to do so as it will assist you in working towards acing the test! It is also not required for anything other than your road test.
Q: Do I need my own motorcycle to take a course?
Our Basic Course provides you with a motorcycle for the Basic and Test Prep Courses while those taking the Refresher Course require a personal bike.
Q: Can I use my own bike for the course?
For the Basic Course we require that our students use our bikes. In the Refresher Course however, you must use your own bike as its purpose is to have you practice the skills and techniques and see and understand how your bike responds.
Q: I’m only 5’1″ tall: do you have a bike I can ride?
Yes. We have Honda Groms and other low or lowered bikes that you will be matched with. Also, you are more than welcome to make an appointment to come to the lot and sit on a few to gauge how you feel..
Q: I’m 6’6″ and weigh 280 lbs: Do you have a bike that I can ride?
Saddle up!
Q: What do I need to bring to the course?
A positive can-do attitude to start. You should not be tired, hung-over, or overly preoccupied with work / family or other troubles. We need you to be focused on the task at hand. Everyone’s safety depends on it. As far as equipment goes, we provide gear – helmet, jacket, gloves up to 3XL, boots up to 13.5, back protector, and rain gear. Please contact the office if you are outside of those sizes or if you are unsure.
Q: Do people ever crash during the course?
Yes. But because we insist on the use of safety gear at all times while riding, and because speeds in the closed-course environment are low, injuries are rare and relatively minor. Course activities are organized and conducted in a way that minimizes risk, and you will find that your coaches frequently stress key safety protocols. While the risk of injury cannot be completely eliminated from motorcycle training, following their advice and instructions will greatly reduce it. We feel it’s far better to have a minor fall in our parking lot at low speed, than in traffic on the road. Making mistakes is a part of learning and we provide the safest possible place to make them.
Q: I’m VERY nervous about taking the course and / or going on the road. Is that normal?
Absolutely! We’d rather you were a bit nervous than unconcerned or overconfident. It shows you understand the potential risk. Usually, however, once you see how gradually and carefully the course progresses, even the most apprehensive students become a lot more comfortable. Then, lo and behold, they even discover that it’s FUN! The prospect of going out on the road for the first time can cause a return of the jitters, and that’s to be expected as well. If either you or your coaches feel you aren’t ready, you WON’T go on the road. But if together we decide you’re ready, and you use what you’ve learned in your training, keep your head up and your eyes open, you’ll likely find the road isn’t as scary as you expected and probably a lot more fun.
Q: What should I look for in a helmet if choose to buy my own?
It must be at least DOT (and preferably Snell) approved full-faced helmets are the safest. It must fit SNUGLY. If it feels loose, try a smaller size. Buying used helmets is not recommended. We do go over helmet types and fit during your Classroom Theory.
POLICIES:
What is your refund policy?
Click to see a copy of our TCMS Agreement of Conditions
It is the student’s responsibility to read and understand the cancellation policy. If you have questions please contact our office right away.
*No refund will be issued once a student’s course has commenced under any circumstances. We understand that some emergencies make that impossible and may make allowances in such cases to help you finish the course when your schedule allows (fees apply). By signing up for the course, you are in agreement with the cancellation policy.
Q: What if I am pregnant?
If you are pregnant or become pregnant after you have booked the course, please contact our office right away. Cancellation policies apply.
Q: My schedule is complicated and I can’t get the time off to do the whole course in one week. Can you accommodate my schedule?
Unfortunately, since our courses are progressive and have limited spots, we are unable to reserve one spot in a few different courses for you. We do have a private course however that is more flexible with sections if that is something you’d like to look in to.
AFTER THE COURSE and LICENSING & TESTING:
Q: After completing the Basic course will you then have your class 6 license or do you still have to do the road test?
After completing the basic course you do not have your license as licensing is the role of the government so you will have to complete a government test to get your class six license.
Q: How do I book a Road Test?
You could book a road test either at a registry location or online, https://www.albertadriverexaminer.ca/
Q: How much is a road test?
You can find fees here. https://www.alberta.ca/drivers-road-test.aspx#jumplinks-4
Q: Can I get my Class 6 with my Alberta GDL?
You are able to obtain your class 6 but it will also be a GDL license. Eligibility requirements, https://www.albertadriverexaminer.ca/eligibility.php
Q: Do you provide bike rentals for the road test?
We do not due to the logistics involved with the current testing system and our teaching schedule. However you can get on from our friends at All Season Motorsports https://www.allseasonmotorsports.ca/. That being said many of our students purchase a bike after their course, ride with friends/family for that extra practice, gain confidence with their skills and their bike and then challenge the test. We’ve noticed higher test scores when this route is taken.
Q: I don’t know anyone who rides
Not an issue. We are all about building community. We have a FB group for alumni. There you can connect with your classmates or just find someone to ride with whether you want to go to a parking lot to practice, stay within the city, slightly outside or go for a nice big long ride to Canmore. There are many who are willing and happy to go for a ride with you.
Q: What kind of bike should I start out with?
The answer to that question depends on the answer to a lot of other questions. How proficient are you? How big, how strong? Perhaps most importantly, how mature are you, not just chronologically, but mentally? What sort of riding do you plan to do? Restraint is important. If you have healthy respect for the machine and the dangers involved, together with adequate skill and physical size, you may be able to safely control a larger displacement bike in your first season. If ANY of these elements are in doubt, however, you should start out on a smaller machine.. Your coaches are more than happy to recommend models appropriate to your ability and type of riding interest.
Q: Do you guys teach an off-road course?
Yes we do!!
OTHER:
Q: Several of my friends / family / coworkers are interested in taking a course. Can we get a group discount?
We mainly give out our discounts at the motorcycle show which usually occurs the first week of January and occasionally on our social media.
Q: I’d like to do a course and get my license as soon as possible, but the next opening isn’t for 2 months. Is there any way I can get in earlier?
If you ask us to put you on the waiting list, there’s a good chance you can get into a course when someone else cancels or rebooks for a later date. It will help if you can be reached and be ready to go on short notice.
Q: I already have my Class 6 License, but I want to do a course to brush-up on my skills. What do you recommend I take?
If you haven’t been on a bike for a while, have never done a course, or have only a few seasons of total experience, you will most likely benefit from the Basic Course. You may find the first section rudimentary, but most riders will find plenty to challenge them in the following sections. We personalize our instruction to the skill level of the individual student. If you have your own bike, we also have a refresher course.