Beginning rider student and instructor

You love riding your motorcycle so much you'd like to share the passion with others. There's a name for people like you: rider coach.

While requirements probably vary from state to state and definitely vary from training organization to organization, I'll go over what it generally takes to become an instructor. Check with your own local organizations for more specific information.

The most obvious first requirement is that you have to know how to ride. Need we say more?

Second, you need to take the Basic Rider Course yourself. This gets you acquainted with techniques and allows your instructor to see whether you have the skills needed (see requirement 1).

Third, you will also need to take a train-the-trainer course. For ABATE of Colorado, this is an 8-day course that costs $500. Successful completion of the course gains you Motorcycle Safety Foundation certification to teach the Basic Rider Course and the Experienced Rider Course.

Most training organizations seem to offer this course only about once a year, at times when they are feeling the need to increase their pool of trainers.

Finally, you must apply to the organization of your choice, be interviewed, and be offered a position. Rider coaches working for ABATE of Colorado must have a "fairly clean" motor vehicle record and no 8+ point violations, according to Ben Hochberg, head of training.

According to their website, T3RG Motorcycle Schools also requires their instructors to have training in first aid and CPR, accident scene management, and adult education practices and techniques.

Rider coaches are taken on as contractors in most instances. Pay is generally a set amount per pupil per class. Pay varies from one organization to another.

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