S.M.A.R.T. Motorcycle Safety Course

Hosted by Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office

Motorcycle related fatalities and motorcycle crashes in general are a big concern. The only way to help mitigate the problem is through awareness and training. That’s why the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has adopted SMART Course to provide motorcycle training to ensure safe motorcycle operation. The acronym SMART stands for Safe Motorcycle and Rider Techniques.

The goal of the SMART training is:

“To help students demonstrate safe motorcycle riding techniques by negotiating commonly found street riding situations in a controlled and skill oriented manner.”

In order to accomplish our goal, SMART training is broken down into objectives that focus on hazard recognition, slow maneuvering, sudden lane change, accident avoidance, and group riding.

The training is conducted in a closed course instructed by highly trained law enforcement motor officers using the very same techniques that place them in the top 5% of all riders. Each student receives individualized attention which positively reinforces the skills sets the course tries to improve. If the student has applied themselves, they will leave a better rider than when they came in. By working together, we can lower the number of motorcycle related fatalities and crashes.

SMART Motorcycle Course
SMART Motorcycle Course

Ride Smart Florida

Click to go to the State of Florida website

 

SMART Course Fee

The SMART course is free, paid for by a grant from the Dept. of Transportation.

What to Bring to Class

  • Valid Driver’s License with motorcycle endorsement
  • A mechanically sound motorcycle (no leaking fluids, worn tires etc.) Sorry no 3- wheel machines.
  • Over the ankle footwear (footwear which covers the ankle bone and provides support)
  • Long pants
  • Long sleeve shirt or lightweight jacket
  • Eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are acceptable)
  • Department of Transportation approved helmet
  • Gloves
  • Sunscreen and rain gear (optional). Will ride rain or shine.
  • It is the responsibility of each rider to have everything needed to attend this course. Anyone arriving without the mandatory riding equipment will not be permitted to participate.
  • Great attitude and willing to learn!

Class Information

When is the class, and what time?

All classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 08:00 AM located at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Driving Facility

689 Pike Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (driveway just north of the Fire Training Facility).

 

Attendance Policy:

Classes start on time. Both days are required to attend.

 

Common questions:

  • Will I receive a discount on insurance?
    Completion of this course usually does not offer discounts on your insurance, however, each student will leave a better rider than when they arrived. Consult with your insurance company since a few do offer discounts for advance training taken.

 

  • Will this course help me get my motorcycle endorsement?
    This course is not designed to assist new riders with obtaining their motorcycle endorsement. Anyone attending must have a valid motorcycle endorsement to register. This course will teach any rider the fundamentals needed to safely operate a motorcycle.

 

Registration

To register for this course, please email Sgt. S. Yoder at Yoders@pbso.org. Future course dates and capacity levels can be provided.