So my experience with PNWMS in Auburn was not the best, and I hope that the problems stated in this review are fixed in the future so that other first time riders won't be in the same situation I was in. To clarify, I've never driven a manual transmission car before let alone a motorcycle, and I therefore decided to take the BRC (basic rider course) since it said it was for first time riders. The classroom bits were great, and that's the only reason why this review is two stars as opposed to one. The problems became apparent when we were on the range. On the range, we were instructed by two gentleman, Ken and Herb. We went through multiple exercises to become more familiar with motorcycles and how they handle. Ken would describe the exercise to us, then we'd see a demo of Herb doing it. I didn't quite understand all of the paths of travel during one of the explanations, so I asked if Ken could explain it again. He looked at me as if I had just insulted him, and said "it might help if you listen this time" in a very belittling tone. This was where things went downhill. Anyway, as I went through a few of the exercises, I was starting to become more comfortable with the Honda I was riding, but I was still far from perfect. One exercise involved weaving between cones, and I was having a tough time controlling the friction zone. Mind you, while I was struggling, Herb was yelling at the top of his lungs. I couldn't hear what he had to say since the bike was on and I was focusing on weaving. I look up and he was looking at me pointing to my left. We hadn't gone over any instructor signals that looked like that, so I thought "better safe than sorry, it must mean that I should move the left and stop". It didn't. Shaking his head and maintaining a frustrated expression, he walked over to me and shouted "what are you doing out there?!" while standing right next to me. I quickly explained how I didn't understand what he was trying to signal me to do and he said "I was telling you to weave the cones from the outside like you were first told!", again shouting. So I tried the exercise again, still having issues and so I decided to ask for coaching. I was still on Herb's half of the range so I asked him for some tips. When I did this, he looked appalled with his mouth wide open; as if he was surprised that a new student in a basic rider course didn't get it on the first couple tries. He then explained some tips to me in a tone that basically communicated "you are clearly an idiot for not understanding this". Had it stopped there, I wouldn't have written this review. What made me the most upset was their treatment of a few specific students. These students clearly spoke English as a second language, so one explanation of instructions might not be enough. Not for Herb and Ken. Their tactic of handling this was by raising their voices and saying "why don't you understand this?!". Specifically, while we were waiting to start another exercise, one of these students asked a question to Ken. Ken gave an answer and said "do you understand?". It was clear that he did not by the confused look he gave Ken as he tilted his head a bit, warranting further explanation. Ken instead said "that's when you nod your head and say yes". Incredible. Over all, the instructors made most of the students feel belittled, devalued, and stupid for not picking up everything on the first round of instruction; for a BASIC rider course might I remind you. Since the instructors were stressed out and frustrated, so were we as the students. Therefore it was less fun, and most importantly, much less safe. Again, I hope this is fixed in the future so no students feel the way that I and many other students in the class felt. Read Less

I signed up for their 2-day basic course, excited to learn how to ride a motorcycle and get licensed. How wrong I was - out of the nine students, only 5 passed - the pressure was super intense, the days very long and what I learned is that I really hate motorcycles. I understand that other people have had different outcomes and results but I wanted to share my experience. I would chose a less cutthroat, intense environment to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Read Less

This is a great place to strengthen your skills and learn proper safety! I loved the BRC! Even though I choked on my first riding test, it had absolutely nothing to do with the training we received! I highly recommend the course and Kelsy and Chuck were phenomenal! Read Less

I had an excellent experience. Kat was our main instructor in the classroom, and had Chuck assisting her out on the course. Kat is funny, witty, and upbeat, which helped make the learning less boring and mundane. Chuck was also funny, witty, and upbeat out on the course. But both were very strict when they needed to be. Provided great instructions on the course, and helpful tips and tricks for each individual when needed. I would highly recommend this course, this location, and these two instructors, if you're able to book their class. Read Less

A few friends & I took the course & it was fantastic! Kelsy was our instructor & it couldn't have been any easier. We were all so nervous going into it, but she made sure we were ready for both written & skills test. Also made sure to work with us and explain better if we had any questions so that we could be successful. Definitely would recommend this place. Read Less

Took the Advanced Rider Course today, Sunday, August 14, 2016, and had a blast. It was hot, hot, hot but we managed, Shawn and Stu (thanks Stu for subing at the last minute) were very professional and friendly the entire day and made this class fun. It was about three hours in the morning with several additional hours on the range after lunch, on own motorcycles, practicing what we learned in the classroom. Things worked out for us with only four riders, the minimum allowed so we had a lot of time to ride and try new things.  Best take away for me: who knew you could use your body, leaning into the turns, so that your bike would stay more upright and have better tread to payment for more stability. The classroom and range time was at the Auburn Collections Mall and with the most stars that I could give plus I recommend this class to any person who has been riding for a while and wants to learn a few tips to be a more skilled rider, which in turn could prevent the unthinkable happening on the roads. Read Less

