Motorcycle Safety - Safety
Motorcycle Training
All U.S. active-duty service members assigned to NPS who operate or plan to operate a motorcycle on or off base must complete an approved motorcycle rider safety course before riding on public roadways or on Navy-owned or Navy-controlled roadways.
For reservists, Department of Defense civilians, nonappropriated fund employees, contractors, foreign national NPS students, and other authorized personnel, this MSF course is not a NPS requirement. These personnel may still be subject to local Naval Support Activity Monterey access requirements, Defense Biometric Identification System motorcycle rider card requirements, or other training requirements based on assigned duties, vehicle ownership, or installation access rules.
Training seats are limited and fill quickly. Review all requirements before registering
References: DODI 6055.04, OPNAVINST 5100.23, MCO 5100.19F, AFI 91-207, 014 SAFETY-O SOP Motorcycle Riders Course Rev1 Jul2026.pdf
Motorcycle safety training registration, local information, and the current class schedule are available through the links below. Open seats are limited and may fill quickly.
Register for Motorcycle Training
Before You Register
Before registering for motorcycle safety training, complete the following steps:
1. Submit the Motorcycle Rider Information Form
Complete the form so the Motorcycle Safety Representative can add you to the tracking list:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=MWKTbRel6kCRmfdXiWM3jmpGHEmGjM1FjO4e4A-lZwVUOE1GSjVGWllKNDFBSVVWNlJLNU41VUNZVSQlQCN0PWcu
2. Create or activate your RMI account
Use the attached RMI training guide:
- RMI Training MUSTT — User Creating a User Account
RMI_Training_MUSTT-User_creating_a_user_account.pptx
- RMI Training MUSTT — User Self Register
RMI_Training_MUSTT-User_self_register.pptx
3. Read the Motorcycle Riders Course SOP
Review the attached Motorcycle Riders Course SOP before registering for a course:
- NPS_SAFETY-O_SOP_014_Motorcycle_Riders_Course.pdf
4. Save the NSAM Motorcycle Registration Form
Download and save the attached NSAM Motorcycle Registration Form so it is ready to route when you register for a course:
- NSAM MC Registration Form.pdf
Use the Navy training registration system to search for available motorcycle safety courses, enroll in a class, complete the Motorcycle Census, or review your scheduled training.
PKI Certificate Notice
You may be prompted to use your PKI certificate. If you do not have one, select Cancel to continue.
Navy Training Registration Link: https://afsas.safety.af.mil/
Search or Enroll in Navy Training Classes
Use this option to search for and enroll in available Navy traffic safety training classes, including Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses.
Complete Motorcycle Census Only
Use this option if you need to complete the Motorcycle Census and have not completed one before.
Update or Review Scheduled Training and Motorcycle Census
Use this option if you have already enrolled in a class or completed the Motorcycle Census. You can view scheduled or waitlisted training, update your census, remove yourself from a class, or view completed training.
Motorcycle Safety Course Requirements
Who Must Complete Motorcycle Training
Motorcycle operator training is mandatory for:
- All military motorcycle operators
- Navy civilian employees who operate a motorcycle as part of assigned duties
- Operators of any Navy-owned, rented, or leased motorcycle
Personnel subject to these requirements must complete the required training levels before operating a motorcycle as described below.
Training Levels
Level I: Beginner Training
All military motorcycle riders must complete Level I training before operating a motorcycle on any public roadway or Navy-owned or controlled roadway, unless they already meet the exemption listed below.
Level I courses include:
- Basic RiderCourse
- Any COMNAVSAFECEN-approved entry-level course
- Any host-nation or state-approved novice rider curriculum intended to support motorcycle license endorsement
Level I training includes classroom and range instruction covering:
- Motorcycle controls and devices
- Basic riding, balance, and maneuvers
- Street skills, including intersections, cornering, and lane positioning
- Motorcycle handling characteristics
- Navy compliance and local laws
- Proper use of required personal protective equipment
Level II: Intermediate or Sport Bike Training
All military motorcycle riders must complete Level II training within 60 days to 1 year after completing Level I training.
Riders should use their personally owned motorcycle for this training whenever possible.
Level II training builds on Level I skills and includes classroom and range instruction. Training may include slower-speed practice before progressing to street or highway-speed maneuvers, challenging cornering techniques, advanced braking, and realistic riding scenarios.
Approved Level II course examples include:
- Basic RiderCourse II
- Military Sport Bike Rider Course
- Advanced RiderCourse
Level III: Advanced Training or Track-Based Training
- Level III courses are intended for experienced Level II riders. These courses may be conducted on track days in a controlled environment or at professional off-site training locations.
