On November 11th, 2016 I received my DMV waiver for my motorcycle license from Smart Rider in Poughkeepsie. Let me caution, I personally feel that if you have never ridden a motorcycle or dirt bike in the past (not a passenger), then you should consider the Introduction to Motorcycling:1 Hour pre-session to the Basic Rider Course or even a private lesson. The BRC is for those who have some previous experience (in my case 30 years ago, lol). With that said, Micheal, with his humoristic approach and a demeanor which I can't explain, explained to us patiently and respectfully why things happen on a bike and how to correct a situation that can cost you your life. I learned so much from him in the 2 day course than what I would have learned from a friend following me around for a year in order to take the test to get my license after obtaining my permit (ugh). The 3 hour online course was also helpful, but like I said, If you have never ridden before, then learn. You can then go for the BRC course. Your outlook will be more positive and you will look more forward to riding a motorcycle. I will be attending a BRC2 course in the spring to fine tune what I know and learned from Michael. I highly recommend the Poughkeepsie location. Thanks again to Michael and Bob. RIDE SAFE! Read Less

I have failed the test, and it was not explained what my weaknesses were. I asked what it was I failed, so I could practice, and I got "It's Complicated" So I call up that day, so that I may reschedule for the makeup test. Well to get right to the point. I have yet to take it. I have called at least 7 times, spoke with somebody four of those times. And I kept getting the same b******* answer of "Well the season is almost over, when can you take it again." I don't want to get into a long drawn-out rant. I don't recommend it to anyone unless you want to be robbed $300 Read Less

Basic Rider Course was great!! Michael out instructor has been riding for over 50 years...you can learn a lot from someone with that kind of experience...thanks Michael for all your hard work...a class act and great instructor!!! Read Less

I was weary because of all the negative reviews but decided to give Smartrider a chance since I didn't want to drive to Newburgh. I signed up for the Basic Rider Course through the dmv website with zero experience. After viewing their website I read that riders have benefited from a one on one lesson prior to the BRC. Advertising ploy or not, I signed up for one and found it INCREASINGLY helpful. Micheal, the instructor, was very knowledgeable and incredibly patient. After the hour I felt confident, and comfortable going into the BRC. Could I have done well without it? Possibly. As all my other classmates did not do a private lesson and did very well on the course. But for me, having ZERO experience, I felt it helped. Again, I cannot stress how helpful the instructor was. Micheal keeps the atmosphere light while providing professionalism and constructive criticism throughout the entire course. I just felt that this review had to be done, since I almost didn't go with Smartrider because of the previous reviews. Pay them no mind, I'm sure I speak for myself and everyone else in my class when I say, that Smartrider is highly recommended for all level of experiences. Read Less

Fantastisch! One of the biggest enemies of safe driving on a motorcycle is indecision arising from either a lack of confidence or not knowing what to do. By the time the problem arises it is too late and you are dead or injured. This is a wise program that filters out a lot of people who should not be on a motorcycle for psychological reasons, or middle ear problems. This course was review for me since I had been riding for a little more than ten years, about 20 - 30 years ago and had thought about getting back on a bike every single day in the intervening period. Not an exaggeration! The course is thorough and should be mandatory. It was embarrassing to see the errors I made on my last bike pointed up, like going into a wet curve that is banked the wrong way at too high of a speed and trying to downshift like an idiot. I won't do that again!! And as a night shift guy, I am looking at electric motorcycles (near silent) so the local admins don't put a contract on me again. All I have to do in the daytime to keep pedestrians safe is to put some baseball cards in the spokes. I highly recommend this course, not just for trained monkey on the high-wire skills, but more importantly, street smarts. Do it! Read Less