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Safe Riding: It’s Time To Sign Up For CONREP Courses

Are you a motorcycle novice interested in learning to ride and get licensed? 

Are you already riding on a motorcycle permit, but wish to get licensed.

Have you been riding with a motorcycle endorsement, but would like to improve your skills?

If your answer is “Yes” to any of these questions, then read on… 

The Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) is a statewide program directed by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Successful completion of either the Basic Rider Course or Intermediate Rider Course meet the state mandated training requirement to obtain a motorcycle operator endorsement for their Connecticut driver license.  

Complete course requirements are posted on each training location’s website, but here’s summary of useful information:

Basic Rider Course – This is typically a two-day course conducted over a weekend, although you may find other scheduling options offered at different training sites that meet your needs better. 

This course is designed for individuals with little or no riding experience and teaches what is involved in operating a motorcycle or scooter safely. The BRC begins with the development of fundamental skills: straight-line riding, braking, turning, and shifting. These skills are then expanded to develop basic street riding techniques. 

This course consists of combined classroom (including a three-hour or five-hour e-course depending on the class option selected) and on-cycle instruction. Helmets are provided, if needed. 

Motorcycles are provided, too. Participants must have a valid Connecticut driver license. A motorcycle learner’s permit is not required to take this course. On-cycle testing is completed as part of the course work. 

In addition to successful completion of the motorcycle safety course, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles also requires taking a knowledge and vision tests at the DMV office. 

Intermediate Rider Course – This course is for riders with some experience who are currently riding their own motorcycle. You must have a minimum of 600 street riding miles, or more than 6 months riding experience. 

Riders will improve skills in braking, cornering, evasive maneuvers, and learn useful “street strategies.” This course consists of combined classroom and on-cycle instruction. 

Successful completion of this course, including knowledge test and on-cycle test, fulfills the requirements of the State-approved Intermediate Rider Course for licensing. 

Participants must have a valid Connecticut motorcycle permit and use their own street legal motorcycle or scooter that is registered and insured in the participant’s name. 

Experienced Rider Course – This course is for licensed/endorsed riders who have a minimum of 1000 miles or more than 10 months riding experience. There’s always something new to learn or skills to sharpen in this 6.5 hour on-cycle course. 

Using your own registered, insured, street legal motorcycle/scooter (bike will be inspected), you will have the opportunity to fine tune your riding skills during advanced maneuvers such as stopping in the shortest distance, cornering, swerving, tight turns, and other evasive skills. Passengers may participate in this course also.

The training schedule and registration at the Waterbury training site is now active. Most other CONREP training sites will post their schedules and begin accepting registrations this week. Here are all training locations licensed by CT DMV.

About Steve Smith

New York native and Waterbury, CT-area resident Steve Smith is a nationally-certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider coach and  instructor with the Connecticut Rider Education Program. He began riding off-road as a youth and on-road at age 20 with a Honda CB400T. He currently rides a 2011 Kawasaki Concours 14. Smith is a graduate of Fairfield University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Management of Technology.

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