Motorcycle Safety - Continuing Education and Workforce Development

Registration will open one month before a class start date.

If any questions contact our office at (906) 227-2103 or email conteduc@nmu.edu.

Who should take the Basic Rider Course:

• New riders with little or no experience seeking a license endorsement.
• Riders who have twice failed the SOS third-party skills test.
• Experienced riders who have never had formal training and want to update their skills.

Frequently Asked Questions
eCourse Instructions
System requirements

Course Details

Regular classes: 8:00 am - 5:00 or 6:00 pm each day; about 15 hr. weekend 

Cost: $50.00 Non-refundable fee.

The Basic RiderCourse teaches the basic mental and physical skills needed for riding. In Michigan, successful completion of this course provides a waiver of the written and riding licensing tests with the Secretary of State office.

1. Pre-requisites:
   • Able to balance and ride a bicycle.
   • Possess either a driver's license or motorcycle learner's permit.
   • Completed 5-hour eCourse certificate, printed and brought to first class.
   • Must have an email address to take the eCourse.
2. What to Expect:
   • 11-hours of riding instruction & 5 hour eCourse.
   • Range exercises include low-speed maneuvers and basic skills such as shifting, accelerating, braking, cornering, U-turn, lane change.
   • You’ll receive individual RiderCoach feedback while learning to ride.
   • Motorcycles are provided.
   • Types and/or models of motorcycles available vary by site. Ask your RiderCoach which training bike is best for you based on your height, weight or preferred riding style.
3. What to Bring:
   • Food/beverages for breaks and lunch.
   • Your own riding gear, including Helmet.
   • Pen/pencil for classroom sessions.
4. What you MUST wear:
   • Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
   • Long pants (heavy denim or riding pants recommended)
   • Over-the-ankle boots (sturdy, not canvas)
   • Eye protection (or full-face helmet with visor)
   • Full-finger gloves
   • Full-face or ¾-face helmet

Basic 5-hour eCourse – This is a requirement to attend a BRC Motorcycle class.

**The MSF eCourses are NOT accepted as a license waiver by any state department of motor vehicles, or as a license to ride a motorcycle or a learner's permit.

The MSF ePackage 1 eCourse is a highly interactive 5-hr. online program that provides riders of all skill levels with the basics of motorcycling. With integrated graphics, photos and video to illustrate the lessons.

Upon successful completion of an MSF ePackage 1 eCourse, you will need to print a completion certificate and bring to the first day of class. The certificate is valid for 30 days. The MSF eCourse is a requirement for attending a hands-on training course, the eCourse must be completed within 30 days prior to the class start date. If you have completed an eCourse more than 30 days before the class start date, you must re-take the eCourse (you can re-take it for free) by logging in and checking the "Start new attempt" checkbox.

Like all MSF training programs, the MSF ePackage 1 eCourse promotes lifelong learning. Once you create an account you can retake the course whenever you want as a refresher.

Student age: Participants must be at least 15 years of age and have a valid (Level 1, 2 or 3 graduated driver license.) For students under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must sign a participation waiver which must be returned to the instructor before the student will be allowed on the range.

Class and Range

• Class sessions start on Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with range & classroom, LOCAL TIME, and Sunday will be 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with Range and written Knowledge test. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time.
• Bring a bag lunch, snacks and plenty of fluids as this course is physically demanding.
• You must possess the eCourse Certificate of Completion and a signed liability waiver form to be admitted to the class.
• To participate on the riding range, you must wear protective clothing.

You must provide a printed copy of the eCourse Completion Certificate at the start of class.

Waiver of Liability

As a  participant, you must turn in a signed waiver of Liability to the RiderCoach at the first class session.  If you are less than 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver in person at the start of class or it must be notorized.  Admission to the class will be denied without a signed Waiver.

COVID Waiver

All RiderCoaches and students MUST sign this form before each day of class.

For Your Protection

You will need the following protective clothing for all range sessions. Cold and/or wet weather gear should be included because we ride regardless of the weather.  You also may need sun protection.

• Long sleeved jacket or heavy shirt: Arms must be covered while riding.  It is best to dress in layers according to the weather.  The outermost layer must be long sleeved.
• Long pants: No shorts. We suggest jeans. Man-made materials will melt when exposed to heat from engines and exhaust pipes.
• Helmet: DOT or Snell approved helmet. Half-helmets need RiderCoach Approval. If you have any concerns about a helmet, bring it with you on Friday.
• Eye Protection: Face shield or goggles, (Bring some glasses to wear under your shield. This will allow you to ride with your shield up on very warm days.)
• Gloves: Must be full-fingered. Leather is preferred.
• Boots or heavy shoes: Sturdy boots, must cover the ankles and have a low heel. No gym-type shoes or tennis shoes.

