Q: What do I need to bring to the course?
A: A positive, can-do attitude, first of all. 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. For the on-bike training, you need safe footwear (covering ankles), a jacket with long sleeves, long pants, and if at all possible, your own properly-fitted helmet.
Q: I'm only 5'1'' tall: do you have a bike I can ride?
A: Yes. We have 125 Honda Grom and other low 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: What should I look for in a helmet?
A: Full-face coverage type helmets are the safest. If you don't have your own helmet for the on-bike training, we'll provide you with one.
Q: Do people ever crash during the course?
A: 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 your instructors frequently stress key safety protocols. Obey these, and you won't crash. That said the risk of injury cannot be completely eliminated from motorcycle training. We feel it's far better to have a minor fall in our parking lot at a low speed, than in traffic on the road. Making mistakes is part of learning. We provide the safest possible place to make them.
Q: My schedule is complicated and I can't get the time off to do the whole course in one weekend. Can you accommodate my schedule?
A: Unfortunately, since our courses are progressive and have limited spots, we are unable to reserve one spot in a few different courses for you.
Q: I'd like to do a course and get my license as soon as possible, but the next opening isn't for two months. Is there any way I can get in earlier?
A: 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 re-books 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?
A: 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.
Q: I'm VERY nervous about taking the course and / or going on the road. Is that normal?
A: Absolutely. We'd rather you were a bit nervous than unconcerned or overconfident. It shows you understand the potential risk. Usually, however, once they 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 instructors 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: Can I get my Class 6 with my Alberta GDL?
A: You are able to obtain your class 6 but it will also be a GDL license.