Motorcycle Safety Course

DODI 6055.4 provides the baseline training and operation requirements for motorcyclists (both street and off-highway versions) within the Department of Defense. Service regulations, such as AR 385-10 and AFI 91-207, contain certain motorcycle safety training requirements for service members and, in some cases, DOD civilian employees. Joint Base Lewis-McChord provides this motorcycle safety training under the Installation Management Command’s Army Traffic Safety Training Program (ATSTP) contract. This training includes the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course (BRC) and the Advance Rider (ARC). All courses meet the DOD and service component standards and are provided on-base.

 

Course registration is through the ✪ Army's IMCOM Registration System. Course attendance is limited to active-duty, Reserve and Guard service members (on orders), and DOD civilian employees whose job description requires motorcycle operation. Those ineligible for on-base courses can obtain training from state-certified schools. For information, click ⚠ here .

 

Motorcycle Registration

For active-duty, Guard or Reserve service members registering a motorcycle or moped at JBLM, proof of completion of mandatory training and a valid motorcycle endorsed license from either Washington state or another state are required. All others are not required to present proof of training. If you complete one of the JBLM courses, you can provide your course certificate to your state vehicle licensing office to obtain a motorcycle endorsement for your driver's license.  Other documentation may be required; call for specifics. To register your motorcycle, take your license with motorcycle endorsement, training certificate and proof of insurance to the vehicle registration office in Waller Hall.

 

Required Motorcycle Equipment

The DOD also has motorcycle equipment standards, as does the installation traffic code, JBLM Reg 190-5. Government and privately-owned motorcycles operated on JBLM must have two rear-view mirrors (one mirror on each side), and have their headlights turned on at all times. Mopeds are required to be equipped with headlights, red taillights, red stop light, white license plate light, a red reflector on each side at the rear, amber reflectors on each side at the front, a rear-view mirror and brakes on each wheel.

In addition, each motorcycle operator and passenger must wear the following while operating a motorcycle on base, and while operating a motorcycle off base:

  • Properly fastened Department of Transportation approved helmet
  • Eye protection (shatter resistant glasses, goggles or full-face shield)
  • Proper clothing (long sleeve shirt/jacket, long pants and full-fingered gloves). Riders are encouraged to select PPE that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material.
  • Footwear (sturdy, over the ankle type boots)

FAQ

For answers to frequently asked questions on motorcycle training, operating and registering a motorcycle on/off JBLM, click here. 

 

⚠ = Link to a nongovernmental site. IMCOM is not responsible for the content of links outside home.army.mil.

✪ = Link to a CAC-required site.