- Level III training improves advanced rider skills through drills at track speeds, challenging cornering techniques, and realistic riding scenarios.
Refresher Training
All military motorcycle operators must complete refresher training at least once every 5 years. The refresher course must meet or exceed the curriculum of a Level II or Level III course. Experienced riders are encouraged to select refresher training that matches their skill level and motorcycle type.
Training Timeline
|
Requirement |
When Required |
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Level I Training |
Before operating on public roadways or Navy-owned or controlled roadways |
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Level II Training |
Within 60 days to 1 year after Level I completion |
|
Refresher Training |
At least once every 5 years |
Level I Training Note
Level I training is not required for riders who already hold a valid state motorcycle license endorsement or an original or certified copy of a completion card or certificate from an MSF, state-approved, or DoD Component-approved motorcycle course.
Requirements for Non-Military Motorcycle Operators
Navy Civilian Personnel
Navy civilian personnel who operate motorcycles as part of assigned duties must meet Level I, Level II, and refresher training requirements.
Navy-Owned, Rented, or Leased Motorcycles
All operators of Navy-owned, rented, or leased motorcycles must meet Level I, Level II, and refresher training requirements.
Civilian Personally Owned Motorcycles
Civilian operators of personally owned motorcycles who are not operating as part of assigned duties are not required to complete the training requirements listed above if they hold a current state motorcycle operator license, endorsement, or permit.
Additional Resources
California DL 389 Notice
The Basic RiderCourse offered through this process does not meet California DL 389 requirements.
DBIDS Motorcycle Rider Card Requirements
Motorcycle Rider DBIDS Card
Effective May 1, 2025, all motorcycle riders must meet DBIDS motorcycle rider card requirements to access NSA Monterey while riding a motorcycle.
Purpose
The Motorcycle Rider DBIDS Card supports base security requirements and motorcycle safety compliance.
Required Documents
To obtain a Motorcycle Rider DBIDS Card, riders must submit:
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
- Valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement
- Common Access Card
- Motorcycle Safety Training Certificate, for U.S. military riders only
For updates, contact NSAM Safety at (831) 656-1975.
Who Must Comply
The DBIDS motorcycle rider card requirement applies to:
- DoD military members
- DoD civilians
- Foreign National NPS students
- Contractors
- Other authorized personnel stationed at NSA Monterey
Non-NSAM or DoW-affiliated personnel and retirees who are not working on NSAM may ride on base with:
- Valid vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
- Motorcycle-endorsed driver’s license
Authority: Base Commanding Officer
Where to Apply
- Application Location:
NSA Monterey Visitor Control Center - Enforcement Location:
NSA Monterey Entry Control Point
After Completing Motorcycle Safety Training
After completing your motorcycle safety class, email your Motorcycle Safety Representative.
Assistance
For motorcycle safety training assistance, contact the Safety Office:
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Forms and Reference Documents |
General Motorcycle Safety Tips
You can't control other drivers, but you can help avoid serious motorcycle accidents by taking charge of the things you can control. Follow these seven tips while on your motorcycle:
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1
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Always wear a helmet Choose a helmet that displays the DOT label which indicates that it meets federal safety standards. |
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2
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Know your limits You and your motorcycle have limits. Know them! Do not buy more bike than you can handle. |
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3
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Watch your speed Follow posted speed limits |
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4
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Keep your distance No one likes a tailgater. Keep a safe distance between your bike and other vehicles. |
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5
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Know and Inspect Your Tires Tires are the only physical thing touching the ground at all times. They keep your body off the pavement! Pay special attention to wear, heat, pressure, limits! |
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6
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Use Both Brake When braking use both brakes at the same time by applying them slow and steady. |
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7
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Be Seen Avoid blind spots and always use your headlights day or night. |
Motorcycle Rider Down Report |
