Frequently Asked Questions

The New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP) offers three nationally recognized Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCourses in our training program. Successful completion of the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or the Basic RiderCourse2 License Waiver (BRC2LW) will earn the required motorcycle license endorsement. Make sure you are enrolling in the appropriate course for your needs.

1. The Basic RiderCourse is designed for beginning riders of all ages. If you have never ridden a motorcycle or have taken some time off from riding and are getting back into it, the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) is most likely the course for you.
2. The Basic RiderCourse2 License Waiver (BRC2LW) is designed for people who have a motorcycle and know how to ride but need the motorcycle license endorsement.
3. The Basic RiderCourse – 3‑Wheel teaches core 3-wheel riding skills and helps you earn your 3-wheel motorcycle license.

If you are between 16 and 18 years old you will need the signature of a parent or legal guardian in order to take the course. Ask your chosen site to see if your parent or legal guardian will need to come to class with you. If you are under 18 and subject to the New York State Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Law, you may not be able to apply for a full Class-M motorcycle license immediately after completing the course. You may be subject to mandatory waiting periods as specified in the GDL Law. Click here for GDL information. When you become licensed, you will be subject to New York’s Graduated Licensing laws.

You will be required to sign both a course Ground Rules form and a Motorcycle Safety Course Waiver and Indemnification form on the first day of the course. If you are under the age of 18 years, you MUST have a parent or legal guardian present at the first class session to also sign the applicable forms, or a parent or guardian can download the forms and have their signatures notarized. If you wish to review the forms before the class begins, both of the required forms will show as attachments to the confirmation page that you will see when you finish your course registration.

Bring your eCourse Completion Certificate. Your training site will provide the motorcycle. DUE TO COVID-19, YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN DOT COMPLIANT HELMET. Regardless of your riding experience, you are required to wear a DOT compliant helmet during the riding portion of your class. You should come to the riding portion with approved eye protection (ANSI Z87 shatter resistant), a long sleeved shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves, long pants and sturdy over the ankle footwear (not canvas). You will not be permitted to participate in the course without the required equipment. You must also bring your driver license to the training site.

The Basic RiderCourse (BRC) is aimed at beginning riders of all ages. An online course, (ePackage 1) is completed before attending the first hands-on session. A link to the eCourse, will be emailed upon registration. It prepares the student for the approximately ten hours of practical riding in a controlled, off-street environment, typically a parking lot. The use of motorcycles and eCourse is included in your course fee. In this course, you’ll learn how to operate a motorcycle safely, with emphasis on the special skills and mental attitude necessary for dealing with traffic. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation certifies our RiderCoaches. They’ll start you off with straight-line riding, turning, shifting and stopping. You’ll gradually progress to cornering, swerving and emergency braking. In the classroom you’ll learn about the different types of motorcycles, their controls, and how they operate. The RiderCoaches, all experienced motorcyclists, will advise you on what to wear for comfort and protection. You’ll find out how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to ride safely. A very important segment of the course will show you how to create your own strategy for riding in traffic, and dealing with critical situations. The course concludes with skill evaluation. You’ll smile with satisfaction as the RiderCoach hands you the course completion card.

The NYSMSP provides training motorcycles for the BRC, but you will need the other personal clothing/equipment listed below. When seated on the motorcycle and with normal riding posture, your personal clothing/equipment must cover all skin below your neck (no gaps, tears, rips or openings) and includes the following:

• Motorcycle helmet (that meets DOT standards)
• Eye protection (impact-resistant lenses/face shields)
• Long-sleeved shirt/jacket and long pants (of sturdy material that will hold up in a slide)
• Sturdy gloves that completely cover the hand and fingers
• Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear with non-slip soles that completely covers the ankle bone (motorcycle boots, work boots or athletic shoes/hiking boots are acceptable, but no thin canvas “tennis shoes”).

It is recommended that you bring PLENTY OF drinking water, or Gatorade, sunscreen lotion and food/snacks to last an entire day.

