NEW RIDER COURSE
Never ridden before? Don’t sweat it. The Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy New Rider Course is designed to get you comfortable on a bike and give you the skills you need to ride with confidence. This class also provides a completion that excuses you from taking the road test portion of your DMV’s motorcycle operators exam.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR RIDING ACADEMY EXPERIENCE
Now’s the perfect time to get ready for Riding Academy. Get ready for the classroom and range experiences.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE CLASS
Get comfortable on a motorcycle before you even walk into your first class. Make the most of your class by setting up a Jumpstart demo. Getting knowledgeable before your class begins will get you on a bike
and feeling comfortable faster.
You’ll mount the motorcycle, set your boots on the foot pegs and fire up the engine under the watchful eye of our trained personnel. And then, sitting comfortably on the motorcycle, you’ll give
the throttle a twist and continue to shift through the gears – all while safely and securely attached to the Jumpstart platform.
What to Wear
Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
Long pants (heavy denim or riding pants recommended)
Over-the-ankle boots (sturdy, not canvas, low heel)
Eye protection (helmet visor, eye glasses, sun glasses, goggles acceptable)
Full-finger gloves (motorcycle specific recommended)
DOT-certified helmet style based on the requirements of your state
A helmet is the most important piece of motorcycle gear you will invest in. A helmet is a very personal piece of gear. Consider buying a helmet vs. borrowing one, that way it is yours and it fits you perfectly and allows you to focus on learning to ride. We offer free custom helmet fittings 5 days a week, let us know if you would like to schedule a fitting!Coach Tip: The more helmet the better, full face is the best, followed by a modular. An open face helmet or ¾ open still provides good protection if you feel too cooped up in a full face. Half helmets, while very popular, offer the least amount of protection.
ALUMNI CONNECT
ON RIDING ACADEMY MINNESOTA
Meet riders like you, explore new roads, share tips, and get inspired! This groups is exclusive to Riding Academy Graduates only. We’re looking forward to you joining us once you’ve completed the course!
HEAR WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Watch first-time riders experience Riding Academy
RIDING TRAINING GRADUATE
FINANCING PROGRAM
Riders who complete the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy Course can take advantage of special financing options which include no down payment or rates as low as 3.49%* and flexible terms.
SEE YOUR RIDING ACADEMY BIKE
Meet the new 350RA training motorcycle. This new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle was designed with new riders in mind.
GEAR LIST
ESSENTIAL GEAR
Having the best experience in class requires appropriate motorcycle gear. Check out what you should bring on day one.
NEED TO KNOW
You must pass the state knowledge test for the motorcycle instruction permit and pay the $21 fee to complete your application. The motorcycle knowledge test is available at DVS exam stations on a first come first served basis. To study for the motorcycle permit test, read the Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual.
You are required to have your motorcycle instruction permit prior to your first day of class.
To receive your motorcycle license endorsement through the New Rider Course you must be 18 or older and have a motorcycle instruction permit in hand.
Riders under 18 are required to take the New Rider Course first in order to obtain a motorcycle permit.
- Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
- Long pants (heavy denim or riding pants recommended)
- Over-the-ankle boots (sturdy, not canvas, low heel)
- Eye protection (helmet visor, eye glasses, sun glasses, goggles acceptable)
- Full-finger gloves (motorcycle specific recommended)
- DOT-certified helmet
If you are age 18 or older you will need a valid Minnesota driver's license and motorcycle instruction permit. You will need to successfully complete the Riding Academy New Rider Course. (This requires 100 percent attendance and you must pass the skills test) And finally, pay the duplicate license fee at an exam station to receive your endorsement.
If you are under 18, there are a few additional steps. You will need a valid Minnesota Driver’s License (learner’s permits are not accepted). You will first need to successfully complete the New Rider Course. This requires 100 percent attendance and completion of the classroom and the riding skill test. Upon completion, you will receive two certificates to take to a DVS exam station along with your Minnesota driver's license. One certificate will allow you to take the state knowledge test for your motorcycle instruction permit. The other certificate will allow you to take the state skill (riding) test for your motorcycle endorsement. The certificates are valid until you turn 18.
After class you will need to take your 2 certificates to DPS to pass both the written state exam for your motorcycle instruction permit and the skills test. Then you can pay the duplicate license fee and receive your endorsement.
If you are under 18, you are required to take and pass the New Rider Course to earn your motorcycle endorsement.
If you are 18 or older, you are not required to take a rider training course to earn your endorsement; however, you may take and pass the New Rider Course to earn your endorsement to bypass the skills test at DPS. You can take the practice test here.
Riding Academy fees are non-refundable, but we are happy to accommodate a reschedule for you if notified prior to 72 hour before class start date.
Cancellations or Reschedules within 72 hours of class will not be accepted and will result in loss of payment.
