MSF Course 2026–2026 — Basic RiderCourse Guide
The MSF course (Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse) is the most widely accepted motorcycle safety training program in the United States. Completing the MSF Basic RiderCourse typically earns you a motorcycle license waiver — you can skip the DMV riding skills test in most states and get your motorcycle endorsement or license directly. The course takes about 15–20 hours total (classroom plus on-cycle riding exercises) and costs $250–$350 in most states, though many states subsidize the cost. This guide covers what the MSF Basic RiderCourse includes, how to find a course near you, what to bring, and how the course connects to your motorcycle license.
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 Preparation Checklist
Find an approved MSF Basic RiderCourse near you using the course locator at msf-usa.org — register early, as spring and summer dates fill up weeks in advance Check if your state requires a motorcycle learner permit before attending the Basic RiderCourse — in some states, you must obtain your permit at the DMV first Complete the MSF eCourse online before your range days — you receive a link when you register; the eCourse takes 3–5 hours and must be finished before arriving at the training site Prepare proper gear: DOT helmet, over-the-ankle boots, long pants, long-sleeved jacket, and gloves — check your site's gear requirements when you register (some sites have loaner gear available) Practice the written knowledge test concepts before your eCourse — understanding traffic strategies, risk management, and motorcycle controls helps you absorb the range exercises faster Arrive on time to the range days — training sites often dismiss students who arrive late, and missed range time typically means repeating the course After completing the course, bring your MSF completion card to the DMV to apply your license waiver — most states require this within a specific timeframe (typically 1 year) Even after completing the MSF BRC, continue practicing the skills covered — parking lot practice with your own motorcycle reinforces everything the course teaches 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.
MSF Study Tips
💡 What's the best study strategy for MSF?
Focus on weak areas first. Use practice tests to identify gaps, then study those topics intensively.
📅 How far in advance should I start studying?
Most successful candidates begin 4-8 weeks before the exam. Create a structured study schedule.
🔄 Should I retake practice tests?
Yes! Take each practice test 2-3 times. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing.
✅ What should I do on exam day?
Arrive 30 min early, bring required ID, read questions carefully, flag difficult ones, and review before submitting.
Pros
- Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- Increases job market competitiveness
- Provides structured learning goals
- Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
Cons
- Study materials can be expensive
- Exam anxiety can affect performance
- Requires dedicated preparation time
- Retake fees apply if you don't pass
MSF Course Questions and Answers
What is the MSF Basic RiderCourse?
The MSF Basic RiderCourse (BRC) is a beginner motorcycle safety training program offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The course includes an online eCourse (3–5 hours) plus approximately 15 hours of on-cycle riding exercises over two days. Training motorcycles are provided — you do not need your own bike. The BRC is taught by certified MSF RiderCoaches at approved training sites nationwide. Completing the BRC typically earns a motorcycle license waiver in most states, allowing you to skip the DMV riding skills test when getting your motorcycle endorsement.
Do you need experience to take the MSF course?
No — the MSF Basic RiderCourse is designed for complete beginners with no prior motorcycle riding experience. The course starts with the basics of motorcycle controls and builds progressively through two days of structured riding exercises. Training motorcycles (small, lightweight bikes) are provided at all approved sites. If you have some experience, you can still take the BRC — there is no minimum or maximum experience requirement. Riders with some experience often find the structured practice exercises improve their skills significantly.
How long does the MSF course take?
The MSF Basic RiderCourse takes approximately 15–20 hours total. The online eCourse portion takes 3–5 hours and is completed before attending the range days. The on-cycle riding exercises are conducted over two days — typically a weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from early morning to mid-afternoon each day. Some training sites offer alternative formats spread over multiple weekday evenings. Total calendar time from starting the eCourse to finishing the range days is typically 1–2 weeks.
Does the MSF course waive the motorcycle license test?
In most states, completing the MSF Basic RiderCourse waives the DMV motorcycle riding skills test. You present your MSF course completion certificate at the DMV, and the skills test portion of your motorcycle licensing is waived. However, most states still require you to pass the written motorcycle knowledge test at the DMV — the BRC does not waive the written exam. A few states have different policies — verify your state's specific motorcycle licensing requirements at your state DMV website before enrolling.
How much does the MSF course cost?
The MSF Basic RiderCourse costs approximately $250–$350 at most private training sites and community colleges. However, many states subsidize the cost significantly through state motorcycle safety programs. California charges approximately $50–$75 for most riders through CMSP. Texas typically costs around $175. Check your state's motorcycle safety program website for current subsidized pricing before booking — the subsidized programs use the same MSF curriculum and instructors as full-price programs.