Frequently Asked Questions
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a national, not-for-profit organization promoting the safety of motorcyclists with programs in rider training, operator licensing and public information. The MSF is sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian Motorcycle, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha.
Quick Links
General FAQ
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a national, not-for-profit organization promoting the safety of motorcyclists with programs in rider training, operator licensing and public information. The MSF is sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian Motorcycle, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha.
Each state has its own policies/rules regarding motorcycle training and licensing, including whether or not they allow reciprocity of completion cards. To find out if your state allows for reciprocity, please contact either a local training provider, or your state’s Motorcycle Safety Coordinator.
To locate providers near you, please click on the MSF logo in the upper left corner of this page, type your zip code in the “Find A Course Near You” section on the home page, and click on “Search.” The following page will list providers within 50 miles of the zip code that you entered. You can extend that search up to 500 miles by changing the drop-down box at the very top of the page and then clicking on “Search” to refresh the results.
Each state has their own policies/rules regarding motorcycle training and licensing, including whether or not they allow reciprocity of completion cards.
To find out if your state allows for reciprocity, please contact either a local training provider, or your state’s Motorcycle Safety Coordinator. Either will be able to assist you.
To locate providers near you, please click on the MSF logo in the upper left corner of this page, type your zip code in the “Find A Course Near You” section on the home page, and click on “Search.” The following page will list providers within 50 miles of the zip code that you entered. You can extend that search up to 500 miles by changing the drop-down box at the very top of the page and then clicking on “Search” to refresh the results.
For the contact information for your State Motorcycle Safety Coordinator, please click on “Contact Us” at the top of the MSF website home page, then on State Motorcycle Safety Coordinators to the left and scroll down to your state.
All training providers manage their own schedules and enrollments, so you’ll need to contact them directly to inquire.
To locate providers near you, please click on the MSF logo in the upper left corner of this page, type your zip code in the “Find A Course Near You” section on the home page, and click on “Search.” The following page will list providers within 50 miles of the zip code that you entered. You can extend that search up to 500 miles by changing the drop-down box at the very top of the page and then clicking on “Search” to refresh the results.
While the MSF created the motorcycle safety curriculum and textbooks used across the United States, each state and military branch is responsible for administering the actual motorcycle safety program. Tuition costs (ranging from under $100 to over $300, depending on location and age of the student) are set by the state and/or your local training site.
To locate providers near you, please click on the MSF logo in the upper left corner of this page, type your zip code in the “Find A Course Near You” section on the home page, and click on “Search.” The following page will list providers within 50 miles of the zip code that you entered. You can extend that search up to 500 miles by changing the drop-down box at the very top of the page and then clicking on “Search” to refresh the results.
The training providers around the country set their own prices. You will need to contact your local providers directly to inquire about any discounts they might offer.
To locate providers near you, please click on the MSF logo in the upper left corner of this page, type your zip code in the “Find A Course Near You” section on the home page, and click on “Search.” The following page will list providers within 50 miles of the zip code that you entered. You can extend that search up to 500 miles by changing the drop-down box at the very top of the page and then clicking on “Search” to refresh the results.
Training providers around the country manage their own schedules and enrollments, so you will need to contact your local provider directly to inquire about rescheduling.
If you need assistance locating their contact information, please click on the MSF logo in the upper left corner of this page, type your zip code in the “Find A Course Near You” section on the home page, and click on “Search.” The following page will list providers within 50 miles of the zip code that you entered. You can extend that search up to 500 miles by changing the drop-down box at the very top of the page and then clicking on “Search” to refresh the results.
Before you proceed, check first with your training provider that you are scheduled to take your course with. Many provide either a discount code or special link for you to use to register for the Course with at no charge to you. (Not all providers offer the discount codes.)
Please note that to receive the course fee discount, you must use that code during the registration process, or use the special link your provider gave to you. We cannot apply the discount after you have registered.
However, not all providers offer the discount code/link. If yours does not, you can visit our registration page here at https://training.msf-usa.org/eCourse/Basic
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with your username and password so that you can get started. If you do not see that email in your inbox, be sure to check your junk/spam folder, as those emails sometimes get filtered there by mistake.
Before you proceed, check first with your training provider that you are scheduled to take your course with. Many provide either a discount code or special link for you to use to register for the Course with at no charge to you. (Not all providers offer the discount codes.)
Please note that to receive the course fee discount, you must use that code during the registration process, or use the special link your provider gave to you. We cannot apply the discount after you have registered.
