I can't say enough good things about my two instructors, Walter Champion and Kevin Magee.  Walter has a lifetime of experience and practical stories about riding.   He knows how to illustrate the points he's making - he's lived through just about every conceivable situation - and always drives right to the heart of the matter.   Kevin is supportive and has a bottomless well of patience, but still knows just when to push you to the next level, and has an innate sense of just how much you can handle at any given stage.  Both men really REALLY are dedicated cyclists.  Makes you want to join the fraternity to find out why they're hooked on the sport.  (If you even need that motivation).   The price for these courses is, I imagine, set by the state of California.  Some may quibble about the charge but it's quite reasonable.  And this is important; in Petaluma the classroom is on a school campus and the riding course where you take your practical training is literally right outside the classroom door.  In other places you have to drive MILES in your own car to get to the drill pad (riding course)   That can severely cut into your meal or break times.   In Petaluma you're in a lovely little town on a neat, clean campus - plenty of rest rooms, water so you can stay hydrated (you'll need that) and access to food nearby.  The office staff is terrific.  Very eager to help set you up with a class. Read Less

Never rode a bike but the class was good. I liked how they start you off slow even if you've learned to ride from a friend. A couple of people admitted that after the class they found they had bad habits. Going to have my son take this class when he's old enough. Read Less

I took this course on January 21st and January 22nd 2017 at their Hayward and San Lorenzo locations. It was an amazing experience, the instructors were very helpful, friendly, professional and fun. When I took the course I had never rode a motorcycle before and after the course I have the information and skills needed to ride. Definitely recommend this course for anyone interested in riding or wanted to learn how to ride safely. Thanks Kevin and erin ( i know i spelled it wrong sorry :) ) Read Less

Just finished up the weekend course with my son. We had such a great time and learned so much. Both Kevin and Bob were great instructors!!! I was so nervous about the whole thing and it ended up being such a great experience. Read Less

I had the opportunity of taking one of they're basic courses in Petaluma. Everyone from the office (Suzie Reed, and the other extremely polite lady that answers when Suzie doesn't), the classroom and range instructors (Allison, Bob, and Dale) were excellent in showing the students (and myself haha) how to operate a motorcycle and get comfortable. I already knew how to ride prior to the course (experience with dirt bikes) but never really had any street riding experience or ridden a street bike such as a cruiser or sport bikes. I did take a course previously with another company and passed it, (I am taking another beginner class just for the heck of it as my friend wanted me to accompany him). While I left a review with the previous company (Bay Area Motorcycle Training) Northern California Motorcycle Training is a different experience. They're instructors and office staff actually care and take time for the students. They give out very specific and detailed instructions and make sure everyone understands before starting. While the other school just pretty much did not help anyone. They even make arrangements when you graduate from the course of you want to pick up your DL 389 which is a form that waives the license test at the DMV. After speaking with Suzie early Monday when they opened, I was told to call back around 2-3pm and my certificate would be ready for pickup in an hour. Which was great because I was able to go to the DMV right before they closed and get my license right there and then!! Thank you so much NCMT!!! I highly recommend this school to anyone in wanting to get their Motorcycle license. Read Less

After failing the course a couple months ago with a different company, I decided to re-take it with Northern California Motorcycle Training. Behold, I finally passed!! Bob, Allison, and Dale are excellent at instruction and pretty funny. They were nice, professional and always helping everyone out!! This is a well run company and everyone from the office staff to the classroom and range instructors were extremely helpful. Read Less

Got my cert. in May and now riding around on my new bike. Had a great experience with these people. No hitches or issues whatsoever. They did everything they said they would and went out of their way to help me.  Also, learned a lot about how to handle a motorcycle. Read Less

Took the class over the weekend of 6/9 - 6/12. The instructors had a wealth of knowledge and patience. The exercises are well thought out, and with them I'm confident that I now have the skills to enter the world of motorcycling. Read Less

