Riding school teaches you to pass the test. How to react in a real emergency is only touched on. A motorcycle safety training course fills that gap. You practise emergency stops, swerving and cornering with an instructor, on a closed site, with no oncoming traffic. Here's what such a course costs in Germany, how it works and who pays part of it.
What you practise
- Emergency braking with and without ABS, including on wet surfaces
- Braking in a lean and picking the bike up
- Swerving around sudden obstacles
- Vision and cornering lines
- Slow riding, U-turns and balance
- Correct seating position and posture
The biggest gain is often learning how short your bike can really stop. Many participants brake over a much shorter distance at the end of the day than in the morning.
Which courses are there?
| Course | For whom | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Basic course | beginners, returners, everyone after the winter break | braking, swerving, cornering basics |
| Advanced or intensive course | experienced riders | braking in a lean, the limit, wet surfaces |
| Cornering course | country road and pass riders | line choice, vision, rhythm |
| Touring or enduro course | travellers with heavy bikes | gravel, luggage, standing on the pegs |
| Track training | sporty riders | riding at the limit on a race track |
What does a safety course cost?
Prices depend on provider, location and duration. A one-day basic motorcycle course with the German automobile club ADAC costs roughly €129 to €199. ADAC members often pay €20 to €30 less. An example from the Weser-Ems region: €139 standard, €125 for members. Advanced and specialist courses are usually more expensive. Road safety associations, motorcycle manufacturers, dealers and private providers also offer courses.
Subsidies: who pays part of it
- Employers' liability insurers: if you ride to work or for work, some German employers' liability insurance associations (Berufsgenossenschaften) subsidise the course. Ask your employer.
- Employers: some companies pay for a course as part of occupational safety.
- Insurers: some insurers give a discount or subsidy if you show proof of a recognised course.
- Automobile clubs: member prices at the ADAC and other clubs.
- Manufacturers: a course is sometimes included when you buy a new bike. See also Motorcycle licence discounts from manufacturers.
Tips for booking
- Book early: dates fill up quickly in spring.
- Take part on your own bike, so you practise exactly what you ride.
- Wear full protective gear, it's mandatory.
- Check your bike beforehand: tyres, brakes, chain. Our spring check helps.
- Arrive rested and drink enough, a training day is more tiring than you'd think.
Is it really worth it?
Yes, especially for beginners, returners and anyone riding a new bike. In one day you learn what you can never safely practise on the road. Many instructors recommend repeating the course every few years, because bad habits creep in. How emergency braking works in detail is explained in Emergency braking on a motorcycle.
Summary
A basic course costs about as much as a set of brake pads including fitting and gives you more safety than almost any accessory. With a member discount or subsidy it gets even cheaper. Book early, ride your own bike and plan to refresh what you've learned every season.
Frequently asked questions
What does a motorcycle safety course cost?
A one-day basic course with the ADAC costs roughly €129 to €199, depending on location. ADAC members often pay €20 to €30 less.
Who subsidises a motorcycle safety course?
Some employers' liability insurers if you ride for work or to work, and some employers and insurers. Ask beforehand which courses are recognised.
Can I take part on my own motorcycle?
Yes, that's the norm and makes sense, because you get to know your own bike better.
Is a safety course suitable for beginners?
Yes. The basic course is aimed specifically at beginners and returners.
Sources
- Motorcycle safety training (ADAC, German)
- ADAC basic motorcycle course (ADAC Weser-Ems, German)
- Safety training costs (bussgeld-info, German)
Last checked: September 2026. Prices vary by provider and location.