However, not all providers offer the discount code/link. If yours does not, you can visit our registration page here at https://training.msf-usa.org/eCourse/StreetStrategies
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with your username and password so that you can get started. If you do not see that email in your inbox, be sure to check your junk/spam folder, as those emails sometimes get filtered there by mistake.
If you are already enrolled in your eCourse and you’re having trouble with the course, please email MSF eCourse Support at msfsupport@msf-usa.org. Include the following information in all email correspondence:
- Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Name of Training Provider and State
- Date of Hands-On Class
- Brief Description of Issue
If you’re not sure which eCourse you need to complete or if you need to pay for your eCourse with a credit card, please contact your hands-on provider for more information.
You can review our course listing here: https://msf-usa.org/students.aspx.
On that page, you can click on any course name you wish to learn more about. From there, you can use a zip code course finder tool under the description to see if that course type is offered anywhere near you. (It is up to each state and individual training provider/company as to what they choose to offer.)
Please visit our RiderCoach FAQs page here: msf-usa.org/ridercoaches.aspx
We do not have access to student records here at our national office. Contact your original MSF training provider directly to inquire about card replacements. (California students – scroll to the next FAQ for California-specific information.)
For contact information for current MSF Training Providers in your area, please click on the MSF logo in the upper left corner of this page, type your zip code in the “Find A Course Near You” section on the home page, and click on “Search.” The following page will list providers within 50 miles of the zip code that you entered. You can extend that search up to 500 miles by changing the drop-down box at the very top of the page and then clicking on “Search” to refresh the results.
We would be happy to do a records search for you, and if we are able to locate your training record, we can issue a replacement of your completion card. Please send us an email with the following information to msf@msf-usa.org:
First Name
Last Name
Mailing Address
Date of Birth
Driver’s License Number
When your training took place
Name of the school/business your course was conducted by
Reason for Replacement Request
Please note: A replacement completion card will list your original date of training. You will not be issued a new card with a new date. If you need a completion card with a new date listed, you will be required to take another class.
We do not have access to records prior to April 18, 2003, or to records beyond December 31, 2014.
For training taken in California on or after January 1, 2015, please contact the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Visit californiamotorcyclist.com or call them at (877) 743-3411
If your training occurred prior to April 18, 2003 you will need to take another course to obtain a new completion card.
The training you would have taken at that time has been replaced with an updated course and we no longer have any supporting materials for the previous courses. If you need a current MSF completion card, you will need to take a current course.
We are aware that the military and some civilian agencies do require their personnel to retake training periodically as part of their Standard Operating Procedures.
To receive another completion card with a new date listed, you will need to take another class.
If your hands-on class requires the completion of an MSF eCourse, the Basic RiderCourse eHandbook or 3Wheel Basic RiderCourse eHandbook (both available for purchase on Amazon’s Kindle store in English, Spanish, and Korean) may not be required. Once you complete your eCourse, it is unlocked and can be used as an interactive digital reference book. You can purchase your own copy through the Amazon Kindle store, but it isn’t necessary to study it or make notes prior to attending class. The pace and content of your in-person class dovetails with the material covered in your eCourse.
However, we can offer two booklets on our website that anyone is free to print out for themselves and their fellow riders:
You and Your Motorcycle Riding Tips (basic riding tips and exercises riders can set up themselves in a parking lot; often included with new motorcycles from the major manufacturers)
Motorcycle Operator Manual (study guide used in most states in the U.S. for those preparing for the written portion of their DMV/BMV motorcycle licensing test)
Safety Publications and Do-It-Yourself Curriculum
Visit the Library page and review these two booklets listed under the Safety Tips category:
- “You and Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips” booklet (many manufacturers include this booklet with their new motorcycles)
- “Motorcycle Operator Manual” booklet (many states use this booklet as a basis for their DMV reference handbook for motorcycle license applicants)
And browse the various single-subject documents in the Quick Tips category.
We are glad to hear of your interest in promoting motorcycle safety. We have several self-contained curriculum products that can be taught by anyone, especially motorcycle enthusiasts and others who are concerned with traffic safety. Whether you’re a riding club leader, a schoolteacher, or just someone who enjoys the sport of motorcycling, you’ll find it rewarding to present our curricula to your peers, your students, or your community. Visit our online store to purchase the following safety kits:
- Intersection: Motorist Awareness Kit
Intersection is MSF’s approach to enhancing motorist awareness of motorcycles. The program combines personal stories and character development with a dramatic look at a crash scene that’s all too common. The DVD contains three separate 13-minute versions to appeal to teens (via driver education classes), adults (via traffic schools), and commercial drivers (via employee orientation). Includes Leader’s Guide and ten Participant’s Guides. - Share the Adventure: Group Riding Kit
This kit is essentially a group ride training event in a box. The video kit contains the MSF Guide to Group Riding video (16 minutes) and handbooks for a class of ten students. You’ll learn about ride preparation, standards for organization of the ride, and important knowledge such as proper formations in complex traffic situations.
