Frequently Asked Questions

The NM Motorcycle Safety Program (NMMSP) offers two 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.

All applicants for a motorcycle endorsement that are under the age of 18 years are required by NM State law to attend and complete the Basic RiderCourse. In addition, all students under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian present at the first class session to sign all applicable waivers and course paperwork.

All students must provide an ID when registering. ID may be a Driver’s License or state issued ID.

Every student (and parent or legal guardian for under 18 students) must bring a State or Federal picture ID with them to class. Federal IDs would include passports, military ID, or federal government agency IDs. State IDs would include driver’s license, state agency ID, or MVD picture ID (for students that may not have a driver’s license at this time). School picture IDs are acceptable.

Print out and bring your eCourse completion certificate. (Certificate completion date must be within 30 days of the start date of your class.)

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 NMMSP 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 to earn your license endorsement.

The NMMSP 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).

When you successfully complete the BRC2LW you will receive an MSF Completion Card, which the MVD accepts as a waiver for licensing, no further testing is required.

Click here to find the next available class near you.

The best way to enroll is using the NMMSP online enrollment system. You will need a debit/credit card, a driver’s license (unless you are under the age of 18 years), and an email address to enroll.

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

Leanne Early
learly@msf-usa.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

Students that are not successful in their first class are defined as return students if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Do not pass the written or skills evaluations
• Are counseled out of the class for being unable to meet objectives (and/or maintain a safe environment), or
• Students that do not feel competent to safely continue the class

See attached NMMSP Student Return Policy

You may use your personal scooter in the BRC under the following guidelines:

• Notify Office Administration of your intent to use your personal scooter by email,
• Arrive at the first riding session at least 30 minutes early for a safety inspection on your scooter,
• Your scooter must be street legal, registered, insured and safe to operate,
• Bring proof of NM insurance,
• Bring the vehicle registration in your name (or if not in your name, you will need a notarized letter of permission from the registered owner to use the scooter in the training class).

All requests for replacement completion cards must be emailed to the NMMSP Administrative Office: learly@msf-usa.org

Your request must include the following information:

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

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 for a $50 fee. Either of these actions are made through the RiderCourse Enrollment System (RES); Contact the Call Center at 877-667-8880 or 505-312-8430 for instructions.

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.
• You may reschedule or cancel a class within 10-13 days of the start date for a $50 fee.
• 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.

Smoking (on breaks) is permitted in designated areas only. No photographs or video-taping without prior permission from the Program Manager, or RiderCoach(s). Please limit cell phone use to breaks. Handguns, knives, or weapons of any kind are not allowed at any NMMSP Training site.