I recently completed the 3-day Basic Rider Course taught by Joe and Chuck in Auburn.  The course started in the classroom on Thursday evening and continued all day Saturday and Sunday.  I started on Thursday with virtually no motorcycle experience.  8 days later (after passing the course on Sunday and officially getting my endorsement on Monday), I took my bike out on a 20 mile ride with a buddy of mine loving every second of it! Joe and Chuck did a great job communicating the fundamentals and safe riding practices.  I remember one lesson (in the classroom) of how to deal with dogs (that love to chase motorcycles).  I encountered this the day after class on my own bike and was ready.  If you're about to take the course and also have no experience riding, you can do it too!  Some parts of the course may be a little nerve wracking at first (because you're out of your comfort zone when you're learning new skills), but stick with it and it should come to you with some practice that you'll get during the course.  To be honest, after Saturday was over I was thinking I maybe have a 50/50 shot of passing the test the next day.  I was kinda getting it, but felt I was a long way from proficiency.  After the first exercise on Sunday it started to sink in much better.  By the time we got to the test, I felt like I had a good chance of passing.  I ended up passing the test with just two minor black marks!  yay!When you get your card saying you passed the course, make sure everything on it is correct.  My Driver License # was wrong (two letters were mixed up).  I didn't notice this until the next day. Tina at the main office got a new card sent out to me as soon as she could.  Fortunately this was not an issue when getting my endorsement :)Tip: After you pass the test on Sunday, you can get your endorsement on Monday at the Federal Way Driver License office.  Virtually all Driver License offices are closed on Mondays, but not this one.  I was riding (legally) after work Monday which was super cool!If you're thinking of riding a motorcycle, even as just a passenger, you can't go wrong with Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Safety.  I may return for one of the more advanced courses after I get a little more riding time. Read Less

My boyfriend and I just passed (Whoohoo!) our Basic Rider Class taught by Ken and Steve. We took the class over 2 days period. First day consisted of some class time Inside, then we moved to the range after lunch for a good 4 hours of riding fun! Second day, we switched things up since it was so hot outside, and went to the range right away in the morning, had the riding "celebration" (AKA Test!) before lunch, then returned to class afterwards to talk a little more about different riding scenarios and take the written part of our big celebration.... ;-)The classroom part was instructed by Ken who has a great way to involve everyone by using an interactive approach. All students got to know each other very well which helped out on the range. We were only 9 students, 4 women and 5 men,probably between the age of 18 to 50, Some of us had ridden before, others never had been on a motorcycle. Steve, who joined us to instruct the riding portion of the class with Ken brought 8 different motorcycles and a scooter for a student who requested it. We had a few options from different makes 250 cruisers, CB 300s, as well as an enduro. Their approach on teaching was incredible; The information we received was precise, easy to follow, and helped build our confidence. The riding test, I mean celebration, was not that easy, and required some good balance as we had to perform some sharp turns and U turns in first gear using friction. I "might" have gotten frustrated a few times (...), but the calming attitude of Steve and Ken really helped me relax and focus on each drill separetely. I am recommending this class to everyone I know, and will definitely go back for the Street Riding and Advance Course at some point.Big thank you to Ken and Steve whose patience is examplary! And like Steve told us the first day "If you're not smiling (while riding) you're doing it wrong!" Read Less

Awesome class! I did the 2 day basic rider class and it was perfect. The instructors really do an amazing job and help you gain so much confidence. I had a blast!They take people who have never sat on a motorcycle and make them proficient in a short amount of time.I can't wait to take the advanced classes.Thanks to Joe, Dan, Mercedes and Carey. You guys were awesome. Read Less

I took the 2 day course about 5 months ago and got my license. It was very easy to understand and the pace was perfect for me. I really liked the instructor but I forgot his name (he was an older man with white hair). Anyways after the class I was able to immediately start riding on the freeway and thank God I was safe, no problems. I still remember most of what was taught at this class. I now ride a 1000cc sport bike and am able to handle is perfectly Read Less

Worst experience ever! The instructors are so rude. Especially chuck and Dave. I paid 200 and got kicked out of class after 3 hours because they claimed I wasn't moving fast enough. They kicked out a quarter of the class and said to join again we have to pay another 200. They are shading and out to scam hard working individuals. They keep reminding you throughout the class period, if you drop the bike or aren't picking up the riding skills fast enough they kick you out. Is that the kind of environment you want to learn in? If not, choose a different school. This is my first review on yelp and I'm only writing it to warn other new riders to avoid this school and do your research when picking a school. They aren't there to teach you how to ride. They are there  to make money off of you in an unethical way. The instructor chuck kept using profanity throughout the whole class period. He also kept making remarks about using drugs such as meth and crack. I've never seen anything like it! Out of all the years of schooling and work trainings I've never seen a instructor who carried himself in such a unprofessional matter. I'm warning you to avoid this school and take your money elsewhere. I will also be reporting this school to the state and better business bureau to take further action. Read Less

