3-Wheel Basic Rider Course for License Waiver: Additional Information

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse is taught on school-provided 3-wheel training units that have two wheels in the front and one in the back. You may bring your own street-legal 3-wheel motorcycle to the class if you prefer. Proof of current registration, inspection, and insurance is required. Motorcycle/side-car rigs and sit-in, car-style 3-wheel vehicles are not permitted in the class. No experience is necessary. If you plan to ride a 2-wheel motorcycle, you must take the BRC or BRC-2 for license waiver.

Course Participant Eligibility

Any individual, 16 years of age or older, who wishes to participate in a New York State Motorcyclist Safety Program (NYSMSP) course must possess a valid driver’s license.

Under 18 Students

The motorcycle course waiver and indemnification form (PDF) must be signed by a parent/guardian in front of a RiderCoach, or it must be signed by a parent/guardian and notarized ahead of time. You will not be allowed to ride without it, and no refunds are given. Call (518) 629-7339 to receive the form, or click the link above. It is your responsibility to obtain the waiver forms. NYS graduated licensing laws apply to licensing waivers. Successful completion of this course will earn you a waiver for a 3‑wheel‑only motorcycle license. This road-test waiver does not apply to 2‑wheeled motorcycles.

To Qualify for the NYS 3‑Wheel ONLY Motorcycle Road Test Waiver (Completion Card)

Per NYS DMV Regulation

• Students must possess a valid NYS driver’s license. Upon successful completion of the 3‑Wheel Basic RiderCourse, a NYSMSP 3‑wheel‑only road-test waiver card will be issued. Take it to the NYS DMV, apply for the motorcycle permit (if you do not have one), present the waiver card, and pay any fees. You will immediately receive the 3‑wheel‑only “M” license, added to your driver license. Graduated licensing laws apply to persons under age 18.
• You may take the course with a valid driver’s license from another state but will not receive a licensing waiver unless your state recognizes the NYS program. Vermont and Massachusetts currently accept this waiver. You are responsible for ensuring that your home state licensing board accepts the NYS license waiver prior to registering for the course.
• Any potential student who possesses a license that has been restricted due to one or more convictions for driving while impaired may not participate in any NYSMSP RiderCourse until all restrictions to the license have been lifted. It is your responsibility to know this before you register, not ours.
• Questions regarding restricted or conditional licenses or any DMV regulations should be directed to Maggie at (518) 857-2099 or to your local DMV office.

What to Bring

We provide 3‑wheel straddle‑seat motorcycles (two wheels in front and one in back) for the class. Students may bring their own street‑legal 3‑wheeled motorcycle (two wheels in front or in back) for the course. Call Maggie at (518) 857-2099 with questions.
Motorcycles & side-car rigs; motorcycles with one wheel in front and three wheels in back; and sit-in, car-style 3‑wheel vehicles are not permitted in class.

Documents

• NYS driver’s license or motorcycle license and motorcycle permit (if you have one), and a photocopy of both, to the first class. We can make copies in class.
• You must bring current registration, proof of insurance (check dates), and current inspection for your street‑legal 3‑wheeled motorcycle/scooter. Motorcycles will be checked over by RiderCoaches to verify safety. Good tires are of the utmost importance. The RiderCoach has the right to refuse to allow you to ride a motorcycle deemed unsafe. You would then be permitted to ride our two‑in‑front, one‑in‑back 3‑wheel motorcycle.
• MSF eCourse completion certificate (dated within the 30 days prior to your class). A copy, photo, or screenshot is acceptable. If a student does not get the eCourse link or is a late registrant, it is their responsibility to contact us before class to get this information.
• Please review, print, and sign the following documents and bring them with you to class:
  • Motorcycle course waiver and indemnification form (PDF)
  • Completed student information form (PDF)
  Blank forms will be available in class.

Students under 18: The waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian in front of a RiderCoach, or it must be signed by a parent/guardian and notarized prior to the start of the course. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in the student not being permitted to ride. No refund will be given.

