Learning to ride in
Somerset County
All 21 towns in Somerset County, the closer beginner range for each, and the rides nearest the county.
Two beginner ranges
Most new riders start with a beginner course on a closed practice range. Of Somerset County's 21 towns, 0 are closer to the Riverdale range and 21 to West Orange, measured in a straight line. Both run the same beginner course, so pick whichever dates suit you.
Riverdale: 107 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 07457
West Orange: 1315 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052
Somerset County sits on the edge of North Jersey, and many people call it Central Jersey. These are the two ranges this guide covers, and there may be other courses nearer to you.
- Classroom time plus hours on a closed range, not in traffic
- Training motorcycles are provided, so you don't need to own one
- Bring your own DOT helmet and sturdy riding clothes, and check with the course before day one
- No learner's permit needed before the basic course
- Graduates of the state basic course may qualify to have the MVC road test waived
21 towns in Somerset County
Distances are straight-line miles to the closer range, not driving distance. Linked towns have their own page.
- BedminsterWest Orange range · about 24 mi
- BernardsWest Orange range · about 18 mi
- BernardsvilleWest Orange range · about 18 mi
- Bound BrookWest Orange range · about 21 mi
- BranchburgWest Orange range · about 29 mi
- BridgewaterWest Orange range · about 23 mi
- Far HillsWest Orange range · about 20 mi
- Franklin townshipWest Orange range · about 26 mi
- Green BrookWest Orange range · about 17 mi
- HillsboroughWest Orange range · about 30 mi
- ManvilleWest Orange range · about 24 mi
- MillstoneWest Orange range · about 27 mi
- MontgomeryWest Orange range · about 33 mi
- North PlainfieldWest Orange range · about 15 mi
- Peapack and GladstoneWest Orange range · about 21 mi
- Raritan boroughWest Orange range · about 25 mi
- Rocky HillWest Orange range · about 33 mi
- SomervilleWest Orange range · about 24 mi
- South Bound BrookWest Orange range · about 22 mi
- WarrenWest Orange range · about 17 mi
- WatchungWest Orange range · about 14 mi
Rides nearest Somerset County
- Skyline DriveOakland to Ringwood through the Ramapo Mountains
- Route 511 by the reservoirsWanaque and Monksville reservoirs, Passaic County
- Old Mine RoadDelaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Interested in getting started?
Beginner classes run on a closed practice range, and you can sign up for one today.