General Questions
Team Oregon is a non-profit program of Oregon State University. It is designed to give riders the knowledge base and skills they need to stay safe on the road. We offer courses statewide. Two endorsement courses (Basic and Intermediate) are approved by the state as meeting mandatory requirements for licensure. We also offer a number of follow-on courses that further develop riders’ knowledge and skills. Records show our graduates – particularly those who regularly take additional courses – are vastly underrepresented in crash data. We welcome you to dive deeper into what it means to be a safe rider.
Thanks for your interest! Learn more about how to become an instructor.
An endorsement is a qualification added to an existing driver’s license. Riding a motorcycle legally in Oregon requires you to have an “M” endorsement. To get this endorsement, the State of Oregon requires an applicant to successfully pass a rider training course. Team Oregon offers two courses (Basic and Intermediate) that allow you to meet this requirement.
Learn how to get your endorsement.
We’re so glad you’re interested! We have a number of courses for you to consider. These courses range from 2.5 hours to 1 full day, and they cover specific skills. A successful rider takes courses regularly to stay up on their knowledge and skills. Learn more about additional training.
Yes, insurance carriers in Oregon are required to offer a discount to a rider who passes a Basic or Intermediate course. In many cases, completion of any other Team Oregon course also leads to a discount. Please check with your insurance carrier for details.
Nationally, nearly 5,000 riders get killed every year, and 75 percent of these crashes are due to rider error. The same patterns that we see in other states are also present in Oregon – and in some cases, such as alcohol use, it’s even worse. With proper knowledge and skills training, rider error can be avoided altogether. Top killers include:
- Drinking and riding
- Poor cornering skills
- Excessive speed
- Crashes at intersections
Definitely. Call us at 800-545-9944.
Endorsement and Course Selection
We offer several different courses, each designed to meet specific needs. Compare courses here.
Find a date, location and register for a course here.
Yes – either a driver’s license or a driver’s permit.
Not for Basic or Intermediate courses. All additional courses require a motorcycle endorsement.
Not for Basic or Intermediate courses. We provide training motorcycles/scooters free of charge in Basic, Intermediate, and Basic 3-Wheel. You’re welcome to bring your own motorcycle if you prefer, as long as you have a way to transport it to the range. In the Basic Course, engine size is limited to 51cc-325cc. Your own motorcycle is required in all additional training courses, and it must have a minimum engine size of 51cc.
Yes, you must be at least 15 years old, and parent or guardian approval is required for any student under the age of 18.
During registration for Basic or Intermediate courses, you can choose between two different classroom options: in-person or online. Our online classroom is called eRider. Whichever you choose, you still have to complete your riding session(s) in-person and on-bike.
If you choose eRider, we recommend you finish the first two chapters before your first riding session. These chapters deal with basic controls. On average, the entire program takes 4.5 hours to complete, and you are allowed up to 60 days after your riding session to complete all chapters.
Because eRider can spread the classroom content over a wider period, students’ retention of the presented material improves. (By contrast, in-person classroom delivers the same content in one weekend). Additionally, since eRider is scenario based, students get to practice and hone their real-life decision making.
Any image capture that could include other participants requires a legal release. It’s a lot of work, but if that’s important to you, please contact us to discuss next steps.
We will do our best to accommodate any request. Please contact us.
Definitely. Call us at 800-545-9944.
Questions about the Course You Are Enrolled in
We’re glad you asked, because a little prep goes a long way.
- Arrive rested and ready.
- Heat, cold and rain add stress. Eliminate these factors by registering for a course in milder months.
- Motorcycling is a physical sport. You’ll raise your right leg to get on and off the bike. You’ll stretch your neck and turn your head to look at the exit of every turn. You’ll turn your upper body at the waist. Your ankles and knees will be bent more than you might be used to. You don’t need to become a yogi, but stretch before and after class. Flexibility is key to a successful outcome.
