Basic RiderCourses

These courses are approved by NYS DMV for License Waiver: Basic RiderCourse for License Waiver, Basic RiderCourse 2 for License Waiver, and 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse.

Take Note

Explore the schedules for the 2024 season! Registration begins Monday, Feb. 26!

 Schedule of Motorcycle Rider Courses

Students taking Motorcyle Rider courses are required to bring their own helmet.

Course Details

Basic RiderCourse (BRC) for License Waiver

In the Basic RiderCourse you will learn:

  • Street strategies to avoid trouble and stay safe.
  • How to maneuver in tough situations.
  • Swerving, avoiding collisions, special situations, lane changes, passing and avoiding hazards.

The Basic RiderCourse provides classroom and actual motorcycle/scooter operator training in a controlled, off-street environment.

Scooters Available: If you want to learn to ride, but just don't want to use a clutch, take your Basic RiderCourse (BRC) for license waiver on a scooter. You MUST reserve a scooter when you register for your BRC

Requirements

  • No experience is necessary, however, you must be able to ride a bicycle. A STRONG sense of balance is required!
  • No student will be allowed to participate without meeting pre-requisites and required riding gear listed under the BRC Additional Information! (No Refunds)
  • NYS DMV Policy states: All students MUST possess a valid NYS driver's license or motorcycle driver's license in order to participate in the BasicRider Course. Students will not be allowed to participate in the class if you arrive at class without a valid NYS driver's license or motorcycle license. All students who are 16 and 17 years of age must have a notarized parent or guardian signature on the Participant Release, Waiver and Indemnification Form prior to the start of practice riding - NO EXCEPTIONS. There will be no refund or re-schedule given. NYSMSP also accepts out-of-state student credentials that are acceptable to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. To qualify for the motorcycle road test waiver, the student must present a current and valid New York State driver's license. Students will be required to obtain a NYS Motorcycle permit prior to using the completion card for the road test waiver. (See FAQs below and the Cancellation and Refund policy for more detail)
  • Students who possess a valid NYS Driver's License and valid NYS Motorcycle Learner's Permit may use successful completion of this course as an alternative to the motorcycle road test. Students must have a valid NYS Driver's License and valid NYS Motorcycle Learner's Permit prior to starting any course work. (See FAQs below for further detail)
  • All BRC students are urged to read the BRC Student Handbook and complete the study questions, located at the end, prior to attending the first class.
  • eCourse: You are required to complete the required MSF online eCourse within 30 days of the classroom. After you register, the college will send you the link. There is no additional charge for the eCourse.

BRC Additional Information (PDF)
Includes important information related to this course, including a listing of required protective riding gear.



Basic RiderCourse 2 for License Waiver (BRC2-LW)

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse 2 for License Waiver (BRC2- LW), is a unique riding curriculum for New Yorkers offered through the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP). You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in the BRC2 –LW per NYS DMV. If you are under age 18, you may not enroll in this course.

This course consists of an online course (eCourse) and practice riding exercises on your own motorcycle or scooter. The online course must be completed before attending the riding exercises.

The course is designed to further develop your riding skills on your own street-legal motorcycle or scooter in our secure riding setting. The riding exercises conclude with a Skills Evaluation.

The BRC2-LW is designed for individuals that have some street riding skills and experience (braking, cornering, swerving) and have held a valid New York State Motorcycle Permit for at least one calendar year. This course is NOT for beginners.

To earn a NYSMSP BRC2-LW Road Test Waiver Completion Card you must successfully complete the MSF BRC2-LW eCourse (online) and pass the Skills Evaluation on the range. Your successful completion qualifies you for a Motorcycle License Road Test Waiver of the NYS DMV Road Test.

When you register for the course you will be given a code to take the MSF online eCourse as part of your registration. The online portion must be completed within 30 days of your riding class.

Requirements

  • You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in the BRC2 –LW per NYS DMV. If you are under age 18, you may not enroll in this course.
  • Complete online course and bring proof of completion to the riding component of the course.
  • No student will be allowed to proceed if they are unable to demonstrate basic riding skills in a parking lot. (no refund)
  • You must bring your own street-legal, insured and registered motorcycle or scooter. Must bring proof of same. You will not be allowed to proceed with the course if you do not meet this requirement. (no refund)
  • Bring original and copy of your valid NYS driver's license and permit. Cannot proceed without these. (no refund)
  • Out of state permit holders, contact your local DMV to see if they accept this new NYS training for waiver. Contact Maggie with questions at (877) 743-3518.

Basic RiderCourse 2 for License Waiver Additional Information (PDF)
Includes important information related to this course, including a listing of required protective riding gear.


3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse (3WBRC)

MSF's 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse is taught on school-provided 3-wheel training units that have two wheels in the front and one in the back. You may bring your own street legal 3-wheel motorcycle to the class if you prefer. Proof of current registration and insurance required. Motorcycle/side car rigs and sit-in car-style 3-wheel vehicles are not permitted in the class. If you plan to ride a 2-wheel motorcycle, you must take the BRC or BRC-2 for license waiver course. This course is sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and approved for NYS DMV for 3-wheel only motorcycle license. It is a two day course that includes both classroom and on-vehicle riding exercises. 

The 3WBRC is a research-based and action-oriented core curriculum designed to teach beginning 3-wheel motorcyclists of all ages the physical and mental skills necessary to ride safely on the street. It includes basic 3-wheel motorcycle operation, maximum effective braking techniques, turning skills, obstacle avoidance maneuvers, classroom instruction and two half days of "on 3WMC" training.

Graduates are entitled to receive the NYS DMV road test waiver for 3-wheel only motorcycle license. The license issued by DMV, after successful completion, will be restricted to operating a 3-wheel motorcycle ONLY and is not valid for a 2-wheel motorcycle.

Requirements

  • No experience is necessary.
  • No student will be allowed to participate without meeting pre-requisites and required riding gear listed under the 3WBRC Additional Information.
  •  All students MUST possess a valid NYS driver's license or motorcycle driver's license in order to participate in the 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse. Students will not be allowed to participate in the class if you arrive at class without a valid NYS driver's license or motorcycle license. Students with a driver’s license and motorcycle permit from NYS, Vermont and Massachusetts will qualify to use successful completion of this course as an alternative to the 3 Wheel motorcycle road test. The motorcycle permit may be obtained before or after class and must be in place to utilize the successful course completion as a waiver for road test. Other states may accept successful completion for road test waiver but the student is responsible for checking with their state DMV prior to class.  

3WBRC Additional Information(PDF)
Includes important information related to this course, including a listing of required protective riding gear.


Resources

Abbreviations Used

NYSMSP = New York State Motorcyclist Safety Program (division of DMV)
MSF = Motorcycle Safety Foundation
BRC = MSF Basic RiderCourse
BRC2-LW = MSF Basic RiderCourse 2 - License Waiver
3WBRC = 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse

Get in Touch

Community, Professional and Workforce Development

Fitzgibbons Health Technologies Center, Room 334

Fax: (518) 629-8103

Regular Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summer 2023 Hours (May 22 - July 28): Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Friday, Closed
(excluding college holidays and vacations)