Required Riding Gear

• DOT‑approved helmet (loaner helmets available)—full‑face recommended
• Eye protection (helmet shield, glasses, or sunglasses)
• Full‑fingered gloves
• Over‑the‑ankle boots (no sneakers; no heels more than 1")
• Long‑sleeve shirt or jacket and sturdy long pants (jeans with no holes; no leggings)
• Wear layers and bring rain gear. We ride rain or shine, hot or cold. Light colors are better. If you cannot tolerate heat, register for a course in a cooler month.

Water and Snacks

• Bring 8 oz. of water for each hour of class, and snacks. Small coolers work.
• This is a physically active day. You will need to replenish fluids and energy.
• A wet rag to cool your face and neck is a good idea.
• Lunch break: Food is nearby, or bring your own lunch.
• Folding chair for non‑riding outdoor learning activities

Schedule

• Students must allow extra time in their schedules for variables such as weather or other factors that may require staying later than scheduled.
• Plan for extra time to ensure that you don’t have a conflict.

YOU MUST BE ON TIME: Class will begin PROMPTLY at the start time. Students need to be checked in, appropriately attired, and ready to go by the start time. It is highly recommended that students arrive 15–30 minutes early.

Note

The 3WBRC riding exercises are physically demanding. All courses require physical stamina, motor coordination, and mental alertness. Some prescription and over‑the‑counter medications may affect your alertness or balance. Check with your doctor or pharmacist. Riding takes place in a closed parking lot, and you may be exposed to rain, wind, cold, heat, sun, etc.

If You Choose to Bring Your Own 3‑Wheeled Motorcycle

(See above for restrictions.)

Day of Class: You will report to HVCC, Parking Lot F. The RiderCoaches will meet you there. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the eCourse?

A: This online course developed by MSF allows you to become familiar with the basics of motorcycle operation before you begin the on‑campus class. The eCourse takes several hours to complete. It must be completed before your class and no more than 30 days before the on‑campus component. If you do not have a computer, you can use a computer at your local library or contact Hudson Valley Community College at (518) 629‑7339 or communityed@hvcc.edu. If a student does not get the eCourse link or is a late registrant, it is their responsibility to contact us before class to get this information. Students must complete the correct eCourse. No other eCourse will be accepted—ONLY the link provided by the College is valid.

Q: Do I pay separately for the eCourse?

A: No. When you register, and approximately 30 days before your class, the college will email information and directions to access the eCourse. You will take the course at no additional charge. You must use the link provided to complete the correct course and get credit for completing it.

Q: What protective gear is required to take the 3WBRC?

A: Please bring gear to the first class session for approval.

• DOT‑approved helmet (full‑face recommended)
• Eye protection (helmet face shield, prescription glasses, shatterproof sunglasses)
• Full‑fingered, non‑slippery gloves
• Over‑the‑ankle boots (no sneakers; no heels more than 1")
• Long‑sleeve jacket or denim shirt and sturdy long pants (jeans with no holes)
• Wear layers and bring rain gear. We ride rain or shine, hot or cold. Light colors are better. If you cannot tolerate heat, register for a course in a cooler month or evenings.

Q: What are the requirements for participating in the NYS Motorcycle Safety Program – 3‑Wheel Basic RiderCourse?

A: Any individual, 16 years of age or older, who wishes to participate in a NYSMSP Basic RiderCourse (MSF 3WBRC) MUST possess a valid NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued driver license or motorcycle license. Any person younger than 18 years must also have the written permission of his/her parent(s) or legal guardian. The motorcycle course waiver and indemnification form (PDF) must be signed by a parent/guardian in front of a RiderCoach, or must be signed by a parent/guardian and notarized ahead of time. The NYSMSP accepts out‑of‑state student credentials that are acceptable to the NYS DMV. NOTE TO NON‑NYS‑LICENSED STUDENTS: IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT to check with their own state’s licensing agency about reciprocity of the 3WBRC from NYS.

Q: I have a conditional/restricted license due to an impairment conviction. Can I take the 3WBRC?

A: No. NYS DMV policy states: Any potential student who possesses a license that has been restricted due to one or more convictions for driving while impaired may not participate in any NYSMSP RiderCourse until all restrictions to the license have been lifted. All potential students will be asked to attest that they are not in possession of a restricted license.

Q: What are the requirements to receive all the NYS benefits?

A: To be eligible for the road test waiver, you must possess a valid NYS driver license. You must successfully complete the online eCourse and motorcycle skills evaluation on campus. Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory.