- Your left hand will have to squeeze the clutch lever a gazillion times. Each time the clutch gets squeezed, it has to be released smoothly and gradually. The same can be said of your right hand, which has to manage the front brake lever. As you can imagine, fatigue can be a hindrance. Consider strengthening your grip with the use of a grip strengthener for a few weeks before class.
- Wear proper-fitting gear. Gear that fits you well allows you to stay comfortable, more focused and more tuned-in to the lesson for longer. Motorcycle-specific gloves allow you to feel the controls better. Motorcycle-specific boots allow you to shift with ease and have better feel of the rear brake pedal.
- In Basic, Intermediate and Basic 3-Wheel courses we provide helmets free of charge, but consider bringing your own. Chances are your own helmet will feel and fit better and be less of a distraction.
- We allow use of sunglasses. Bring a pair that fits in your helmet. When the sun is in your face, you really can’t see without them. Closer to midday, the glare off of the asphalt can also create challenges.
- Dress appropriately for inclement weather. Your capacity to learn is severely undermined when you’re too hot or cold or wet. Weather-appropriate gear reduces the impact of these conditions and allows you to stay comfortable and focused.
- Bring healthy snacks and drinks to class.
- Stay hydrated. Start hydrating a couple days before class, particularly if the forecast calls for hot temperatures during class. During class, drink water or electrolytes regularly.
- Relax and have fun. A motorcycle provides a lot of feedback to the rider, allowing the rider to make fine adjustments. Being tense undermines this connection.
See the full list of What to Bring here.
For Basic and Intermediate Courses
- We provide motorcycles and scooters free of charge. You are welcome to use your own motorcycle, but it must meet the following requirements:
- In the Basic Course, engine size is limited to 51cc-325cc. In the Intermediate Course, your bike must have a minimum engine size of 51cc. Electric bikes must satisfy equivalency standards – contact us for prior approval.
- We provide helmets free of charge. You are welcome to use your own helmet, but it must meet the following requirements:
- Helmets must be DOT certified. Team Oregon reserves the right to disqualify any helmet. Criteria include damage, improper fit or instructors’ inability to verify certification. Novelty helmets are not permitted under any circumstance.
- You will need proper riding gear in order to participate.
For Additional Training Courses
- You will need your own motorcycle/scooter. Please ensure your motorcycle/scooter meets the requirements. See the full list here.
- You will need proper riding gear in order to participate.
For Basic Three-Wheel Course
- We provide Can-Am vehicles free of charge. No other vehicles are allowed.
- We provide helmets free of charge. You are welcome to use your own helmet, but it must meet the following requirements:
- Helmets must be DOT certified. Team Oregon reserves the right to disqualify any helmet. Criteria include damage, improper fit or instructors’ inability to verify certification. Novelty helmets are not permitted under any circumstance.
- You will need proper riding gear in order to participate.
Student participation in any course is predicated on two criteria:
- Can the student practice riding safely?
- Can the student meet the learning objectives of each exercise by the end of the exercise?
Failure to meet either of these conditions creates an environment in which the risk of a crash or the risk of a collision with other participants heightens. At that point, instructors will counsel students out of class. No refund is offered.
We understand you are learning to ride or honing your skills, which means you might make mistakes. Dropping a motorcycle/scooter or crashing does not automatically disqualify you from training. If a pattern of poor vehicle control suggests you cannot practice riding safely, your instructors will counsel you out of class. No refunds.
If you choose to train on a Team Oregon motorcycle/scooter, our insurance will cover you, and you will not be liable for any property damage. If you ride your own motorcycle/scooter, you will need to show proof of insurance, and any property damage will be your responsibility. This includes damage to your vehicle, to other vehicles and to other property. Please check with your insurance carrier for coverage details.
You can cancel or reschedule any course with no penalty up to three days before the course start date.
For Basic and Intermediate courses that are paired with online classroom (eRider), start eRider and complete the first two chapters before the first day of training. You may also continue ahead and finish eRider before class.
