FAQ

Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP)

• What is CONREP?
• Are the courses designed for beginners or experienced riders?
• What is the Basic Rider Course (BRC)?
• How long is the BRC?
• How much does the BRC cost?
• Do I need a motorcycle for the BRC?
• What do I need to register for a BRC?
• Are private BRC lessons available?
• Do I have to take the Dept. of Motor Vehicles riding test to get my motorcycle license?
• What skills do I need before I take the BRC?
• Do all the students pass the BRC?
• What is the Experienced Rider Course (ERC)?
• How long is the ERC?
• How much does the ERC cost?
• Do I need a motorcycle for the ERC?
• What do I need to register for the ERC?
• Do I get an insurance discount?
• What happens if it rains?
• What do I need to bring with me to the class?
• Do I have to attend the complete course?
• When does training begin?
• What type of schedules are offered?
• Where are the courses offered?
• How do I get registration information?

What is CONREP?

The Department of Transportation's Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) was established in 1982 by Public Act 82-333. The Program's goal is to provide quality motorcycle training for new and experienced riders. Over 40,000 students have registered for these courses since 1984.

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Are the courses designed for beginners or experienced riders?

We offer courses to accommodate both beginner (BRC) and experienced ERC riders.

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What is the Basic Rider Course (BRC)?

The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is designed to help individuals with little or no riding experience achieve a better understanding of what is involved in operating a motorcycle. The BRC begins with the development of the fundamental riding skills of turning, shifting and braking, and expands these basic skills into more advanced street-riding techniques.

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How long is the BRC?

The course consists of six hours of classroom instruction and eleven hours of on-cycle instruction.

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How much does the BRC cost?

BRC - $150

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Do I need a motorcycle for the BRC?

No. Training motorcycles, ranging in size from 125cc's to 550cc's, are provided for BRC students.

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What do I need to register for a BRC?

Participants must have a valid automobile driver's license or a motorcycle learner's permit or a driver's education completion certificate. Participants less than 18 years old must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver.

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Are private BRC lessons available?

Yes. Some sites offer private lessons on a limited basis.

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Do I have to take the Dept. of Motor Vehicles riding test to get my motorcycle license?

Students who successfully complete the BRC, will be given a waiver, which exempts the student from having to take the Department of Motor Vehicles on-cycle skills test for licensing. The knowledge skills portion and the appropriate fees are still required.

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What skills do I need before I take the BRC?

Riding a motorcycle is much more difficult than riding a bicycle or operating a car. It involves a great deal of hand/eye coordination. You must be able to balance a two-wheeled vehicle. If not, please practice before attending.

Always come to class in good physical condition well rested, attentive and able to fully participate.

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Do all the students pass the BRC?

On average about 70% of enrollees successfully complete this course. During the course you may discover or be informed that riding a motorcycle is not for you. For your safety and the safety of others, the instructor may not allow you to continue.

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What is the Experienced Rider Course (ERC)?

The Experienced Rider Course (ERC) is a course designed for licensed riders with more than 500 miles of riding experience. Participants must have a motorcycle license and a motorcycle to ride to (and during) class. This is your chance to practice "survival skills" and explore traction management, swerving, cornering, and braking techniques.

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How long is the ERC?

The ERC is a one day, six-and-a-half hour on-cycle training course.

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How much does the ERC cost?

ERC - $75

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Do I need a motorcycle for the ERC?

Yes you are required to ride your own street legal motorcycle to and during the ERC. You will also be required to present proof of State required motorcycle insurance coverage for said motorcycle.

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What do I need to register for the ERC?

Other enrollment requirements are:

1. written parental permission if under the age of eighteen (18)
2. a street legal motorcycle to be used in the Program
3. proof of ownership of said motorcycle or its owner's written permission to use said motorcycle
4. proof of State required motorcycle insurance coverage for said motorcycle

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Do I get an insurance discount?

Upon successful completion of any of our courses, students are entitled to a 10% insurance discount; please contact your agent for details.

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What happens if it rains?

Classes are conducted in all weather conditions, so come to each session prepared! Bring rain gear, warm clothes (for cold days), water, lunch and a snack.

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What do I need to bring with me to the class?

Your own DOT approved helmet is recommended, but one is available if needed. Also a long-sleeved shirt or jacket; full-fingered gloves (leather preferred); long, ankle-length pants (denim or other heavy material); sturdy boots or leather athletic shoes (over-the-ankle style). Some form of eye protection; face shield, sun glasses, prescription glasses or safety glasses.

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Do I have to attend the complete course?

You must attend and participate in all sessions. If you know you will miss a session for any reason, do not enroll in that time slot; choose another session.

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When does training begin?

Each training site begins registration in March and continues training into November.

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What type of schedules are offered?

We offer a variety of course schedules. The most common is our two weekend schedule Thursday Night / All Day Saturday or Friday Night /All Day Sunday. We also offer classes weekdays and evenings at some locations.