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| Information gathered from 1 Oct 20 through 30 Sept 21 | |
| USN Riders Killed in FY 2023: | 17 |
| Total Navy Motorcycle Mishaps Reported in WESS for FY 2023: | 260 |
| USMC Riders Killed in FY 2023: | 6 |
| Total USMC Motorcycle mishaps reported in WESS for FY 2023: | 158 |
Resources:
- 23 Reasons Motorcycle Safety Matters
- Rider Down Reports (by month)
- ALNAV 053/23 (SECNAV MESSAGE)
- MSF Web Site
- Army Motorcycle Page
- Air Force Motorcycle Page
- Marine Motorcycle Page
- Coast Guard Motorcycle Page
- Navy Rider's Creed
- TRiPS - Travel Risk Planning System
- Top 5 Motorcycle Safety Tips
- Tire Guide
- New Rider's Checklist
- Group Riding
- Surviving Riding Book
- How to Identify Unsafe Motorcycle Helmets
- PPE
- Motorcycle Refresher Exercises
- Basics for Non-Riding Leaders
- Problems with Blind Spots
- AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Doug Chandler
- Advanced Riding Schools:
Motorcycle Mentorship Course
- Module 1 - Tutorial and Maintaining Records
- Module 2 - Long Range Training
- Module 3 - Service Regulatory Requirements
- Module 4 - Local Laws
- Module 5 - No One Rides Alone
- Module 6 - Seeing and Being Seen
- Module 7 - Introduction to Group Riding
- Module 8 - Risk Awareness
- Module 9 - Distractions and Fatigue
- Module 10 - Highway Hypnosis
- Module 11 - Motorcycle Cleaning Do and Don'ts
- Module 12 - Motorcycle Maintenance
- Module 13 - Routine Maintenance
- Module 14 - Tools, Emergency Kit and Stands
- Module 15 - Used Motorcycle Inspection
- Module 16 - Modifications Changing Motorcycle Dynamics
- Module 17 - Personal Protective Equipment
- Module 18 - Riding In Different Environments
- Module 19 - Urban Riding
- Module 20 - Rural Riding Techniques
- Module 21 - Highway and Interstate Riding Techniques
- Module 22 - Dynamics of Cornering and Traction Management
- Module 23 - Proper Lane Position at Controlled and Uncontrolled Intersections
- Module 24 - Cornering Proper Speed and Lane Position
- Module 25 - Dynamics of Stopping
- Module 26 - Track and Closed Circuit Riding
- Module 27 - Emergency Braking
- Module 28 - High Speed Emergency Stops
- Module 29 - Minimizing Hazards
- Module 30 - Pre Ride Self Assessment
Recreactional Vehicles
All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and Off-Road Vehicles (ORV)
All Sailors and DoD civilian personnel who operate government-owned, leased, or rented ATVs and ORVs shall successfully complete the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) ATV rider course or an OPNAV N09F/COMNAVSAFECEN-approved ATV and ORV course prior to operating these vehicles.
Prior to operating a privately owned ATV and ORV on any Navy installation, the operator must successfully complete the SVIA ATV rider course or an OPNAV N09F/COMNAVSAFECEN-approved ATV and ORV rider course.
All Sailors who intend to operate a privately owned ATV and ORV are highly encouraged to complete the SVIA ATV rider course or an OPNAV N09F/COMNAVSAFECEN approved ATV and ORV rider course, regardless of their intent to ride the ATV and ORV on a Navy installation.
ATV and ORV course availability can be found on the ESAMS Web site, or by contacting either the local base or installation safety office or SVIA: www.svia.org; phone (800) 887-2887.
Alternate Vehicles
Alternate vehicles are mechanized equipment capable of on or off-road travel and designed to provide a means of transport for one or more individuals. Alternate vehicles include, but are not limited to: multitracked or multi-wheel vehicles, ATVs, low speed vehicles (LSV), personal mobility transport devices, motorized scooters, golf carts, agricultural carts, go-peds, amphibious machines, ground effect air cushion vehicles, motorized roller blades, go-carts, gas powered skate boards, wind powered vehicles or other means of transportation deriving motive power from a source other than muscle (hand or foot) power. Vehicles used for military, fire, emergency, or law enforcement purposes are EVs are not considered alternate vehicles and all EVOC training and operating procedures apply.
DUI Consequences
Consequences for DUIs are severe. Why take the risk?
DUI Fines
| Bail out of jail | $900 |
| Release impounded car | $75 |
| Impound fees | $135 |
| Lawyer fees | $1,000 |
| Arrest fees | $459 |
| First offender classes | $450 |
| Restricted license fee | $100 |
| Work alternative program | $50 |
| Sr-22 fee | $50 |
| Court fine | $1,500 |
| Total | $4,709 |
Other Problems:
- Could lose your job
- Could lose custody of your kids to an x-spouse
- Could do time in jail 5-15 days for 1st offense, 1-6 months for 2nd
- Will attend classes for 16 weeks, 2nd offense 18 months
- For a second offense classes are $1,200
- Second offense breathing device installed in car $1,200
- Probation for 10 years
- Driver license suspended & restricted for 5 months
- Could cause an accident, killing someone - life imprisonment
- Required to observe an autopsy
- You will pay $5,000 - $10,000 in extra car insurance over the next 7 years
Driving Information for Military Personnel
'Driving Information for Military Personnel in California' can be found on the California Highway Patrol web site.