Patriot Harley-Davidson®
9739 Fairfax Boulevard, Fairfax, VA 22031
Map & Hours (703) 783-2198
(703) 783-2198
Learn to ride

Learn to ride

Welcome back for the 2022 Riding academy season.

Our staff of experienced motorcycle enthusiasts and police motorcycle officers are passionate about helping new riders get started on the right track. Each instructor has been carefully selected and has received special training in coaching and facilitating your introduction to riding from Harley-Davidson® and The Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Backed by Patriot Harley-Davidson®'s professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff, your introduction to riding will be an exciting and meaningful experience. 

Our new rider course is an exciting combination of classroom and hands-on learning conducted over a 4-day period. The first 2 days take place at the dealership (PATRIOT HARLEY-DAVIDSON IN FAIRFAX) in the classroom and the last 2 days take place at the range (FAIR OAKS MALL) on the motorcycles. 

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What to expect

There is NOTHING you need to complete Prior to Class!!!

When you take a New Rider Course at the Riding Academy you'll:

  • Learn to ride on a genuine Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.
  • Get in-class and on-range instruction from Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) and H-D® Certified Coaches.
  • Learn to safely accelerate, shift, brake, and turn, along with maneuvers like controlling skids and surmounting obstacles.
  • Earn an MSF Basic RiderCourseSM Completion Card, which may (varies by state) exempt you from the riding portion of your license exam and score you a discount on motorcycle insurance.

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Riding Academy Curriculum

In-class (2 days) AT PATRIOT H-DPractical (2 days/Total of 10 hours) AT RANGE
Introduction to motorcyclingMotorcycle familiarization
Risk managementStarting and stopping
Riding gear and protective equipmentAdjusting speed and turning
Common riding situationsCornering
Routine maintenanceLimited space maneuvers
Preparing to rideLane changes

Upon successful completion of the course, you'll receive a Riding Academy® completion certificate, Motorcycle Safety Foundation course completion card, and a Virginia DMV certificate waving your requirement to take the written and riding skills test. 

To be eligible for this course you need desire, a DOT approved helmet 3/4 or better (provided if you don't own one), over the ankle boots, gloves (can be provided), eye protection if not using a full-face helmet (can be provided), jeans (not ripped), at a minimum a long sleeve t-shirt, and be able to ride a bicycle. 

The tuition is $429.00  

Our Harley-Davidson® Dealership is located in Fairfax City, VA near Arlington and Washington DC!

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* You must be at least 16 years of age to sign up and have a valid Drivers License. If you are under the age of 19, click here to be redirected to DMV Now.
** If you are NOT a Virginia Driver's License Holder, it is your responsibility to check with your issuing state to see if our class waiver card is accepted. Visit AMA to see if the state you are licensed in has a section on their page that says "Accept RiderEd Completion Card From Other States". Specifically for our area: If you have a Maryland License and plan on keeping a Maryland License you will need to take a class in Maryland. They are one of a few states that do not honor the Virginia cards.

Riding Academy® New Rider Course Cancellation Policy and Program Requirements

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

For any reason, a customer can cancel their reservation up to two weeks prior to their scheduled course and expect a refund with a service charge of $60.00. If you cancel after the two-week deadline for any reason, there is no refund offered. Students who cancel after the two-week deadline will be eligible for our "stand-by list"(see below for details)

Program Requirements and Rules:

  • Each Class has a limit of 6 students (due to Covid-19, may switch back to 10 in 2022)
  • After the start of class, no student substitutions allowed
  • Each class consists of 2 nights of classroom at Patriot H-D and 2 days of range at Fair Oaks Mall, to be completed consecutively and there is no date splitting. 2 Range Days consist of a total of 10 hours riding time. Class is scheduled for more hours to allow for weather or other unforeseen delays.
  • Riding Academy Instructors reserve the right to counsel out unsafe students that they deem dangerous to themselves, other students, equipment or instructors. If counseled out, no refund will be granted
  • No refunds or make up dates are offered to those who leave the class of their own free will without written consent from your instructors

Stand-by List Policy:

If you had to cancel your reservation after the two week cancellation policy you will be placed on the stand by-list. Students on the stand-by list will be notified when a student cancels their reservation within the "two week no refund period". The notice is usually short but it will be offered to the stand-by student in order of cancellation and is first come first serve.