For all other courses, attend the first session of your class as scheduled.
If you are planning on using your own motorcycle in class, review this checklist to make sure you are good to go.
Please first check your spam or junk mail folders. If your confirmation letter is still missing, contact us for additional help.
Please note that we have a no-penalty cancellation policy that must be enacted before start of class. This allows us to free up your seat to another student. Otherwise, your registration guarantees a seat for you up to the start of class. We would be happy to register you into a new class, but prior payment for a reserved seat that was not used cannot be forwarded to a new class.
Please contact us so we can accommodate you to the best of our ability.
Quick answer: Yes.
Long answer: Most incidents in class stem from the abrupt use of controls – i.e., clutch, front brake and throttle. In class, focus on being smooth. When releasing the clutch, do so smoothly, so your bike never leaps forward. When applying the front brake, do so smoothly, with increasing pressure, so you never feel thrown forward. And with the throttle, hold your wrist in a low position and roll on smoothly, so your bike never feels jerky or out of control. As you can see, the aim is to be smooth.
Your hands may get fatigued throughout your training, and fine motor control is usually what checks out first. If you’re not accustomed to using your hands repeatedly and for extended periods, consider strengthening your grip with the use of a grip strengthener for a few weeks before class.
Sometimes just knowing what to expect can relieve stress. How is your course organized? Who are the instructors? What kind of motorcycle will you ride? What if you have no clue what the clutch is? Can you get hurt? What if it rains? What if you freak out? How will you be evaluated? We would be happy to go over all this and more. Contact us.
If you would like to continue training, please contact us so we can accommodate you to the best of our ability
The skills test consists of five maneuvers that measure minimum proficiency, as set by the state. Details such as directions and path of travel can be found here.
Sometimes things don’t go the way we want them to. No problem. If you don’t pass your skills test, you’ll be given an opportunity to retest at a later date. Instructions on how to schedule a retest are conveyed at the end of your riding session.
It’s worth noting that the skills test measures minimum state requirements and a passing score is anything above 60 percent. A score below 60 percent may be a great sign that you need to spend more time on the fundamentals.
Certainly! In the Basic course, engine size is limited to 51cc-325cc. (Electric bikes must satisfy equivalency standards—contact us for prior approval.) For all other courses, your bike must have a minimum engine size of 51cc.
If you plan to use your own motorcycle/scooter, make sure it can pass this check list.
Great question. Rain does not stop our classes. If the forecast calls for rain during your class, please come prepared. Waterproof jacket, pants, gloves and boots go a long way to keep you comfortable and focused.
You can cancel any course for a full refund up to three days before the course start date. Please contact us to cancel.
Please e-mail us so we can accommodate you to the best of our ability.
Please contact us so we can accommodate you to the best of our ability.
Please contact us so we can accommodate you to the best of our ability.
Our training fleet consists of low, medium and tall motorcycles. We also offer scooters (in one size). It is rare that one of these options does not work. If you need a more definitive answer, please contact us.
You are also welcome to use your own motorcycle/scooter. In the Basic course, engine size is limited to 51cc-325cc. In all other courses, your bike must have a minimum engine size of 51cc. Electric bikes must satisfy equivalency standards—contact us for prior approval.
Any image capture that could include other participants requires a legal release. It’s a lot of work, but if that’s important to you, please contact us to discuss next steps.
Definitely. Call us at 800-545-9944.
Questions about the Online Classroom (erider)
During registration for Basic or Intermediate courses, you can choose between two, different classroom options: in-person or online. Our online classroom is called eRider. Whichever you choose, you still have to complete your riding session(s) in-person and on-bike.
No. Whether you enroll in online classroom or in-person classroom, you still have to complete the in-person riding session(s).
If you’ve forgotten your username or password, you can retrieve them on the ***eRider log-in page. If you still cannot log in, contact us.
eRider is compatible with all mainstream browsers, but Chrome is generally considered to be the most trouble free.