Designed for individuals that are actively riding, have street riding experience, and possess some street riding skills. This course includes a unique on-line segment to be completed prior to attending the practical session. A variety of riding exercises designed to develop your riding skills is done on your own motorcycle. The course concludes with a skills evaluation. Successful completion of the skills evaluation allows the student to waive the DMV riding evaluation and obtain their motorcycle endorsement.

Yes. Visit the Ney York State DMV website to schedule.

The NYSMSP does NOT provide training motorcycles for the BRC2LW and you will need personal clothing/equipment. When seated on the motorcycle and with normal riding posture, your personal clothing/equipment must cover all skin below your neck (no gaps, tears, rips or openings) and includes the following:

• Helmet (one that meets DOT standards)
• Eye protection (impact-resistant lenses/face shields)
• Long-sleeved shirt/jacket and long pants (of sturdy material that will hold up in a slide)
• Sturdy gloves that completely cover the hand and fingers
• Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear with non-slip soles that completely covers the ankle bone (motorcycle boots, work boots or athletic shoes/hiking boots are acceptable, but no thin canvas “tennis shoes” please)

It is recommended that you bring some drinking water, sunscreen lotion, and light snacks.

The RiderCoach will have the final say on approving your safety equipment. If you do not bring appropriate equipment you will not be permitted to participate in the course and you will not receive a refund.

Your motorcycle must be street legal, insured, and registered in your name (or if registered to someone else, you must have a NOTARIZED letter of permission from the registered owner allowing you to use the motorcycle in this training course).

Click here to find the next available class near you.

Visit one of the course pages on this site and view the course details. If this is the right course for you, enter your ZIP code to find one near you.

The NY office doesn’t enroll students. Students need to call their local training provider for assistance with enrollment.

The cost of the MSF Basic RiderCourse will be no more than $321.00 for locations in upstate New York, and no more than $398.00 in locations near New York City (Rockland County, Westchester County, the five Boroughs of NYC, Suffolk and Nassau Counties/Long Island). 

The cost of the MSF Basic RiderCourse 2 LW will be no more than $270 for locations in upstate New York, and no more than $346.50 in locations near New York City (Rockland County, Westchester County, the five Boroughs of NYC, Suffolk and Nassau Counties/Long Island).

3 Wheel Basic RiderCourse is $199.

All requests for replacement completion cards must be made in writing to the NYSMSP Administrative Office by email.

Richard Doyle
rdoyle@nysmsp.org

Your request must include the following information:

• Full name
• Date of Birth
• Telephone/address at the time you took the class
• Current mailing address

Personal motorcycles are only allowed in the Basic RiderCourse if they have been modified for a specific physical challenge, are street legal, are insured, are safe to operate and have been approved in advance by the NYSMSP Program Manager.

Not at this time. Please contact Brandi Behling 838-217-0977 to learn more about scooter classes.

You may cancel (and receive a full refund) or reschedule your class at no additional fee if the request is made at least 14 days before the class start date. You may reschedule or cancel a class within 10-13 days of the start date. Either of these actions are made through the RiderCourse Enrollment System (RES); Cancellations should be made through the school they enrolled in.

No changes are allowed less than 10 days before the class start date.

In order to help keep cost as low as possible, we have established the following rules regarding fees:

• Classes must be paid for by credit card or debit card at the time they are scheduled.
• Fees are non-refundable unless you cancel your registration at least 14 days before the class start date.
• You may reschedule your class for no additional fee if the request is made at least 14 days before the class start date.
• No changes are allowed less than 10 days before the class start date.
• Unscheduled students (walk-ins) are not allowed.
• Scheduled students must attend the class for which they are scheduled.
• If you are dismissed from class for a cause you will not receive a refund.
• Dismissal for cause is defined below:
  – Not showing up for a scheduled classroom or riding session.
  – Arriving late for a riding session.
  – Showing up without the required personal clothing/equipment.
  – Leaving before a regular classroom or riding session is completed.
  – Committing an intentional unsafe act.
  – Disrupting class or acting in any manner that prevents other students from receiving the training for which they have paid.

Click Here for information on the military conversion program.