Once you enroll, you'll receive an email confirmation with your receipt and a welcome message from Wolverine Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. About one week before your class begins, we'll reach out to confirm your attendance and share any course-specific details-what to bring, where to meet, and how to prepare.

Your assigned coach will also personally connect with you by email, text, or phone to introduce themselves, answer any questions, and make sure you feel ready for day one.

WHDRA uses the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) curriculum, which includes the MSF Basic eCourse as part of your training. This online course replaces the in-dealership classroom session and can be completed at your own pace before the first night of class. Your welcome email will include the link to the MSF Learning Center.

Important:

• Please set aside enough time to complete the eCourse-it cannot be fast-forwarded, even if you have riding experience.
• After you finish, you'll receive a completion certificate.Print or take a photo of it and bring it with you on the first day of class.

Items You MUST Bring on Day 1:

• Your valid Driver's License and/or Learner's Permit
• Printed Proof of MSF eCourse Completion

Motorcycle gloves and a motorcycle helmet are the only essential motorcycle specific items, but we recommend that sometime before the first night of class, take what you have to the dealer to get it checked out. They can help you ensure that you have the right motorcycle gear.

 

CLASS GEAR LIST

• Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
• Long pants (heavy denim or riding pants recommended)
• Over-the-ankle boots (sturdy, not canvas, low heel)
• Eye protection (helmet visor, eye glasses, sun glasses, goggles acceptable)
• Full-finger gloves (motorcycle specific recommended)
• DOT-certified helmet style based on the requirements of your state 

 

SHOPPING FOR A HELMET

A helmet is the most important piece of motorcycle gear you will invest in. A helmet is a very personal piece of gear. Consider buying a helmet vs. borrowing one, that way it is yours and it fits you perfectly and allows you to focus on learning to ride.

 

The staff at your dealer are trained to fit a helmet and will ensure you get the right one. Helmet fit is so important that they will most likely suggest you wear the one you settle on around the dealer for about 15 minutes. It takes that long for the helmet to really let you know if it will be comfortable in the long run. Remember, helmets are not typically returnable once they leave the dealership, so take the time to find the right one.

 

Coach Tip: The more helmet the better, full face is the best, followed by a modular. An open face helmet or ¾ open still provides good protection if you feel too cooped up in a full face. Half helmets, while very popular, offer the least amount of protection.

Our Riding Academy runs several schedule formats, but here's what a typical weekend class looks like so you know what to expect.

Your first session is usually about three hours. We'll kick things off with a quick tour of the dealership, complete your class paperwork, and give you a chance to get to know your fellow students and coaches. You'll hear us talk a bit about expectations-being on time, having the proper gear, and how we handle coaching and safety. Don't let that stress you out! These are simply the requirements the State sets for providing an endorsement waiver, and we want to make sure everyone starts with the same understanding.

From there, your coach will walk you through a detailed review of the MSF eCourse to help reinforce the key concepts for the State's written knowledge test. After the review, you'll take the test right in the classroom.

You'll also receive your Harley-Davidson® ROADBOOK-a small journal you'll use throughout the course to reflect on what you're learning. We'll build on the eCourse by diving into new material, including activities that help you understand motorcycle controls, how they work, and how your riding gear plays an important role in safety and comfort. Don't be shy-jump in and participate! Much of what we discuss connects to what you already know as a car driver.

As we wrap up, coaches will review what to expect during your range days-what to bring, where to go, and when to arrive. The range is simply our practice lot: a controlled, flat, open space right next door to the dealership where you'll learn and build your skills.

We'll finish with a quick overview of range rules, hand signals, and procedures so you feel prepared, confident, and ready for the riding portion of the course.

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If you're unsure where the range is located, swing by on your way home so you're not scrambling the next morning.

And finally-bring any snacks that keep you fueled and focused. WHDRA provides bottled water, but staying energized is key to a great learning day.

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE RANGE?

Your Riding Academy experience includes two full days on the range, where the real fun (and learning!) happens. Here's what to expect:

Your Riding Academy experience includes two full days on the range, where the real fun (and learning!) happens. Here's what to expect:

FIRST DAY OF RIDING

Your first day on the range focuses on Level 1 skills-getting familiar with the motorcycle and learning how to start it, stop it, and control it with confidence. You'll learn:

• How to properly start up and shut down the bike

• Smooth clutch control and shifting

• Basic turning

• Straight-line and controlled stopping

Each exercise builds naturally on the one before it, helping you progress quickly and safely. Most exercises last about 40 minutes, followed by short breaks every other exercise. Breaks are your chance to hydrate, relax, connect with classmates, and jot down key takeaways in your ROADBOOK.

Throughout the day, your coaches will guide you through self-assessment, riding behaviors, and mental strategies that support safe riding. The more you engage, the more you'll take away.

Coach Tip:

Learning to ride is both mentally and physically demanding. Plan for a quiet Saturday night-rest well so you're fresh for Day 2.

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SECOND DAY OF RIDING

Day two is where the skills come alive. You'll practice:

• Smoother cornering

• Swerving and obstacle avoidance

• Maximum braking

• More confident control at slightly higher speeds

Just like Day 1, expect two exercises back-to-back followed by a ROADBOOK break. And yes-this is usually where the smiles start showing. These exercises are fun and incredibly rewarding.

Toward the end of the day, your coaches will set up the five evaluation exercises. These measure the same skills you've practiced throughout the weekend.

Take a breath. This is simply a fair, structured way to ensure you're ready to ride beyond the range. Watch the riders ahead of you so you understand the path of travel and the scoring focus.

Coach Tip:

Don't score yourself! Many errors are only minor point deductions, and not every part of the exercise is scored. If you dwell on mistakes, you're more likely to make more. Stay relaxed and ride your ride.

AFTER THE EVALUATIONS

When evaluations are complete, your coach will review your results with you. If you don't pass-don't panic! There are often opportunities to repeat portions of the course or to retest. Connect with your Riding Academy Manager right away so we can help you keep moving forward.

During your final classroom session, we'll wrap up any remaining state-required content, complete final paperwork, and-of course-celebrate your accomplishment. This is a big moment. You've put in the work, earned your skills, and officially joined the WHDRA family. Welcome aboard-enjoy the ride!

Students who successfully complete both the classroom and range portions will receive an email notification once your scores are submitted to the State. Please remember:
This completion notice is not a motorcycle license and is not recognized by law enforcement as permission to ride.

After your scores are processed, you'll receive an email from the Michigan Secretary of State. Follow the instructions to log in and pay the required endorsement and updated license fee. Once that's completed, the State will mail you your new driver's license with your motorcycle endorsement printed on it.

And then?

Get out, get riding, and enjoy every mile.