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In most states, completing an approved motorcycle rider training course is the easiest way to get your motorcycle license.
In fact, some state DMVs have structured their skills testing to be so hard that they are designed to encourage new riders to complete a training program.
Most motorcycle rider training programs are either provided by or developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
MSF’s Basic Rider Course or its equivalent in your state is what you’ll need to complete to waive your skills test. Some states allow you to use the course to waive both the skills test and the written knowledge test. Many insurance providers will give you a discount on your policy if you complete a rider training course as well.
The Basic RiderCourse consists of classroom education and riding instruction conducted over 2 or 3 sessions.
Find a course near you using the BRC seach on MSF’s website.
Will Completing Motorcycle Training Waive your Skills Test?
Find your state below to determine if completing an approved motorcycle training course will waive your DMV skills test and written test requirements.
| State | Rider Training Waives Skills Test? | Rider Training Waives Knowledge Test? |
| Alabama | No skills test required | Yes |
| Alaska | Yes | Yes |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes | No |
| California | Yes | No |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes |
| Connecticut | Yes | No |
| Delaware | Yes | Yes |
| Florida | Yes | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes |
| Hawaii | Yes | No |
| Idaho | Yes | No |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes | No |
| Kansas | Yes | Yes |
| Kentucky | No | No |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes |
| Maine | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland | Yes | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes | No |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota | Yes | No |
| Mississippi | Yes | No |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes |
| Montana | Yes | No |
| Nebraska | Yes | Yes |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes |
| New Mexico | Yes | Yes |
| New York | Yes | No |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes |
| North Dakota | Yes | No |
| Ohio | Yes | No |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Yes |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | No |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes |
| South Carolina | Yes | No |
| South Dakota | Yes | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes | Yes |
| Texas | Yes | Yes |
| Utah | Yes | No |
| Vermont | Yes | Yes |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes |
| Washington | Yes | Yes |
| Washington DC | Yes, course must be completed | No |
| West Virginia | Yes | No |
| Wisconsin | Yes | Yes |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes |
Motorcycle Safety Programs by State
About Your Motorcycle Training Course
The Basic Rider Course is designed for new riders. You do not need any experience with motorcycles to succeed.
Prerequisites to enroll vary by state, but most simply require:
- The ability to balance and ride a bicycle.
- A valid driver’s license or motorcycle learner’s permit.
The course consists of 5 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of motorcycle riding instruction.
The classroom training may consist of a mix of online learning and traditional classroom instruction. In the classroom you’ll learn some theory about motorcycle safety and operation as well as some practical knowledge that you’ll need to apply once you get on a bike.
Your 10 hours of riding instruction will take place on a closed course – typically an empty parking lot or blacktop.
The practical training will consist of familiarization with the operations of a motorcycle, low-speed maneuvers, using the clutch, shift, accelerating, braking, turning and cornering, U-turns, and lane changes.
Each section will end with a test.
Once you pass each section, you’ll receive your completion certificate which you can bring to the DMV to waive your skills test and receive your motorcycle endorsement.
Motorcycles and helmets are provided by the course, you’ll need to bring:
- A long-sleeve shirt or jacket.
- Long pants.
- Sturdy, over-the-ankle boots.
- Gloves.
Throughout your riding instruction you’ll have the chance to practice and develop the skills needed to pass the skills test at the end of the course.
Once you’ve passed your course, you’ll be ready to head to the DMV and apply for your motorcycle license. Learn about the other steps and requirements to apply for a motorcycle license in your state.