A DMV-approved motorcycle safety course is a classroom and riding program that meets your state's standards for motorcycle training
These courses teach you how to operate a motorcycle safely and legally. The DMV approval means your state's Department of Motor Vehicles has reviewed the curriculum and instructor qualifications and found them acceptable. When you complete an approved course, you typically receive a certificate that you can bring to the DMV instead of taking the riding test — or in some states, instead of both the written and riding tests.
The course itself is not run by the DMV. It is taught by private training schools, community colleges, or motorcycle organizations that have met your state's requirements. The approval is a stamp that says "this school teaches what the state requires," not that the state runs the school.
What you get from finishing the course depends on your state. In some places, the certificate waives the riding test only. In others, it waives both tests. A few states let you skip the written test but still require you to pass the riding test at the DMV. You need to know which applies to you before you enroll.
Key Takeaways
- DMV-approved courses are taught by private schools and organizations, not by the DMV itself, but they meet state standards for curriculum and instruction.
- Completing an approved course gives you a certificate that usually waives the DMV riding test, and sometimes the written test as well, depending on your state.
- Course length, cost, and what tests the certificate waives vary by state — check your state's DMV website before you enroll.
- You must be at least 16 or 18 (depending on your state) and have a valid driver's license or learner's permit to take most courses.
- The course teaches hands-on riding skills and safety, not just the rules of the road, so you leave with practical experience on a motorcycle.
How to Find an Approved Course in Your State
Your state's DMV website lists the schools and organizations that offer approved courses. Search for "motorcycle safety course" or "rider training" on your state's DMV site, and you will find a directory with locations, schedules, and contact information. Some states maintain a single list; others break it down by region.
The most common provider is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), which runs courses in most states under the name "Basic Rider Course" or "BRC." Many community colleges also offer state-approved courses, often at lower cost than private schools. Some motorcycle dealerships and riding clubs partner with approved instructors to offer courses as well.
Call or visit the school's website before you enroll. Confirm that the course is currently approved by your state DMV, that it covers the dates and times you need, and what the total cost is. Some courses include the use of a motorcycle; others require you to bring your own or rent one separately.
What the Course Covers and How Long It Takes
Most approved courses run two to three days and include both classroom time and hands-on riding. The classroom portion covers motorcycle mechanics, how to inspect your bike before riding, traffic laws specific to motorcycles, and hazard awareness. The riding portion takes place in a controlled area — usually a parking lot or closed course — where you practice starting, stopping, turning, and emergency maneuvers.
You do not ride on public roads during the course. The instructors teach you the skills you need to pass the DMV riding test and to ride safely on your own. By the end, you should be able to start and stop smoothly, make turns at different speeds, and handle basic emergency situations.
The exact curriculum varies slightly by state because each state sets its own standards. However, all approved courses must cover the same core topics: vehicle control, hazard perception, and safe riding practices. If you are taking a course in a state you do not live in, check whether the certificate will transfer to your home state's DMV.
What Happens After You Complete the Course
When you finish, the instructor or school gives you a course completion certificate. This is a physical document — usually a card or letter — that proves you completed the training. You bring this certificate to the DMV when you explore for your motorcycle endorsement or license.
At the DMV, you present the certificate along with your process and any other required documents (usually your driver's license and proof of identity). The DMV staff will verify that the course was approved and that your certificate is valid. In most states, you then skip the riding test and receive your motorcycle endorsement or license without taking it.
Some states still require you to pass a written test even with the certificate. A few require you to pass the riding test as well, though the certificate may give you a waiver or a discount on the test fee. Check your state's specific rules before you take the course so you know what to expect at the DMV.
Cost and How to Pay
Course fees range widely depending on the provider and your state. Community college courses often cost $100 to $200. Private training schools typically charge $200 to $400. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses fall somewhere in the middle, usually $150 to $300. Some courses include the use of a motorcycle and safety gear; others do not, so ask what is included in the price.
A few states offer reduced-cost or free courses through their DMV or through grants to training organizations. Check your state's DMV website or call the training school to ask whether discounts are available. Some schools offer payment plans or accept financial aid if you are taking the course through a community college.
The cost of the course is usually less than the cost of failing the DMV riding test and having to retake it, so the course often pays for itself in time and money saved.
Age and License Requirements
You must be at least 16 or 18 years old to take a motorcycle safety course, depending on your state. Most states require you to have a valid driver's license or a learner's permit before you enroll. A few states let you take the course before you have a license, but you still cannot ride on public roads until you have the endorsement.
If you are under 18, some states require parental consent or require a parent to sign a waiver. Check the course provider's website or call them to ask about age and license requirements before you register.
What Happens If Your Certificate Expires or Is Lost
Course completion certificates are usually valid for a set period — often one to three years, depending on your state. If you do not use the certificate to get your motorcycle endorsement within that time, you may need to retake the course or take the DMV riding test instead.
If you lose your certificate, contact the school or organization that issued it. They can usually print a replacement or provide a letter confirming that you completed the course. Keep a copy of your certificate in a safe place, and bring the original to the DMV when you explore for your endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a DMV-approved course to get a motorcycle license?
No. You can take the written and riding tests at the DMV instead. However, the course waives the riding test in most states, and some people find it easier to pass a course than to pass the DMV test on their first try. The course also teaches you practical skills that the test alone may not cover.
Will a course certificate from one state work in another state?
It depends on the states involved. Some states recognize certificates from other states; others do not. Before you take a course in a different state, contact your home state's DMV and ask whether the certificate will transfer. If it will not, you may need to retake the course or take the DMV test in your home state.
What if I fail the course?
Most courses do not have a pass or fail grade. Instead, the instructor evaluates whether you have learned the basic skills needed to ride safely. If the instructor determines you need more practice, they may ask you to retake the course or may offer additional instruction. Ask the school about their policy before you enroll.
Can I take the course if I already have a motorcycle license?
Yes. Some people take a refresher course to improve their skills or to learn new techniques. The course is open to riders of any experience level. However, if you already have a motorcycle endorsement, the certificate will not change your license — it is only useful if you are explore for the endorsement for the first time.
What should I bring to the course?
Bring a valid driver's license or learner's permit, comfortable clothes you can move in, and closed-toe shoes with good ankle support. Most courses provide a helmet and protective gear, but ask the school what they provide and what you need to bring. Do not wear loose clothing or flip-flops — they can get caught or come off while you are riding.