The Basic RiderCourse (BRC1)

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The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) BRC1 is a group lesson motorcycle safety training course based on a researched curriculum approved and sponsored by the NJ MVC. It is designed for those who;

1. Want to learn how to ride a motorcycle just for the fun of it, to see what it's like.

2. Want to learn how to ride a motorcycle and get a motorcycle license/endorsement.

3. Have some riding experience and want to get a motorcycle license/endorsement.

4. Already have a motorcycle license/endorsement and want a refresher before getting back on a motorcycle.

Since our mission is to help reduce motorcycle crashes in the State of NJ and our priority is the safety of our students, we offer the MSF's preferred version of the BRC1, which is a 2 1/2 -day, 20-hour course that consists of four modules or parts; 

Module 1- You begin by first taking a 5-hour (average time) Pre-Course Assignment which is a self-paced interactive asynchronous online module (the MSF eCourse) that familiarizes you with some of the physical and non-physical skills needed to ride a motorcycle safely, which you do on your own, at your own pace. (The eCourse should be completed before Module 3 and must be completed before Module 4). We suggest spending an hour a day on the eCourse until it is completed.

The link for the eCourse, which allows you to take the eCourse for free, is included in the confirmation email/tickets you will receive from Eventbrite (our registration platform) after registering for the course, and it will also be in the reminder email you will receive from The Riding Academy of NJ a few days after you register for the course.

Module 2 - After completing Module 1, you watch a 1-hour pre-recorded Power Point Presentation (Supplemental eCourse) on your own, which explains the motorcycle controls and the four basic physical riding skills in further detail. (The Supplemental eCourse should also be completed before Module 3 and must also be completed before Module 4).

The link for the Supplemental eCourse will be in the email you will receive from The Riding Academy of NJ four days before the class begins. (This email will be sent again 1 day before the start of the class and twice the day of the class).

Module 3 - After completing Modules 1 and 2, you attend a 4-hour live remote/virtual classroom session on a Tuesday night which covers a variety of crash-avoidance techniques and concepts with other students taking the course so you can meet who they are, find out a little bit about them and meet your instructors before attending the riding sessions (Module 4).THIS CLASSROOM SESSION IS ONLINE done at your location (your home, your office, etc.).

The link for the live remote/virtual classroom session will also be in the email you will receive from The Riding Academy of NJ four days before the class begins. Also included in this email will be the link to the Supplemental eCourse and the link to download all the forms needed for the remote/virtual classroom session. (This email will be sent again 1 day before the start of the Tuesday night 4-hour live remote/virtual classroom session and twice the day of the Tuesday night 4-hour live remote/virtual classroom session). 

The live/remote classroom session starts Tuesday night promptly at 6:00 PM and goes to approximately 10:00 PM.

Module 4 - After completing Modules 1, 2 and 3, you take approximately 10 hours of practice riding (5 hours per day for two consecutive days) in a large, enclosed parking lot with other students taking the course on our training motorcycles. (12 is the maximum class size). 

You get hands-on training with two NJ MVC & MSF certified motorcycle safety instructors. The riding portion of the curriculum consists of 14 riding exercises designed to help you develop and acquire the basic physical riding skills, and the critical crash-avoidance riding skills. Each riding exercise has an objective - to develop a physical and/or non-physical riding skill, and each exercise builds upon the previous one. There is a certain amount of time allotted to meet the objective of each exercise. If students meet the objective of an exercise sooner, we move on to the next exercise. Some riding exercises are ridden as a group. Some are ridden individually. The total miles ridden after completing all the riding exercises is approximately 20 miles. 

You must take both riding sessions in their entirety, in sequence. You can't miss a riding exercise. The riding sessions must also be taken on the two consecutive days of the class. You can't do one riding session on one day of the class and the other riding session on another day of another class unless you pay the full course price for both classes. If you miss the first riding exercise of a session, you can't ride the remaining exercises. If you miss or sit out an exercise, for whatever reason, you can't continue with the remaining exercises. See "Refunds" under the "Policies" page on this website for your options if you are late for a session, miss an exercise or can't ride an exercise. 

There are 10 minute breaks after every 2 or 3 riding exercises. 

The practice riding exercises are held in Montclair State University's parking Lot 60 located at 35 Clove Rd in Little Falls.

We usually conduct two classes per week - an AM class and a PM class.

The practice riding exercises for the AM class normally run on Saturday from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and finish up on Sunday from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM. 