Q: I have a non‑NYS driver’s license. Can I take the course and get the road test waiver?

A: The NYSMSP 3‑Wheel Basic RiderCourse does not offer any license benefit to drivers licensed in another state. Many states accept the NYS 3WBRC for road test waiver. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT to check with their own state’s licensing agency about reciprocity of the 3WBRC from NYS. We will make all reasonable efforts to supply the student with records required by that state. Contact us BEFORE registering with any questions.

Q: How long is the 3‑Wheel Basic RiderCourse?

A: The class is held over a two‑day period. Students will participate in both non‑riding and on‑motorcycle learning exercises. Class times may be extended or changed to compensate for unforeseen situations.

Q: What MUST I bring to the 3‑Wheel Basic RiderCourse?

A: You must bring:

• Please review, print, and sign the following documents and bring them with you to class: motorcycle course waiver and indemnification form (PDF), and a completed student information form (PDF).
• Students age 16–18 must have the motorcycle course waiver and indemnification form (PDF), and it must be signed by a parent/guardian in front of a RiderCoach, or it must be signed by a parent/guardian and notarized ahead of time. You cannot ride without it, and no refund will be given.
• Proof of completion of the proper online eCourse within the 30 days prior to the on‑campus class, either a printed certificate or a photo (phone screen view) of the same.
• The original and one copy of your NYS driver license (class D or higher).
• Required riding gear.

Q: What SHOULD I bring to the 3‑Wheel Basic RiderCourse?

A: Yourself, well‑rested, open‑minded, and ready to try new things. Bring water (one bottle for each hour), a small cooler, energy snacks, sunblock, and a wet cloth to cool your face and neck. Wear layers that can be added or removed according to weather and that will still comply with required riding gear. Your outermost layer should be a light color for sunny days.

Q: Will the course take place in all weather conditions?

A: Yes. You should be prepared to ride in hot, cold, wet, and dry conditions. In the case of severe weather or thunderstorms, the course may be temporarily delayed or canceled. If you are not sure if the course will run, contact Maggie at (518) 857‑2099 or info@518rider.com.

Q: What if I fail the skill evaluation?

A: You have 30 days from the completion of 3WBRC to re‑test at no charge.

Q: What type 3‑wheel motorcycle is the course taught on?

A: We provide a three‑wheel vehicle with two wheels in front and one in the back, semi‑automatic, no clutch.

Q: May I bring my own 3‑wheel motorcycle?

A: Yes, you may bring your own street‑legal 3‑wheel motorcycle. These are defined as two wheels in the front and one in the back, or one wheel in front and two in the back, with handlebars and a seat you straddle (see above). Call Maggie with questions at (518) 857‑2099.

Q: May I use a sidecar rig?

A: No. The MSF 3WBRC was developed to focus on 3‑track motorcycles. Sidecar rigs are 2‑track vehicles.

Q: Is a 3‑wheel vehicle with a car seat and steering wheel allowed?

A: No.

Q: What type of motorcycle license will I be eligible for?

A: A three‑wheel‑only motorcycle license. If you plan to ride on two wheels, take the BRC.

Q: Do I need a motorcycle permit to take the class?

A: You will be required to obtain a motorcycle permit to use the waiver. The permit can be obtained before or after the class.

Q: What are the physical requirements of the 3WBRC?

A: You must be able to ride a bicycle. Motorcycle exercises require physical stamina, motor coordination, and mental alertness. We offer split‑weekday courses, which some students find more manageable from a physical standpoint than the standard two days in a row schedule. If you require daily tranquilizers or pain medication, you probably will not meet the mental alertness criteria. If you have any specific questions about your ability to manage this course, please contact Maggie at (518) 857‑2099 or info@518rider.com. 

Q: I am under age 18. Can I take the course?

A: Yes, but the Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourse waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian in front of a RiderCoach, or it must be signed by a parent/guardian and notarized ahead of time. Please contact Maggie at (518) 857‑2099 or info@518rider.com with any additional questions.

Contact

Any questions, contact Capital Area Rider Training LLC Site Administrator Maggie McNally at (518) 857‑2099 or info@518rider.com.

Revised February 2026