I hadn't ridden a motorcycle for around 30 years so when I was interested in doing it again I attended the class at Las Positas College in Livermore. The instruction for the classroom portion of the class was competent and the classroom test was not very difficult so that portion of the class was fine.However, the riding portion of the class had real shortcomings.  The instruction was extremely cook book. During the riding practice the instructors just repeated the same advice time after time. It was good general advice, but they offered very little special advise to the students to help them resolve there specific problems. In several cases the students did not understand their instructions concerning where they were expected to ride so the instructors came out on the practice loop and were saying "over there" while pointing where the students should ride. When the student looked at them to see what was up, the instructors would then tell them "don't look at me, look into the curve."When the time came for the exam I failed by one point. Looking back on it, this was because I was making some simple errors that would have been easily resolved. However, the class moves along quickly so I didn't have time to reason out what my problems were and the instructors were no help.. Having failed, if it wasn't all going to be a waste my time and money, my only options either to pay $50 to retake the test another day or $129 to retake the final day of the class and the test, However, even if I paid $129 I was not guaranteed a slot in a class. I would need to just show up at a class and hope there was an opening in the class. If there wasn't an opening, I would need to leave and try again next week.  It upset me that I had to pay $129 to fill an empty slot. Since the slot was empty this would cost the class nothing but I got to pay $129. I get they feeling that a few failures were fine with the instructors since it only brought in more money for the class. They'd make a clear $129. However, I was concerned that if I just took just the test over I'd be rusty and on an unfamiliar motorcycle so I might fail again so I signed up to retake the final day.The next weekend the office said that the only place they thought there would be an open slot was San Mateo. It was a long drive, but I wanted to get it over with so I went there. It was worth it. They had an open slot and the instructor was much better and I passed the class.If your an experienced rider who just needs the class to get licensed this company is fine. However, if you have little or no experience and might need some help, I wouldn't take this class, at least not in Livermore.I've been asked what my simple errors were. Fair enough. First, I didn't make it obvious enough I was looking through the curves. I was doing this, but because I didn't turn my helmet enough going into the curve they claimed I didn't and there is no way to prove or disprove this. Second, when doing the the low speed L turn I didn't start the turn as early as I should have. Finally, during all of the slow speed maneuvers even if you mess them up, keep trying. Partial credit can be a lifesaver. Read Less

I had the class at Livermore location( Las Positas College), Instructors are cool and great. They are very experienced and they evaluate your skills in detail. They teach you always one thing which is very important which is safety. They gave plenty of time to practice on the lot and they taught step by step and never a rush. They will always give feedback where you are weak or doing strong and have one-to-one session at the end of class so that you can improve on. Its worth the money you pay for and I would definitely recommend this class. Forgot to mention the instructors Nate and Eric whom I would like to thank for their patience. Read Less

This class is pretty much a monopoly in that if you need the DMV test waiver, you have to do this course.There's 2 parts, the classroom session and the riding course.The classroom session is a snooze. Read the PDF file to Learn the material, and bring your iPhone to help pass the time.The rising sessions are good. However, they are VERY strict about times. I realized later that they get like a 100 bucks in re-sign ups if you are late. No wonder! We were 5 minute late and got kicked out...I dont know if it made me a safer rider, but it helps to avoid the DMV test. Read Less

Did the course in Petaluma this past weekend. Instructors are experienced, skilled and full of great advice. Course was fun as well as being instructive and safe. I felt the instructors went above and beyond what the course was supposed to offer, in freely dispensing advice and tips from their many years of experience. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Read Less

Knowledgeable and friendly instructors who shared relevant content and applicable skills. Thanks Glen, Walter, and rest of Team. I highly recommend this course regardless of ability. I feel much more comfortable as I get ready to return to riding. Read Less

Did my riders course with NCMT and absolutely loved it. Being the first time I've ever been on a bike, they were both extremely helpful and patient. The instructors Robert and Tom are full of knowledge, and are excelent people to learn from. I had a great experience and reccomend the course to anyone looking to learn how to ride! Read Less

I took the San Mateo location class.  The class content was standard to what's in the DMV motorcycle book but a great review to ensure you really understood the important points.  Real benefit was getting on the bike.  Instructor was firm but fair.  It may be tough to pass if you have never been on a motorcycle before as the class gets into skills practice very quickly so it's helpful if you have time to practice a bit on your own just to get comfortable with balance and basic shifting.  Overall, great experience especially from the main office who helped me a great deal. Read Less

My husband, brothers and I signed up for the Hayward/San Lorenzo class. Glen Heart is an amazing instructor. He took his time and listened to you. Learned a lot because of him and his teaching skills we will all be much safer on the roads because of the class. Susan in the office was very kind and egar to help. This class is well worth it! Read Less

I highly recommend this class for any level of motorcyclists. Whether starting out, getting back into or just to remember what the “basics” were for safety and fun. The class room environment is informative as well as engaging. It is a nice way to meet fellow motorcycle riders and riders to be. The riding course is challenging and fun too. The “Rider coaches” are respectful and mindful for your safety and education when it comes to riding a motorcycle. They don’t judge and are encouraging to assist and teach you proper motorcycling safety technique and habits that they themselves practice daily when they ride. Bottom line is “TAKE the class” you won’t regret it, I didn’t and will recommend this company and their instructors to family & friends.Read Less