The practice riding exercises for the PM class normally run on Saturday from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM, and finish up on Sunday from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM. 

Classes are held rain or shine. If rain is in the forecast, bring rain gear (rain jacket, rain pants, waterproof shoes, waterproof gloves or latex gloves to wear under your gloves) to keep you dry.

The Basic RiderCourse (BRC1) is a NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) -approved curriculum for entry-level motorcycle riders.

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THE KNOWLEDGE TEST & SKILL TEST ARE INCLUDED IN THE COURSE

The course also contains a Knowledge Test (30 multiple choice questions, which is different than the NJ MVC motorcycle written test) and the NJ MVC Motorcycle Road Test. 

The Knowledge Test is given before taking the practice riding sessions (Module 4) and is based on the information contained in Modules 1, 2 and 3. The Road Test, or Skill Test, is given after all the practice riding exercises have been completed. If you pass both the Knowledge Test and the Skill Test, the NJ MVC allows us to give you paperwork that waives the NJ MVC motorcycle written permit test and the NJ MVC motorcycle road test. (THIS PAPERWORK IS NOT A MOTORCYCLE PERMIT). This paperwork is just a License Waiver.

So you can get your motorcycle license/ endorsement with us in 20 hours without having to go to the NJ MVC to get a motorcycle permit, without having to take the NJ MVC motorcycle written test, and without having to go to the NJ MVC to take the NJ MVC road test. You do it all with us. It's that simple.(You only have to go to the NJ MVC after successfully completing the course to get the motorcycle endorsement put on your NJ Driver License). You don't even need to have your own motorcycle to get your motorcycle license/endorsement. We provide the training motorcycles. (See below to find out which motorcycles we use for the training).

NO NEED TO GET A MOTORCYCLE PERMIT ANYMORE

As stated in the previous paragraph, you do not need a motorcycle permit to attend this course as long as you have a valid Driver License. (You can attend this course if you already have a NJ motorcycle permit). You do not qualify for the NJ MVC motorcycle license waiver unless you have a valid NJ Driver License. (If you do not have a valid Driver License, you will need a valid & current NJ motorcycle permit to attend the course. However, you will not qualify for the motorcycle license waiver unless you also have a NJ Driver License. If you only have a valid & current NJ motorcycle permit and no NJ Driver License, you will have to take the NJ MVC motorcycle road test at the NJ MVC after completing the course). YOU NEED A NJ DRIVER LICENSE TO QUALIFY FOR THE LICENSE WAIVER.  

If you have an out-of-State Driver License or an International Driver License, you will not qualify for the motorcycle license waiver unless your State reciprocates the MSF BRC1 completion card or you move to NJ within 180 days after completing the BRC1 and get a NJ Driver License. (If you have an out-of-State Driver License, check with your State DMV to see if they will accept the MSF BRC1 completion card if you successfully complete the MSF BRC1 in another State. Some States will and some States won't. NY doesn't accept the MSF BRC1 completion card).

THE BRC1 IS MANDATORY IF YOU ARE UNDER AGE 18

If you are under 18, you are now required by NJ law to take the BRC1 if you want to get a NJ motorcycle license/endorsement. Everything in the previous paragraph applies - you need to have a NJ Driver License. In addition, since you are a minor, you will need written parental/guardian permission before taking the practice riding exercises (Module 4) of the course.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE MSF eCOURSE (Module 1)

As stated above, the MSF eCourse is the first part of the course. If you have an issue with the eCourse, email the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at msfsupport@msf-usa.org or call them at (949) 727-3227 x3158 Monday thru Friday between 8:00am - 4:30pm Pacific Time. Tell them your name and the username/email address that you are using to log in to the eCourse.

• The MSF eCourse is video intensive. A strong, steady network connection on a personal computer or mobile device is required. Broadband connections work best.
• Current versions of Chrome, Safari, and Firefox are supported. For Internet Explorer, version 10 or higher is supported.
• Be sure JavaScript is enabled on your browser.
• The eCourse is available in English and Spanish.
• When you complete the eCourse, you will receive a Completion Certificate with a Completion Certificate ID#. Either print your Completion Certificate or take a picture of it. You will need the Completion Certificate ID# when you fill out the indemnity waivers after completing Module 3. We send the Completion Certificate ID # to the NJ MVC. We can't issue you the license waiver unless we have your eCourse Completion Certificate ID#.
• As soon as you register for the BRC1, you will receive a confirmation email/tickets from Eventbrite (our registration platform) that includes a link to take the eCourse for free. (You'll find it under "Additional Information", item #3)