I picked the three day course located in Auburn.  Jeff was our classroom instructor and he was fantastic.  During the written DOL test, he encouraged us to ask questions and helped us clarify our answers.  The only thing I did not like was the classroom portion. I guess MSF is using a new curriculum and it is ALL book work, which becomes tedious and monotonous, especially if you have been on the range for 4 hours prior or are trying to learn after coming straight off of work.He helped on the range as well during the 'on bike' training.  He was more than willing to provide helpful feedback and answer any questions we had about technique.  I would highly recommend this training school. Everyone who took with written and riding test passed, which has to say something about the ability of our instructors.  Many of us had never ridden a motorcycle or scooter before and it is very different from driving a car. I live closer to another course, but they didn't have any openings for about a month.  There were plenty of openings for classes at PNMS, I registered about five days prior to the class starting. At the time I registered, there were still six openings in a 12 person class. Read Less

I took my two day motorcycle course on March 31st and April 1st. My instructors were Clint and Lee. I didn't have any expectations going into the class other than learning to ride a motorcycle and hoping to pass with flying colors. Clint was a great in room instructor. I liked his teaching style and his lack of caring to rest his injured foot while teaching and helping us all learn. Lee's field instruction was outstanding as well. They both were very encouraging. After my first day of class I was nervous going into the second day, as I knew it was test day. After a couple hours in the morning came written test time. I unfortunately failed the written test and thought, oh boy, I'm going to have to pay for another class. I was encouraged to continue the class and take the riding test. I did so, and passed with the help of Lee telling me to smile and keep my concentration. Aside from having to return to take my written (of which I passed) I would say my experience here was unforgettable. I'm glad to have both these instructors for my course and won't forget learning to ride, as it's the beginning of a lifetime of fun. Read Less

I was honestly expecting something equivalent to drivers' ed when I signed up for the 1-day intermediate class.  Instead, I actually got a lot of valuable tips, useful classroom exercises, and good instruction on their training course.  I had Dan as my classroom instructor, and he presented an appropriate level of material that was neither too basic to be of interests, nor too advanced to even be applicable.  The class was broken up into a few 1 hour chunks where we would watch instructional videos and work out situations on the whiteboards in the room.  Dan's knowledge level, efficiency as an instructor, and balance between humor and instruction were all spot on.  The class time flew by and then we were off to the range.On the range, I had Dan and Steve as instructors.  I brought my own bike to the exercises, and they made some helpful observations about things that I might want to adjust.  All the exercises were well prepared and clearly explained, and all of them were helpful in performing the tasks the state required for an endorsement.  Seeing someone as old as Steve perform the maneuvers gave me the confidence I needed.  (Sorry Steve, I couldn't resist)  The 1 day course was pretty long, and I was totally wiped out at the end of it, but it was money and time well spent.  I plan on taking at least one additional class with them (3-wheel), and perhaps also the on-road class as well. Read Less

I took the Basic Rider Course in Silverdale last November. It took place over two days and involved quite a lot of actual riding time, along with classroom time. The motorcycles are provided. I brought my own helmet, although they did have helmets to borrow.It was not easy to pass this course. Much of the riding involved developing skills to be able to stop quickly, turn sharply, and finesse the clutch. Yes, you do have to master a slow, tight figure-eight, weaving through cones, and stopping on a dime. Fortunately, i had plenty of opportunities to practice and ask questions. The teacher, Steve, is a longtime Harley rider. He knew what he was doing and was patient with the class as we were put through the paces.I passed the riding test and written test, but I was not confident at the beginning that I would. Thanks to the quality instruction by the teacher, I was more confident of my abilities at the end of the course. Now that I have my motorcycle endorsement on my WDL, I am a much better driver as well. I highly recommend Pacific Motorcycle Safety training courses. Read Less

If you go to their website, they offer a number of different classes.  I attended their Novice Rider Course over last weekend.  It was a two day course (Saturday and Sunday) from 8am to 6pm.The course consisted of a few hours in a classroom environment with an instructor, who was teaching from a manual, showing some videos, and showing the class a motorcycle.  Then the second half of the day is spent out on the range learning to ride.  There are a large number of pretty intensive drills that they put you through.  Overall you are outdoors riding for about 5 to 6 hours each day, so you will be exhausted by day's end.  Day two consists of more classroom time, followed by a written exam.  After which you go back out to the range, finish some more practice drills, then take a riding skills test.  If you pass the test (which is not easy for a beginner), you are awarded  a certificate that you can redeem at the DOL for your official motorcycle endorsement on your license.My instructor, Doug, and his assistant, Susan, were very good.  They are both extremely knowledgeable about motorcycling, and take their responsibilities very seriously.  The whole thing can be a little intimidating, as there is a lot of information to absorb, and a lot of skills to learn in a two day stretch, but I feel very confident after taking the course that I have the foundation to become a competent rider.  Highly recommended! Read Less