Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THE BEGINNERS COURSE?

You will learn:

  • How to ride a motorcycle
  • Anticipating hazards
  • Making yourself more visible
  • Collision avoidance
  • Riding in adverse conditions
  • Slow speed control and balance
  • Accelerating and braking
  • Turning and obstacle negotiation
  • Emergency braking
  • Selecting safety apparel and equipment
  • Basic mechanics and maintenance
  • Skills to pass the Class 6 Motorcycle Test

*The course is designed for the majority of the students. All students learn at different paces and while most take and pass the course, some students may benefit from repeating the course or taking additional practice sessions to increase their ability.

HOW CAN I REGISTER FOR THE COURSE?

There are several ways to register for the courses. The easiest way is online or email transfer. You can register online or by calling our office at (403) 287-2990.

Please note your payment is requested immediately upon registration and payable at our office. We reserve the right to withdraw you from the course if payment is not made.

We accept Visa, MasterCard and Debit (Sorry no American Express) and E-transfers. 

Our address is:
1938 – 29 Street S.W.
Calgary, Alberta
T3E 2J8

WHAT DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?

We recommend that you obtain your class 6 knowledge test from any Alberta Registry. The cost varies depending on the Registry. This test is necessary for the class 6 road test.

In addition, you are required to have a helmet that is Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) approved, boots that protect the ankles (no runners), a sturdy jacket (Jean jacket or leather jacket). Helmets and Jackets are available for rent for $10.00 each per course. Protective eye wear, form fitting gloves, and rain gear are recommended.

DO YOU OFFER AN ADVANCED COURSE?

Yes, we offer one advance course. It requires that you have your class 6 license and have had a few years’ experience on a motorcycle. The cost is $200.00 dollars for the advanced course. The course is two days and offers advance emergency maneuvers, hill starts, braking and steering techniques.

WHAT TYPE OF MOTORCYCLES ARE USED FOR THE COURSE?

We have a wide variety of motorcycles and scooters that are between 100 cc to 250 cc’s.

IF I DO NOT HAVE A HELMET, WHERE DO I GET ONE?

We rent Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) approved helmets for $10.00 per course. You can rent helmets by calling the office or bringing exact change on the day of your course. There is no money on the premises so no change will be provided. We also rent Jackets for $10.00 per course.

WILL THE COURSE CONTINUE IF THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER?

The courses are scheduled to run unless we have adverse weather conditions. Please come prepared with rain gear and/or warm clothing pending the weather. If you were unable to complete your course due to weather conditions, we will rebook you into another course at no charge.

DO I GET A CLASS 6 WITH THIS COURSE?

As defined by Alberta Transportation in 2010, Class 6 testing is conducted by a 45 minute road test administered by Alberta Registries.

You must also have your Class 6 Test Permit (written test) from a Registries office before the road test.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE MY CLASS 6 TEST USING YOUR MOTORCYCLES?

Please contact our office for registry information to schedule your class 6 test. They will require that you pay them in person as they need to confirm that the person registered has a valid class 7 license. You must also supply your Calgary Safety Council certificate of completion.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Some registries are charging $140.00 for the test.

WHEN CAN I TAKE MY ROAD TEST?

Contact the registry office to schedule your class 6 road test. The examiners will be providing a schedule to the registry so students may book at time of payment. Please contact the office at 403-287-2990 for registry recommendations and details.

WHERE IS THE LOCATION FOR THE MOTORCYCLE AND SCOOTER TRAINING AND CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION?

The riding courses are at Wagon Wheels Development on the east side of the QE 2 Highway north of the City limits, 2.5 kilometres east of CrossIron Mills. The address is 261093 Wagon Wheel View Balzak AB. See the map for this location.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THE MOTORCYCLE/SCOOTER/SPYDER COURSE?

  • The weekend courses are 20 students maximum. The students are separated into two groups of ten with two instructors.
  • Midweek and One Week (Week night) courses are 10 students maximum.
  • Scooter courses are 6 students maximum with one instructor.
  • The ratio is 5 students to one instructor
  • The Spyder course is a private one on one course.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WAYS TO TAKE THE MOTORCYCLE AND SCOOTER COURSE?

There are several options available:

  • WEEKENDS: Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 5:30 p.m.
  • ONE WEEK COURSES: Monday to Friday from 6:00 to 9:30 PM.
  • MIDWEEK: Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:30 p.m.
  • PRIVATE LESSONS: Weekdays Monday to Friday, depending on availability of instructor.
  • PRACTICE SESSION: Any time depending on availability of instructor.
  • SCOOTER LESSONS: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 6:00 - 9:30PM.

Please check our Motorcycle Registration for the dates and the course numbers.

I AM INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTOR. WHAT DO I NEED?

Please be advised that motorcycle instructors are required to meet certain criteria required by the Alberta Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division, and the Canada Safety Council.

 

The criteria are:

  • Nineteen years of age;
  • Minimum of three years riding experience;
  • Licensed Motorcyclist for a minimum of three years;
  • No Motor Vehicle license suspension within the last two years;
  • Possess a valid Alberta Driver’s License (Class 6) with less than six demerits;
  • Have, or be prepared to obtain a current First Aid certificate, supplied by CSC;
  • Successfully completed the Motorcycle Instructor Development Course (IDC);
  • Knowledge of compliance with the code of ethics;
  • Criminal background check;
  • Successful completion of the Alberta Infrastructure written exam.

Prior students of the Gearing up Motorcycle course are encouraged to consider becoming an instructor.

IDC courses are held once a year usually in March, April or May.

Please contact our office if you are interested in becoming a Motorcycle Instructor at 287-2990 or email at motorcycleprogram@calgarysafetycouncil.com.

TRAINING RISKS & LIABILITIES

We take every precaution to control activities and to minimize the risk of accidents occurring in training and have an excellent safety record. An element of risk, however, is always present in learning to operate a motorcycle, either at a course or on your own. The Calgary Safety Council presents these courses as a public service and accepts the risks of accidental damage to course motorcycles.

Students will not normally be required to bear the cost of such damages. We cannot however accept responsibility for any bodily injury or damage to our students' property while they are in our courses. All adult students and the parents or guardians of minors will be required to sign a release of liability for such bodily injury and property damage before commencing training.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

The Calgary Safety Council retains the right to cancel or reschedule courses as required.

  • A non-refundable $50.00 processing fee is assessed with the balance being credited to your credit card if cancellation is more than 14 days prior to the commencement of the classroom session.
  • A $100 cancellation fee is assessed with less than 10 days’ notice to commencement of the on lot session, with the balance being credited to your credit card.
  • Students who fail to attend the course will forfeit the entire fee.
  • Refunds must be in writing to be considered by the Calgary Safety Council board of directors and/or assigned representative from the board of directors.
  • Cancellations are only to be authorized by the Calgary Safety Council assigned representative from the board of directors.
  • Classes are not cancelled due to weather; our program runs rain or shine. Classes are only cancelled due to “inclement weather”, i.e. torrential rain, blizzard conditions, gale force wind conditions, heavy snowfall, flooding. In these instances, re-scheduling may be transferred to another date and time with no penalty.

Visit Our COURSES OFFERED Page For More Information.