Maintaining Energy Levels

We strongly recommend packing a lunch, snacks and small cooler with plenty of ice water. There will be scheduled breaks and a 60 minute lunch break on Saturday and Sunday.  The Basic Riding Course is physically demanding. Fluids and snacks will help you to maintain your energy levels.

Optional Medical Insurance Information 

We recommend that you have your health insurance information available in the event of an emergency.  If you are less than 18 years of age, have a parent or guardian write and sign a statement permitting emergency medical care.

Here is a sample statement: "In the event of an injury, as a parent/guardian of _______________________, I grant permission for emergency medical treatment in my absence." 

Your parent/guardian then signs and dates this statement.  They should complete the health insurance information and an emergency phone number on the liability waiver form. They may write the permission statement on the back of the liability waiver.

Class Materials 

You will need pen or pencil, high-lighter, and notepad. Most importantly bring a positive attitude and the determination to succeed.

MICHIGAN HELMET LAW does not apply to the Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program. All students and RiderCoaches are required to wear protective clothing, including a helmet, while participating in the program.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: You will need the following protective clothing for all range sessions. Cold and/or wet weather gear should be included because we ride regardless of the weather. You also may need sun protection.

• Long-sleeved jacket or heavy shirt: Arms must be covered while riding. It is best to dress in layers according to the weather. The outermost layer must be long-sleeved.
• Long pants: No shorts. We suggest jeans. Man-made materials will melt when exposed to heat from engines and exhaust pipes.
• Helmet: DOT or Snell-approved helmet. Half-helmets need RiderCoach Approval.  If you have any concerns about a helmet, bring it with you on Friday.
• Eye Protection: Face shield or goggles (Bring some glasses to wear under your shield. This will allow you to ride with your shield up on very warm days.)
• Gloves: Must be full-fingered. Leather is preferred.
• Boots or heavy shoes: Sturdy boots, must cover the ankles and have a low heel. No gym-type shoes or tennis shoes. 

For 2022 masks are optional, no matter what your vaccination status is.

If any questions please contact us at (906) 227-2103, or email us at conteduc@nmu.edu.

Online Registration only. Non-refundable $50 fee.

We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. All credit card transactions are processed through a secure website. You must provide the following information: your name, (include parent or guardian name if you are under 18), address, phone number, driver's license number or permit number, age, birth date, and an E-mail address if you have one.  **Have this information on hand before entering the registration page.** 

Online Registration and Stand-By

Classroom and range sites, the dates at each site, the course number and available openings are listed. When the class is filled, registrations for that class are closed and the "stand-by" option becomes available. Before entering the registration page, write down your course number, site and date selected. After the credit card payment is confirmed, the system’s [valid payment response is confirmation of your space in the class.]  **This response should be printed before exiting the Registration Page.** If you are registering as a stand-by, you will not need to enter a credit card.  

No-Shows and Standbys

Standbys should register as stand-by. Show up to a class and if there are any no shows a stand-by will be selected to participate in the class.  You will be given a code for the eCourse and you will need to complete the eCourse before you will receive a completion certificate.  When you show up to a class you must be ready to participate if selected. You will need to pay $50 once selected to participate.

Attendance Policy 

Students must be on time and attend all class and riding sessions, pass a written exam and riding skills test in order to successfully complete the course. Upon successful completion, NMU will enter your completion information into the Secretary of State CARS site within 48 hours of class completion. Once this is complete you will receive an email with Course Completion information and how to get your endorsement. This completion certificate is valid for one year from the date of class completion. 

Class Requirements

Students should sign in 15 minutes before the class starting time. Students arriving after the class starts will forfeit their slot in the class. Anyone arriving without an eCourse Completion Certificate or a signed Waiver of Liability will not be admitted to the class or refunded the $50 fee. Riders under 18 years of age must have the waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Protective clothing is required for range hours, only DOT or Snell approved helmets may be used.

Dismissal or Incomplete

During the weekend program, if a student doesn't show up or decides not to complete the class for any reason, they may withdraw but the $50 fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. A student may be dismissed from the class if, in the judgment of the instructor, they present a personal hazard, or a hazard to other students or instructors.  The instructor's decision is final, and the course fee is non-refundable. In order to participate in another session, you must register and pay for the new session. 

We are looking to hire several RiderCoaches (instructors). Locations are Houghton & Marquette. See the flyer for more details or click here: State of Michigan RiderCoach Information