Dirt Bike Safety Training

Dirt bike safety training will enhance your understanding of basic dirt bike operation and safe riding techniques. When you know and understand safe riding techniques for dirt bike operation, you can utilize the training to avoid hazards. Riding safely requires you to take responsibility for your own actions, the riding environment, and the operation of the dirt bike. Look at riding as an activity requiring the interaction of three things: personal ability, dirt bike capabilities, and environmental or terrain conditions.

Frequently asked questions:

How much will the dirt bike safety training course cost?

Training is free in most cases. Money from the OHMVR Trust Fund have been dedicated through a contract with Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to assist in developing safe riding habits and proper trail etiquette.

Where and when are dirt bike safety training courses offered?

Dirt bike safety training courses are offered at all SVRAs and various sites throughout California. Below is a list of the SVRA training sites:
- Prairie City SVRA, Rancho Cordova
- Carnegie SVRA, Tracy
- Hollister Hills SVRA, Hollister
- Hungry Valley SVRA, Gorman
- Ocotillo Wells SVRA, Borrego Springs
- Heber Dunes SVRA, Heber
Courses are predominately scheduled on weekends. Contact the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) for available dates and locations.

What curriculum is covered in the dirt bike safety training course?

The half-day class is conducted by certified MSF Coaches and offers riders the opportunity to increase their understanding of basic dirt bike operation and safety riding techniques in a controlled environment under the direct supervision of a certified Coach.

Students practice safe riding techniques with hands-on exercises:

Starting and stopping
Turning (both gradual and quick)
Negotiating hills
Quick stops and swerving
Riding over obstacles

The course also covers:

Pre-ride inspections
Recommended protective gear (DOT approved helmets, gloves, elbow / knee guards, check protector, over-ankle boots, goggles, long pants, long-sleeve shirts or jackets, etc.)
Environmental concerns
Local laws

Each successful student receives a MSF DirtBike School^SM completion card immediately following the class and a MSF DirtBike School^SM Handbook which reinforces the safety information and riding techniques covered during the class. ATV safety training certificates are mailed to the successful students at a later date, while the ATV RiderCourse^SM completion card suffices until the certificate is received.

Do I have to bring my own dirt bike?

In most cases you must bring your dirt bike.
Loaner dirt bikes may be available at some training sites. You must contact MSF in advance to make arrangements for loaner dirt bikes.

What are the guidelines for age and size appropriate dirt bikes?

There are no established age and size guidelines for dirt bikes. Keep in mind, one must be able to safely reach and operate all vehicle controls (CVC §§38304, 38304.1). Always follow the manufacturer's age and size recommendations.

For More Information...

Additional information is available on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation DirtBike School^SM website.