You are allowed 60 days from the end of the on-bike portion of your class. Of course, you could also get it all done as soon as you enroll!
No, fast internet is not necessary to complete eRider.
If you finished eRider before your riding session, then the riding session is next. When you pass both parts – eRider and skills – we will report your scores to DMV. Please allow 72 hours from the date of your course completion for scores to be transferred.
If you have finished both eRider and passed your skills score, then all that is left is for you to visit DMV. Please allow 72 hours from the date of your course completion for scores to be transferred.
Definitely. Call us at 800-545-9944.
After Course Questions
If you took a Basic or Intermediate class and need to get your endorsement, all that is left is for you to visit DMV. Please make sure you have finished both parts of your course – knowledge (in-person or online) and skills – and allow 72 hours from the date of your course completion for scores to be transferred. And congrats!
Once you finish both parts of your course – knowledge (in-person or online) and skills – your completion card will be e-mailed to you. If you have finished both parts and have not received your completion card, first check your spam or junk mail folders. Feel free to contact us for additional help.
Once you finish both parts of your course – knowledge (in-person or online) and skills – we will notify DMV. Please allow 72 hours from the date of your course completion for scores to be transferred.
If you took a Basic or Intermediate class and need to get your endorsement, then yes. Once you finish both parts of your course – knowledge (in-person or online) and skills – all that is left is for you to visit DMV. Please allow 72 hours from the date of your course completion for scores to be transferred.
Sometimes things don’t go the way we want them to. No problem. If you don’t pass your skills test, you’ll be given an opportunity to retest at a later date. Instructions on how to schedule a retest are conveyed at the end of your riding session.
It’s worth noting that the skills test measures minimum state requirements and a passing score is anything above 60 percent. A score below 60 percent may be a great sign that you need to spend more time on the fundamentals.
You are allowed 60 days from the date of your first skills test. Please call us at 800-545-9944 to schedule your retest.
Please contact us so we can accommodate you to the best of our ability.
Two years from the date of completion.
We report scores to DMV within 72 hours of your course completion. To be able to apply for your endorsement, you will need to have finished and passed both parts of your training – skills and knowledge. If you enrolled in a Basic or Intermediate course with online classroom, make sure you are completely done with eRider before going to DMV 72 hours later.
Please contact us to communicate your concern. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
You are amazing! This mindset is exactly what you need to ride safely.
- Ride a motorcycle suitable for your skill level and experience. A motorcycle that is powerful or one that generates power quickly leaves very little room for mistakes – and on a motorcycle, the consequences are dire.
- Ride a motorcycle that fits you. Generally speaking, being able to put both feet on the ground when you are stopped is greatly reassuring to a newer rider. Your seating position, reach to handlebar, reach to levers and foot controls should also be considered for fit.
- Can you rely on your skills to be there every time you need them? To instill consistency, start by taking short rides on roads you know well and deliberately practicing the skills you learned in class.
- Practice turns at speed. Slow and look at the exit before every turn.
- Practice braking. Can you use your front brake smoothly and with progressively more force?
- Practice swerving and weaving.
- Practice 90-degree turns from a stop.
- Limit group rides – or if you do go on group rides, stay at the back of the pack and ride at your own pace.
- Gradually introduce traffic to your riding.
- Lower your speed around other vehicles.
- Commit to separating riding from drinking (or any other impairing substance).
- Your skills will plateau or decline over time. Take an additional class once a year to maintain your proficiency or to take it up a notch. Here are some options.
We’re here for you. Contact us if you have questions.
Some other states accept Team Oregon completion cards. Please contact the licensing agency in your home state to verify which course is accepted before signing up for a Team Oregon course.
Definitely. Call us at 800-545-9944.
I don’t see my question answered here. What should I do?
E-mail your question to [email protected]. If your needs are urgent, call us at 800-545-9944.