Training Operations (TOD)

Motorcycle & ATV Safety Unit

The Motorcycle/ATV Safety Unit is a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety Education Training and Research Bureau and administers two statewide training programs, the Motorcycle Operator Training and Safety Program and the All-Terrain Vehicle Education and Certification Program.

The Motorcycle/ATV Safety Unit offers Basic and Advanced motorcycle courses and an ATV course for DPS employees. Each course has a $30 enrollment fee and offers TCLEOSE credits. All courses are held at the DPS Tactical Training Center in Florence. Motorcycles, ATVs and riding gear are provided for basic motorcycle and ATV courses.

Motorcycle Courses:

Basic RiderCourse (BRC)
This course provides the opportunity to learn the physical and mental skills important for operating a motorcycle. The classroom portion includes ways to minimize risk and handle special riding situations. The riding portions covers the physical skills of basic control that include clutch/throttle control, straight line riding, stopping, turning, and shifting, and then moves on to more advanced skills in stopping quickly, cornering, and swerving. Note: motorcycles, helmets and gloves provided; no prior experience necessary.

Basic RiderCourse2 (BRC2)
This course is designed to develop maneuvering skills, learn how your motorcycle responds to your inputs and to develop 'street smarts'. Note: you must provide your own motorcycle, helmet and gloves; motorcycle license required. Passengers allowed.

Advanced RiderCourse (ARC)
This course provides rider development in the areas of risk management, decision-making, riding strategies and rider behavior and choices through classroom activities and riding exercises. Note: you must provide your own motorcycle, helmet and gloves; motorcycle license required.

Ultimate Bike Bonding RiderCourse (UBBRC)
This course provides practice in basic maneuvering skills on your personal motorcycle. It is patterned after police training courses. The overall aim is to help riders develop smooth and precise control as they manipulate the primary controls and practice low-speed riding techniques. The UBBRC allows participants to refine skills via low-speed, limited-space exercises. By the end of the course, participants should be able to handle their motorcycle in a more precise and smooth manner.

ATV Courses
All-Terrain Vehicle RiderCourse (ATVRC)
This course provides the opportunity to learn the physical and mental skills important for operating an ATV. The course includes ways to minimize risk and handle special riding situations. Riding practice consists of straight line riding, turning, stopping, riding over obstacles and riding on hills. No classroom portion, instead breaks are used to discuss safe riding practices and environmental concerns. Note: ATVs, helmets and gloves provided; no prior experience necessary.