How to Get Your New Mexico Motorcycle License

Classroom Content

Section		Objectives
1	Section 1 - Course Introduction	Course Requirements Risks and Responsibilities
2	Section 2 - Motorcycle Types	Street Motorcycles Dual-Purpose Motorcycles Off-Highway Motorcycles
3	Section 3 - Controls, Indicators and Equipment	Primary Controls Other Controls Indicators and Equipment
4	Section 4 - About Basic Operation	Engine Start and Stop Clutch Lever and Friction Zone Riding Posture Basic Turning Braking to a Stop Shifting
5	Section 5 - Preparing to Ride: The Four Preps	Motorcycle Fit Motorcycle Inspection and Maintenance Personal Protective Gear Mental Attitude
6	Section 6 - Risk and Riding	Risk Awareness Risk Acceptance Risk Management Self-Awareness
7	Section 7 - Basic Street Strategies	Positioning Being Visible An Active Strategy Mental Processing Escape Paths
8	Section 8 - Strategies for Common Riding Situation	Intersections Between Intersections Blind Spots Lane Changes Freeway Merging and Exiting Curves Limited-Space Maneuvers Starting on a Hill Obstacles Parking Road Furniture Passing Tailgaters Night Riding Group Riding
9	Section 9 - Basics for Emergencies	Braking Systems Emergency Stop in a Straight Line Emergency Stop in a Curve Front Tire Skid Rear Tire Skid Swerving The Brake or Swerve Decision
10	Section 10 - Special Riding Situations	Road Surfaces Carrying Passengers or Cargo Touring Wind Animals Maintenance and Emergency Issues
11	Section 11 - Rider Impairments	Alcohol Drugs Intervention Other Factors Affecting Safety
12	Section 12 - Select Topics	Licensing Information Personal Protective Gear Requirements State Motorcycle Equipment Requirements State Insurance Requirements Consequences for Impaired Riding
13	Section 13 - Key Safety Concepts	Self-Assessment Terms and Concepts from the Course
14	Section 14 - Knowledge Test
15	Section 15 - Next Steps
16	Section 16 - Range Preparation	Range Safety Rules RiderCoach Signals How the Range Exercises Work

Range Exercises

Lesson		Objectives
1	Familiarization	Identify location and operation of important controls and major parts Review mounting/dismounting procedures Use engine start and shutdown procedures
2	Using the Friction Zone	Become skilled in using the clutch friction zone for control
3	Starting & Stopping Drill	Learn clutch/throttle coordination to start out and stop with precision and control
4	Shifting & Stopping	Shift gears and stop smoothly
5	Adjusting Speed & Turning	Develop the basic skills of adjusting speed and turning (counter-steering technique)
6	Controls-Skills Practice	Combine throttle, clutch, and brake use with a variety of maneuvers
7	Cornering	Develop the slow/look/press/roll technique for smooth, precise cornering
8	Matching Gears to Speed	Practice matching gear shifting to road speed
9	Stopping Quickly	Develop quick-stop capabilities
10	Limited-Space Maneuvers	Refine maneuvering skills to allow turns in limited spaces
11	Pressing to Initiate Lean	Develop deeper understanding of counter-steering for initiating turns
12	Cornering Judgment	Develop cornering finesse through additional rider judgment of entry speed and degree of curve
13	Negotiating Curves	Demonstrate smooth and precise cornering techniques through various paths of travel
14	Stopping Quickly in a Curve	Learn techniques to maintain control while stopping in a curve
15	Obstacles & Lane Changes	Develop proficiency in crossing over obstacles Practice making safe lane changes
16	Avoiding Hazards	Learn the collision-avoidance skills of swerving and quick braking
17	Skills Practice	Capstone exercise that combines a variety of maneuvers
Test	Skill Test	To assess basic skills using a U-turn, swerve, quick stop, and cornering maneuver: To demonstrate basic motorcycle control skills and ability to avoid an obstacle To demonstrate ability to use the proper technique to negotiate a curve