Hayward and San Lorenzo Location - Amazing experience, the trainers are knowledgable, experienced and make this both a fun and highly educational course. I had had my bike just 2 weeks and ridden it for maybe 3 hours total. I had never ridden before, was nervous, uncertain and already developing some bad 'self taught' habits. Bob aUnd Tony were the best, explained everything clearly, gave demonstrations and provided constant coaching and encouragement. They create a fun environment whilst maintaining an emphasis on safety, technical and tactical excellence. My riding has improved immensely after taking and passing this course, I don't have to deal with DMV now and their silly riding in a circle test and I have great course materials to keep and reference or refresh with.  I would recommend this to anyone who is new to Motorcycling or thinking of getting involved in Motorcycling for commuting, touring or just cruising for pleasure. Read Less

My husband and I took this course at the Petaluma location, as we were interested in purchasing a motorcycle. Since neither of us had ever ridden before, we wanted to take a training course. I was so surprised and appreciative of all of the skills they had us practice and how much we learned throughout the weekend! I would highly recommend this course, especially if you've never had any riding experience as the instructors were incredibly positive and helpful. They challenged the riders to do our very best without any pressure, giving us so much confidence in the process! Thanks NCMT! Read Less

I signed up for the Basic Rider Course that was held in the San Lorenzo Adult School parking lot (with an evening classroom session in Hayward preceding). The classroom session was very informative and fun at the same time. We were divided into groups and they provided a handbook with questions that each group had a task of answering. We also watched video of each "scenario" as well. There's a written quiz at the end which was fairly easy unless you were asleep the whole time in class. The actual riding session on the range went at a fairly fast pace but each time you spent on the bike you get more familiar with the controls and balancing it. They provide loaner helmets but you must wear full gloves, leather shoes covering the ankle and a long sleeve shirt. I had no prior riding experience before taking this course and it was fun riding around in the little Kawasaki 125cc Eliminator cruisers. Riding speed was fairly slow around 10 - 20mph and you get ample time to practice each maneuver (17 exercises total) which is part of the riding test they administer after the class. Once they give you the graduation card you can take it to Cycle Gear for a one time 15% off discount :-) Read Less

I took the Basic class that they held at Abbott Middle School several years ago ... I can definitely highly recommend it!!  There's a classroom session on a weeknight, followed by actual riding exercises on the following Saturday and Sunday, where you get to learn how to ride in a big parking lot.Sure, the classroom session can be boring, but the information is nonetheless important, and should help you develop the proper respect for motorcycle safety.I had never ridden a motorcycle, ever, before I took this class, and was just a bit nervous.  Thankfully, most other people were in the same boat as me, and the instructors were very helpful and the exercises were very simple at first..  Over the course of a few hours, you keep on acquiring more and more skills and it starts to get pretty fun!!  (and don't worry about screwing up, since you won't be the only one.  Plus, the instructors are very cool and understanding that we're all beginners - just don't be reckless!).The best part is, they provide the motorcycle and helmet for you (since that's the most expensive part).  They're very easy-to-ride 250cc Hondas.  Just make sure to have gloves and boots and a good jacket.  Oh!  and another best part!  When you complete the class, they give you this little slip of official DMV paper that means you don't have to do the driving test at the DMV (which is a lot harder and more useless: drive around in circles but stay within the line, on your own motorcycle).  So I was able to get my motorcycle license easily, went out and bought a motorcycle, and I was good to go!! Read Less