You will learn; 

• What riding gear is best to wear
• How all the motorcycle controls work and how to use each one
• The four basic physical riding skills; taking off, turning, shifting, and stopping, and practice the correct way to perform all four skills on both riding days
• The three non-physical riding skills that will help you avoid a crash
• The safest way to start and shut off a motorcycle
• How to perform slow speed maneuvers and practice doing them
• How to stop quickly and safely in the shortest distance and practice doing it
• How to swerve to avoid a hazard and practice doing it
• How to develop situational awareness to avoid a crash
• How to use 2/4/12 to avoid a crash
• How to ride in rain and wind
• How to start off on a hill without stalling
• How your risk-taking level and your riding skill level can determine your chances of crashing
• Why motorcycles crash and the things you can do to avoid a crash

and much, much more. You'll learn things that your friends, relatives and YouTube don't and can't teach you.

For Modules 1, 2 and 3, you need a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone and an email address.

For the Tuesday night 4-hour live remote/virtual classroom session (Module 3), you will also need the following;

1. The classroom activity forms. Click HERE to download a zip folder with all the forms.
2. A pen or pencil for the See Zee activity form

• The link to all these forms will also be emailed to you four days before the 4-hour live remote/virtual classroom session (Module 3) starts along with the link to the 4-hour live remote/virtual classroom session and the link to the Supplement eCourse (Module 2). Complete the activity forms (except the See Zee activity) before Module 3.

For the practice riding exercises (Module 4), you will need the following; 

1. Demonstrate your ability to balance and ride a bicycle. (Get on the one we have at MSU and ride it for a few yards).
2. Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear (leather preferred) to protect your ankles from injury.
3. Long non-flare denim pants or material of equivalent or better durability to protect your legs from injury. (No light material pants or holes in the pants).
4. A long sleeve garment (shirt, sweat shirt, jacket) to protect your torso and arms from injury.
5. Full-fingered gloves (leather preferred) to protect your hands and fingers from injury.
6. Eye-protection (glasses, sunglasses, goggles, face-shield) to prevent something from getting in your eyes while riding the practice riding exercises.
7. A DOT (Department of Transportation) certified motorcycle helmet to protect your head from injury. (If you do not have your own helmet, you can rent one of our full-face motorcycle helmets for a $5.00 fee).

• You will not be allowed to ride the practice riding exercises unless you can demonstrate your ability to balance and ride a bicycle. (If you can not ride the bicycle, you will be dismissed from the class and receive a partial refund).
• You will not be allowed to ride the practice riding exercises unless you have all of the last six items listed above. (If you do not have all of the last six items listed above for the practice riding exercises, you will be dismissed from the class and receive a partial refund. You will have to pay the full price of the course to attend another class). See "Refunds" on the "Policies" page of our website.

TRAINING MOTORCYCLES

We provide the training motorcycles for the practice riding exercises (Module 4) unless you want to use your own 2-wheel motorcycle or scooter that is registered & insured. If you ride your own motorcycle or scooter to MSU for the riding sessions, you must have a valid & current NJ motorcycle permit or a motorcycle license/endorsement.

Our fleet of training motorcycles consists of several fuel injected motorcycles; the 125cc Honda Monkey, the 125cc Honda Grom, the 125cc Kawasaki Pro, the 125cc CMT Moto Popio, the 250cc Suzuki Van Van, the 250cc Yamaha XT, the 310cc BMW. We also have the 250cc Suzuki GZ carburetor motorcycle. These are considered to be the best motorcycles for novice training purposes. We also have a 125cc automatic Honda Navi if you want to get a motorcycle license to ride a scooter. Riding a scooter in NJ requires a motorcycle license/endorsement. (See paragraph below for more details about scooters).

If you use your own scooter, or our Honda Navi, or your own 2-wheel electric motorcycle for the course and Skill Test, your motorcycle endorsement from the NJ MVC will include a 500cc restriction (restriction 5), which means you will not be able to ride a motorcycle that is larger than 500cc on public roads. There will be no cc restriction on your motorcycle license/endorsement if you use one of our clutch training motorcycles.