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Where are the courses offered?

We offer courses in the following locations: Manchester, East Granby Farmington, Groton, Hamden, Hartford, North Haven, Plainfield, Stratford, and Torrington.

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How do I get registration information?

Click here for course registration contact information.

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Alcohol & Riding

• What can I do if I know that someone has had too much alcohol to drink and is going to drive?
• At what blood alcohol level is someone actually impaired?
• Isn't it true that coffee, fresh air or a cold shower will help a person become sober?
• Isn't it true that alcohol is digested like food?
• Is alcohol a stimulant?
• Is it true that alcohol is really a drug?
• What types of drugs can affect a person's driving ability?
• A beer or two won't hurt, right?
• What is this .02 Law I've been hearing about?
• What about possession of alcohol or using a fake ID?

Q: What can I do if I know that someone has had too much alcohol to drink and is going to drive?

A: REMEMBER: when people choose to drink and then drive, they become potential dangers not only to themselves but also to others. If a friend has been drinking, you should see to it that he or she does not drive. Here are some things you might do:

• Make suggestions to your friends that you drive them home. They can always come back for their car the next day.
• Suggest to your friend that they stay overnight at your home. This may involve some inconvenience for you, but you could be saving your friend's life.
• Try to take their car keys away if they insist on driving. Your friend may resent it, but if they're too impaired to listen to reason, you must take action.
• Call a taxi and have your friend taken home. Pay for the cab yourself. Your friend can't object to a free ride home. (When sober, they'll probably thank you and gladly reimburse you.)
• Plan ahead. Use a "Designated Driver," someone who agrees not to drink on this occasion, and to drive those who do drink safely home.

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Q: At what blood alcohol level is someone actually impaired?

A: Impairment begins with the first drink. The driving ability of most individuals is significantly impaired with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) much lower than the "legal" limit.

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Q: Isn't it true that coffee, fresh air or a cold shower will help a person become sober?

A: No. None of these remedies will decrease the effect of alcohol. The body must be allowed time (one hour per average drink) to eliminate the alcohol. Even caffeine, a stimulant in coffee and tea, which is supposed to help the drowsy driver stay alert, cannot make an impaired driver sober.

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Q: Isn't it true that alcohol is digested like food?

A: No. Alcohol isn't digested like food, it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. What this means is that alcohol begins to numb the brain and body almost immediately after it's consumed.

Q: Is alcohol a stimulant?

A: No. Alcohol is a depressant. It acts on the central nervous system like an anesthetic to lower or depress the activity of your brain.

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Q: Is it true that alcohol is really a drug?

A: Yes. Alcohol is a toxic drug. When taken in large doses over long periods of time, alcohol can damage the heart, brain and liver. Alcohol, like other drugs, has a high potential for physical and psychological dependence.

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Q: What types of drugs can affect a person's driving ability?

A: Over-the-counter and prescription medications can both affect a person's driving ability. Drugs that can impair driving are those which affect the central nervous system, resulting in poor reasoning and slowed reactions.

These drugs include: sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs, stimulants, and antihistamines. Because these drugs can be obtained through prescriptions or over-the-counter, people tend to underestimate the effect these drugs can have on their ability to drive safely.

Alcohol is a sedative drug. It acts very much like other drugs such as valium and other tranquilizers to put the brain to sleep. This sedation greatly impairs a person's ability to perform complex tasks such as driving a car. Driving requires the ability to take in and process information about our surroundings. We must also have the ability to quickly and accurately analyze that information, so the brain must be alert and in top condition. When the brain decides some action is required, the nervous system and muscles must be able to respond quickly and accurately. Click here for more information on how alcohol affects your BAC

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Q: A beer or two won't hurt, right?

A: Don't bet your license on it!

A 12 ounce can of beer, 5 ounce glass of wine or 1 1/2 ounces of 80 proof liquor all have about the same amount of pure alcohol. Alcohol concentration depends on several factors:

• the amount of alcohol consumed
• body weight
• the amount and kind of food eaten
• the physical and mental condition of the person
• the presence in the body of other drugs (even over-the counter drugs) and even the mood or individual's temperament.

For most minors, one drink within the hour will result in a blood alcohol content of approximately .02%.

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Q: What is this .02 Law I've been hearing about?

A: This is a new law enacted in Connecticut to stop underage drinking.

The law states that any driver under the age of 21, with more than a trace of alcohol (.02% Blood Alcohol Content BAC or higher) in their system will be subjected to a 3 month license suspension under the new "zero tolerance" law.

Any driver arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) who refuses to submit to testing will be subjected to a 6 month suspension of their drivers' license (not driving at all).

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Q: What about possession of alcohol or using a fake ID?

A: Possession of alcohol or the use of your fake ID by minors are both punishable by a minimum $200 fine.

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Lower Your Risk and Increase Your Enjoyment