Motorcycles Choices & Technology
The MSF cannot make specific recommendations regarding which motorcycle a rider should purchase. Riders may wish to consult with peers and dealership personnel, and research manufacturer publications (brochures and websites) and enthusiast magazines for reviews and recommendations.
Choose a bike that is the right size and fit for you, especially as a beginner. You want to make sure that the motorcycle controls are within easy reach of your hands and feet. When seated on the bike and stopped, you want to be able to put your feet down and reach the ground to support the motorcycle. Also consider your size and strength and the comfort of the bike’s seating position.
Be aware that some manufacturers note in their publications that certain sport-bike models are intended for experienced riders.
The MSF strongly recommends that you take a Basic RiderCourse in your area, to decide if motorcycling is right for you, to prepare you for riding in traffic, and to secure a waiver for all or part your state’s motorcycle operator’s licensing test, if applicable.
Pure statistics do not tell the whole story of motorcycle safety. Generally speaking, motorcyclists – as well as bicyclists and pedestrians — are more vulnerable than other roadway users to injury in traffic collisions since they don’t have the advantage of being cocooned within 3,000 pounds of steel. That’s why the Motorcycle Safety Foundation strongly encourages motorcyclists to minimize the risk by riding responsibly, wearing protective gear, taking a hands-on rider training course, getting licensed, riding within their personal limits, and riding free of alcohol or other drugs (note that 31 percent of motorcyclists who died in crashes were impaired). In our RiderCourses and in our safety publications, we stress the need to learn and use effective mental strategies such as SEE: Search, Evaluate, Execute. This strategy helps riders manage risk by detecting and avoiding potentially hazardous traffic situations. Some riders also use the strategy of assuming they’re invisible to other motorists, because other motorists may not be on the lookout for motorcycles. Wearing brightly colored protective apparel helps increase visibility, and frequent inspection of the motorcycle helps decrease the likelihood of a crash due to mechanical failure. The maneuverability and small size of a motorcycle can be used in some situations to avoid crashes. While there are many steps a motorcyclist can take to reduce risk, it can never be eliminated. More than 9,000,000 American motorcyclists enjoy the sport, and the trend is that more and more people are turning to motorcycles as a practical, efficient and enjoyable form of personal transportation.
If you haven’t ridden before, we suggest that you and your spouse/parent/whoever take our Basic RiderCourse and use that as a basis for discussion of the risks and rewards of motorcycling, before making a decision to purchase a motorcycle.
The MSF has not taken an official position on headlight modulators. We do support methods of increasing conspicuity that are acceptable within state’s statutory regulations. Modulators have been shown to be as effective as high-beam headlight use. The MSF cautions that measures to improve conspicuity should not replace a good riding strategy (“SEE” — Search, Evaluate, Execute) to ensure an adequate time and space safety margin.
MSF’s policy as it relates to the issue of invention submissions and product endorsement is:
- MSF’s mission is to develop and promote motorcycle rider training and education;
- MSF does not get involved in matters of engineering, manufacture, or design of motorcycles, accessories, or apparel; and,
- MSF cannot evaluate any submissions of patents, product information disclosures, or other technological ideas that are purported to enhance safety.
So, we are not authorized to evaluate, endorse or distribute your product. MSF wishes you success in pursuing other avenues to market your product.
Other
The MSF does not publish stories, articles, editorials, blogs, infographics, etc., submitted by outside writers, nor does MSF link to websites that host such materials.
Our permission policy depends on how much you want to reprint. Brief excerpts just require that you attribute the text to Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and you do not need to ask us for permission. Large portions require a license agreement. If you want to use large portions of text, or a complete page of this site, please send us an email (using the link below) describing the section you wish to use and how you intend to use it. However, you are free to copy, host, or distribute the videos posted on our homepage and the Quick Tips sheets posted in our Library.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a developer of rider training curricula and public information campaigns for motorcyclists. MSF generally does not get involved in product-related issues between motorcycle purchasers and retail dealerships, insurance companies, or manufacturers.