HEIGHT REQUIREMENT FOR USING OUR CLUTCH TRAINING MOTORCYCLES

Unless you have prior motorcycle riding experience, you must be able to place both of your feet on the ground when sitting on our clutch training motorcycles. You should be at least 5 feet tall or have a 28 inch inseam. If you want, you can stop by our training location on the weekend during a training session and sit on one of our clutch training motorcycles before registering for one of our BRC1 classes. If you cannot place both of your feet on the ground, you will not be allowed to ride the practice riding exercises of the course (Module 4) for safety reasons. (We have a height measurement chart on site).

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WELL IN ENGLISH IN ORDER TO ATTEND THIS COURSE

It is critical, for safety reasons, that you are able to understand the instructions given by our instructors and they are able to understand you. If you don't understand and speak English well, you must have someone with you during the Tuesday night 4-hour live remote/virtual classroom session (Module 3) and the practice riding exercises of the course (Module 4) to translate for you. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to ride the practice riding exercises of the course (Module 4).

Our price for the BRC1 is $355.

Certain Discounts/Rebates Are Available. (We are the only motorcycle safety training school in NJ that offers discounts/rebates).

1) MSU Rebate - If you are a current full-time undergraduate student, faculty member or Staff member at Montclair State University, you will receive a $100 rebate after completing the course. Show your MSU ID card on the first riding day of the class to receive the rebate. The rebate will be refunded on your credit card after completing the course. Before we issue the rebate, we submit the name of the student requesting the rebate to MSU and they let us know if the student is enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student.

2) College Rebate - If you are a current full-time undergraduate college student, you will receive a $75 rebate after completing the course. Show your college ID card on the first riding day of the class to receive the rebate. The rebate will be refunded on your credit card after completing the course. 

3) First Responder & Military Rebate - If you are active military, an active state, county or local police officer, an active firefighter, or an active EMT, you will receive a 10% rebate after completing the course. We appreciate our first responders and those in the military who put their lives on the line to protect others. Show your first responder ID card, or military ID card on the first riding day of the class to receive the rebate. The rebate will be refunded on your credit card after completing the course. 

4) Family Rebate - If you attend the class on the same dates with an immediate family member (husband, wife, parent, child, brother, sister), you will receive a 20% rebate for each family member after completing the course. The rebate will be refunded on your credit card after completing the course. 

5) Repeat Rebate - If you successfully completed the BRC1 and you want or need to repeat it, for whatever reason, you will receive a $100 rebate after completing the course. Show your MSF BRC1 completion card on the first riding day of the class to receive the rebate. The rebate will be refunded on your credit card after completing the course.

6) Military Personnel who have taken the course on base in another State or country - If you took the course on a military base in another State or country, you will have to take the course again in NJ to get the NJ MVC motorcycle license waiver. If you take the course again with us, we will give you a $100 rebate. Just show us your MSF completion card on the first day of the riding sessions. The rebate will be refunded on your credit card after completing the course.. 

Only one rebate can be applied. Rebates cannot be combined or mixed. Rebates can only be made to your original payment method. Rebates do not apply to Gift Certificates.

Click here to go to our Course Schedule page and select the class you want to attend. We accept all major credit cards & PayPal. Courses are offered on weekends from mid-March to the end of October. Click here to READ OUR REFUND POLICY BEFORE YOU SIGN-UP FOR A CLASS SO YOU KNOW YOUR OPTIONS ABOUT REFUNDS, SWITCHING CLASSES, NOT BEING ABLE TO ATTEND A CLASS YOU SIGNED-UP FOR, DROPPING OUT OF A CLASS, ARRIVING LATE FOR A CLASS, BEING DISMISSED FROM A CLASS. 

WAITLIST

Because of our reputation, there is an extremely high demand for our classes. Our classes sell out very quickly. We sell out our classes before any other motorcycle safety training school in the State. If a class is sold out, you can get on the Waiting List for that class. Just go through the process of registering for the class, even though it is sold out. It will tell you there are no seats left and ask you if you want to join the Waitlist. Join the Waitlist. You will get an email confirmation from Eventbrite (our registration platform) that you are on the Waitlist for that class. If we get a cancellation for that class, an email is automatically sent from Eventbrite to the first person on the Waitlist. That person has 24 hours/one day to register for the class. If the person doesn't register for the class after the 24 hours/one day, another email is automatically sent from Eventbrite to the next person on the Waitlist. You can sign-up to be on the Waitlist for several classes. There is no Waitlist for future classes. There are only Waitlists for the Sold Out classes posted on the Course Schedule page of our website.