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Illinois Department of Transportation
Cycle Rider Safety Training Program
2300 S Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62764
Motorcycle Training
The Cycle Rider Safety Training Program offers courses for riders of all skill and experience levels. All courses are free to any Illinois resident 16 or older who holds a valid automobile or motorcycle driver’s license or permit. The CRSTP is the only program authorized by the Illinois Secretary of State to offer a license waiver. Residents younger than 18 must have written consent from a legal guardian.
Benefits of the CRSTP
- All courses are free to any Illinois resident 16 or older
- Teaches all riders how to safely and confidently operate a motorcycle
- Helps riders manage their risk and increase skills through riding and classroom instruction
- Sharpens riders’ knowledge and riding skills to become better, safer motorcycle riders
- Allows successful program graduates (18 or older) to waive the riding and written portions of the Illinois motorcycle license test.
- Qualifies some graduates for insurance discounts
Training Course Information and Registration
Southern Illinois University Motorcycle Rider Program currently oversees all three regions for the Cycle Rider Safety Training Program. Click on the regions below to register for classes.
Region A – Northern Region
Course location and Registration - Motorcycle Rider Program Northern Region | SIU
Region B – Central Region
Course location and registration - Motorcycle Rider Program Central Region | SIU
Region C – Southern Region
Course location and registration - Motorcycle Rider Program Southern Region | SIU
Regional Centers
Illinois offers training at many sites throughout the state, find the one closest to you and click the icon on the map below for more details.
ACTIVE Location – Registration is Open!
Coming Soon! – Check back for openings!
INACTIVE Location – Check back for Updates!
Motorcycles are often invisible on our roadways. They are difficult to see, because of their size and shape, and because many riders do not wear high-visibility gear. A crash can happen in an instant. In fact, the first five words after a crash are often, “I didn’t even see them.”
Everyone is responsible for driving safely. Remember, slow down, pay attention and be on the lookout for motorcycles. Look Twice and Save a Life!
Safety Tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Motorcycle operators have the same rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full lane width at all times.
- Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
- Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
- Always allow more following distance — three to four seconds — when behind a motorcycle. This gives the motorcycle driver more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
- Never drive distracted or impaired.
Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users in Illinois. Historically, motorcyclists are more than ten (10) percent of Illinois’ total roadway fatalities. It has become evident that a multi-dimensional approach to motorcycle safety is needed to prevent fatalities and serious injuries. The Motorcycle Safety Program in Illinois consists of outreach, education, and motorcyclist training.
One of the most effective approaches to reducing fatalities and serious injuries in the State of Illinois has been the development of the Cycle Rider Safety Training Program (CRSTP).
The CRSTP was created in 1976 by a state statute, passed by the Illinois state legislature. This law mandates that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) establish a motorcycle operator safety training program that promotes motorcycle awareness. Since inception, over 400,000 students have been trained through the programs start in 1976.
The CRSTP provides rider education of safe motorcycling principles for basic and experienced riders. This program has evolved beyond basic training courses and has become a comprehensive program for all riders. IDOT’s goal is to provide motorcycle training to all with the inclination to ride. It is not the intent to entice people to ride motorcycles, but rather to train all who are interested in the benefits of training. The CRSTP is funded by Illinois motorcyclists through a portion of license endorsement and license plate fees. These funds are statutorily restricted to uses directly related to motorcycle training.
Another important aspect of motorcycle safety and this program is the Public Act 83 820, established on January 1, 1984. This law requires any person under the age of 18 to complete a training course and examination before receiving a license with a class “M” endorsement. Therefore, all people under the age of 18 must take the IDOT CRSTP course to become licensed in Illinois and gives IDOT the ability to ensure young riders have the training and education for safe riding.
The CRSTP and Motorcycle Safety Programs are important for the citizen of Illinois. This annual report will give an overview of both areas.
Riding a motorcycle with the proper classification is important. In fact, more than 20 percent of all motorcyclists do not ride with the proper classification. Class M encourages riders to make sure they are riding legally. An “M” classification on a license qualifies a motorist to drive any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. We encourage any rider who is not holding the proper motorcycle endorsement class (L or M) to take one of our free rider training classes. Many of our courses offer a license waiver for the written and riding test upon successful completion of the course. For more information on courses please contact your closest regional center.
Why is it important to be properly licensed?
Many people ride motorcycles without the proper classification. In fact, more than 20 percent of motorcyclists do not have the proper classification. This means they have never tested for or proved to be capable of operating a motorcycle safely.
Do you have your license or know someone without the proper license classification? It is more than just illegal, it is dangerous.
Earn Your "M" Classification
If you are 18 years and older*
Step 1: Complete an optional Motorcycle Safety Course
Step 2: Successfully earn your completion card
Step 3: Present your completion card at an Illinois Secretary of State Driver’s Services Facility; no testing required*
If you are 16 to 17 years old
Step 1: Complete a Motorcycle Safety Course
Step 2: Successfully earn your completion card
Step 3: Present completion card at an Illinois Secretary of State Driver’s Services Facility, and take the written and driving exam
*If you are 18 or older, participating in a FREE Motorcycle Safety Course is recommended. If you choose not to, you may obtain your license at an SOS Driver’s Services Facility by successfully passing a driving and written examination.
How do I get my motorcycle license after successfully completing a free Cycle Rider Safety Training Program class?
Upon successful completion of a free BasicRider course (BRC, BRC2 or 3wBRC), you will receive a completion card in the mail. That card is valid for one year from the course completion date as a license waiver.
Take the card to an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility to add the endorsement to your license. There is a small fee to make this change to your license. No additional testing will be required, unless the graduate of the course is 16-17 years old and wants an "M" endorsement. State law requires Cycle Rider Safety Training Program graduates who are 16 or 17 to also take a driving and written test.
Am I required to take a state-sponsored motorcycle safety course before getting a motorcycle endorsement on my license?
No. If you are at least 18 years old, no motorcycle safety course is required.
How much do Cycle Rider Safety Training classes cost?
All courses offered by the Cycle Rider Safety Training Program are free. However, during registration you may be charged a $20 fee by the regional center you are enrolling with. This fee is fully refunded after taking the course.
I took the course and paid the registration fee; how do I request a refund for my course fee?
Each regional center is different, so contact them directly to request your refund.
What should I bring to a Cycle Rider Safety Training Program class?
All students are required to provide the following safety equipment:
- Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Long pants (heavy material with straight legs)
- Sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear (not cloth or canvas, preferably boots)
- Full-fingered gloves
- Eye protection (glasses, goggles or face shield)
Do I need to provide my own motorcycle for a BasicRider Course?
No, we provide a training motorcycle for you during BasicRider courses (BRC, BRC2 and 3wBRC).
I lost my course completion card; how do I get a replacement card?
Contact the regional center that issued the original card to request a replacement. Course completion cards are valid for licensing purposes for one year from the course completion date.
I'm in the military and an Illinois resident, but I’m stationed out of state on active duty. I’m required to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course to ride on base. Is that card eligible as a license waiver in Illinois?
The Illinois Secretary of State has special provisions for accepting out of state Motorcycle Safety Foundation cards for Active Duty Illinois residents who are stationed outside of Illinois. Please contact The Illinois Secretary of State for additional guidelines or assistance.
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