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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
Start preparing for the knowledge portion with our MSF practice test and explore additional MSF practice test questions to build confidence before your course.
Finding an approved MSF Basic RiderCourse is straightforward — use the official MSF course locator tool.
MSF course locator: Visit msf-usa.org and use the 'Find a Course' tool. Enter your zip code to find approved training sites near you. Sites are organized by distance and show available dates and registration links. You can also search by state if you want to compare sites across a broader area.
State motorcycle safety programs: Many states run their own motorcycle safety programs that use MSF curriculum and coordinate training sites statewide. Examples include:
Who runs training sites: MSF courses are delivered by various organizations — community colleges, state-run programs, private riding schools, and motorcycle dealerships with certified RiderCoaches. Quality is consistent because all sites use the same MSF curriculum and all instructors are MSF-certified.
Registration tips: MSF courses fill up quickly — especially spring and summer dates. Register 3–6 weeks in advance for popular dates. Weekend courses (Saturday + Sunday) are the most common format. Some sites offer weeknight options (spread across several evenings) for those who cannot commit to a full weekend.
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:
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.
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.