Two stars for kind service and for trying to work with me. Minus three stars for not being willing to address their mistake and offer appropriate compensation (causing me, the customer, a major inconvenience in time and money). I will not be recommending their program.Wow. I was very much looking forward to this class. I registered well in advance. I took note of everything on the website and made sure to have all of my equipment (gloves, eye protection, etc) packed and ready to go. I studied the DMV manual. I wrote down the address and directions to the San Mateo location, and I left extra time to get there.And... I couldn't find it. Anywhere. It was like it didn't exist. The address from the website turned out to be for San Mateo College in general (not a specific building or classroom), the grounds were "permit parking only", and there were no signs for NCMT. I drove around the entire campus for over an hour. And since NCMT's office hours are completely different from their classroom hours, there was no one to get a hold of for help. I was seriously beginning to believe I'd been swindled.I called yesterday only to find out I never received their informational email -- which would have explained they don't have a permanent location for their San Mateo classroom and would have given me instructions on where to park and where to go. I got a confirmation email when I first registered, but I had no reason to even suspect I was missing critical information (an address was clearly listed on the site, and nowhere was it mentioned that there would be additional information coming).They have since updated the website to indicate you will receive two emails (the confirmation email and the follow-up email with attachments). They've also noted that the San Mateo address changes each class, and you should call if you do not receive information in the second email (so kudos to Glen for finally making those updates).My problem is, I'm moving cross-country next week. I booked this class over a month in advance, and since I scheduled everything else around this class, I can't reschedule for another time slot. Though they've admitted their mistake, they refuse to offer full compensation. The've offered me a voucher that I can try to sell (at my inconvenience and in the few days I have left in the state), but it's "standby" only -- meaning whoever buys this voucher will have to show up every weekend until a spot opens up and they can take the class.I understand they've (finally) taken measures so this is less likely to happen again. I know this is only an issue because I am one of a small subset who, for whatever reason, did not get the email. I appreciate that they were willing to try and get me into another class. That's why they get two stars. But, given that rescheduling is not an option for me and I have not received any services for the money I paid, I think they need to apologize, suck it up, and give a refund. This is ridiculous. Apparently, the mis-informative website has been up for months, and (shock!) they've had this issue before. Maybe a few refunds at their expense would give them enough incentive to get their act together.Be wary. Be very wary. Read Less

My girlfriend an I took the course in San Mateo.  Recommendation, arrive EARLY and make sure you have leather palmed gloves and boots that cover your ankles.  You will be sent home if you don't!  Classes were booked far in advance, so I highly recommend booking as soon as you even think you want to do it.  Classroom portion is kind of boring and I think it would have been helpful to have been given to book in advance of the class.  You will probably pick up a couple useful things though.  We had Bill S. as our classroom instructor and he was a bit militant.  It might put some people off, but it's only a few hours. Logan was our range instructor, and he kept things moving at a good pace.  I thought the on road course was perfect.  It moved a little fast for some, but every drill built on the one before it. It was a blast to take and I definitely learned a lot. Read Less

When I was 7, I was given a gocart for Christmas. When I was 8, a dirt bike. At 9, a 4-wheeler and at 10, a scooter. Yeah, I was spoiled. Totally. When I had my gocart, I did all sorts of crazy things. With the dirt bike and 4-wheeler, I'd go terrace jumping in the fields behind my house. These were all typical kid activities where I grew up in Alabama. No one ever gave me any sort of lessons. It was more like "Here kid. Here's the keys. Don't go and kill yourself ok?" So when I decided to get a scooter and Eugy kept insisting on me taking the Motorcycle Safety Course, I was hesitant. Especially at $250/class. I teased him all the time that I was riding before he even drove his first car. Which was true. And we all know that I'm a better driver than Eugy anyway. ;) But I agreed to take the class. I signed up for the NCMT class that's held at San Mateo college. The first session is a 4 hour classroom session. You watch some videos and interact as a group with the instructor. This was actually VERY helpful. A lot of info is crammed into those 4 hours, but if you're lucky, you'll actually take away a lot of knowledge from that class. The second part of the package is the 10 hours of riding class which is split up into 2 day, 5 hours each day. I picked the PM session which runs from 12:30pm - 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. If you are a morning person and you feel that you will be 100% coherent at 7:30am, I would suggest taking the AM session. It gets SO HOT in San Mateo so the PM session is not that great. They leave the bikes sitting out on the course in direct sun. By the time my ass touches that black leather seat, it's has been sitting out for over an hour. I could feel the heat burning through my jeans into my naughty tidbits. And let's not even get started on the sweating. You have to wear FULL BODY coverage. They don't make you wear actual bike riding gear. You just need long pants, long sleeve shirt, gloves, shoes covering your ankles (I wore hi-top chuck taylors) and a helmet. They cover basic maneuvering on the first day and more technical, live saving skills on the second day. The instructor is really patient and explains things very well. He works with you if you are unsure on how to complete the exercise. And if you are lucky, you aren't the first one out on an exercise, so you can watch the others so you know how to perform the task given. At the end of the two day riding class, you are given a 4 part skills test which you are judged on. If you pass, you get your graduation certificate. If you fail, you are given one chance to retake the riding sessions on a stand by basis. I PASSED!!!!!!! So look for me when you're driving around. I'll be on a light green Aprilia Scarabeo. VROOOOOOOM VROOOOOOOM !!!!! Read Less