MSF Course 2026–2026 — Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse Guide

What Is the MSF Basic RiderCourse?

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse (BRC) is a beginner motorcycle training program designed for riders with little or no previous experience. The MSF is a nonprofit organization that develops and delivers rider education programs used by state motorcycle safety programs across the country. Most states contract with the MSF or use MSF curriculum as the standard for their motorcycle licensing programs.

What makes the MSF BRC the standard:

• Recognized in all 50 states as approved motorcycle safety training
• Provides motorcycle license waivers in most states — graduates skip the DMV riding skills test
• Uses motorcycles provided by the training site — you do not need your own motorcycle for the course
• Designed for complete beginners — no prior riding experience required
• Taught by certified MSF RiderCoaches at approved training sites

MSF course formats: The classic Basic RiderCourse runs over two days (typically a weekend). MSF also offers a Basic RiderCourse 2 (BRC2) for licensed riders looking to refresh or improve their skills, and an Advanced RiderCourse (ARC) for experienced riders. For beginners, the Basic RiderCourse is the starting point.

Who should take the MSF course: Any new rider seeking a motorcycle license benefit from the MSF BRC. Even if your state does not offer a license waiver, the practical riding skills and safety knowledge gained are invaluable. Statistically, trained riders have significantly lower crash rates than untrained riders — the MSF BRC exists because riding skills and safety habits are genuinely taught, not intuitive.

What to Expect in the MSF Basic RiderCourse

The MSF BRC has two components: the knowledge (eCourse) portion and the on-cycle riding exercises.

eCourse (classroom portion): MSF updated the BRC to include an online eCourse that you complete before showing up at the training site. The eCourse covers motorcycle controls and their functions, safe riding strategies, traffic safety principles, and risk management. It takes approximately 3–5 hours to complete online at your own pace. You receive a link to the eCourse when you register. Some training sites still offer a traditional in-person classroom session instead of the eCourse — check with your specific site.

On-cycle riding exercises (range portion): The range component takes place over the two days at the training facility. Training sites are typically parking lots or paved areas with cones marking exercise boundaries. You will:

• Day 1 exercises: Learn to start and stop the motorcycle, shift gears, make turns at low speed, and practice emergency stops. Beginners go slowly — there is no pressure to exceed your comfort level.
• Day 2 exercises: More complex maneuvers — swerving, cornering, tighter low-speed turns, and combining all skills into flowing riding patterns. The final day includes the evaluation exercises used for the license waiver.

Evaluation (skills test): At the end of the course, RiderCoaches evaluate your riding in a structured exercise sequence. This evaluation replaces the DMV skills test in states that offer a license waiver. A passing score earns you a completion card and certificate. There is no penalty for retrying evaluation exercises — the focus is learning, not testing anxiety.

What to wear and bring:

• DOT-approved motorcycle helmet (full-face or open-face) — many sites loan helmets if you do not own one, but bringing your own is better
• Over-the-ankle boots (no sneakers, sandals, or low shoes)
• Long pants (jeans or heavier — no shorts or leggings)
• Long-sleeved jacket — leather or textile motorcycle jacket preferred but heavy denim acceptable
• Gloves (motorcycle gloves or work gloves that cover the wrist)
• Valid photo ID and any required motorcycle learner permit

Start preparing for the knowledge portion with our MSF practice test and explore additional MSF practice test questions to build confidence before your course.

MSF Course Cost and State Subsidies

The MSF Basic RiderCourse costs $250–$350 at most private and community college training sites. However, many states subsidize the cost significantly through state motorcycle safety programs funded by motorcycle registration fees.

State subsidy examples:

• California: ~$50–$75 for most riders (CMSP subsidizes most of the cost)
• Texas: ~$175 typical
• Florida: ~$50–$250 depending on provider
• New York: Varies by site — some ABATE sites offer subsidized pricing
• Unsubsidized states: $250–$350 at private schools

Always check your state's motorcycle safety program website before booking — state-subsidized programs are the same quality as private programs and offer significant cost savings.

Insurance discount: Many motorcycle insurance providers offer a discount (typically 5–15%) for riders who complete the MSF BRC. Check with your insurance provider — the course completion certificate is all you need to apply the discount.

MSF Course and Motorcycle License

The MSF BRC connects to your motorcycle license through what most states call a skills test waiver or license waiver. Here is how it works in most states.

Typical motorcycle licensing process without MSF BRC: Pass written knowledge test at DMV → Get motorcycle learner permit → Practice riding → Return to DMV for skills test (riding evaluation) → Receive motorcycle endorsement or license.

With MSF BRC completion: Get motorcycle learner permit (if required) → Complete MSF BRC → Bring completion certificate to DMV → DMV waives skills test → Receive motorcycle endorsement or license. The MSF skills evaluation at the end of the BRC substitutes for the DMV riding test.

Knowledge test: Most states still require you to pass the written motorcycle knowledge test at the DMV, even after completing the MSF BRC. Study the MSF Rider's Handbook and your state's motorcycle operator manual to prepare for the written test.