Basic Rider Course 2 for License Waiver: Additional Information

This course was designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP), and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) for the motorcyclist who has held a learner’s permit for more than one year. Per NYS DMV, junior license holders may NOT take this course.

This is not a beginner course; it is a fast-track way to receive your motorcycle license. You will be required to demonstrate basic street riding skills to proceed with the course. No refunds will be given if you are unable to do this.

Prerequisites

• Students must:
  • Have a current NYS Driver License and NYS Motorcycle Permit
  • Be 18 or over to take this class
  • Have his/her own street-legal motorcycle or Class A scooter
  • Have at least one season of current on-road riding experience with a motorcycle permit
  • Possess basic street operating skills
• A student will not be allowed to proceed if unable to demonstrate basic riding skills in a parking lot. (No refund)
• It is recommended that the motorcycle/scooter be appropriate for the size and strength of its rider.

Meet the coach in Parking Lot A. If you enter on Holliday Drive, it is the first parking lot on your left. Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of your class.

To Qualify for the NYS Motorcycle Road Test Waiver (Completion Card)

(Per NYS DMV Regulation)

• Students must be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid NYS Driver’s License and valid NYS Motorcycle Permit. Upon successful completion of the Basic RiderCourse 2 — LW, a NYSMSP road test waiver card will be issued. Take it to NYS DMV, present the waiver card, license, and M permit, pay any fees, and you will immediately receive an “M” license, added to your Driver License.
• 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

Documents

• Original and copy of valid NYS Driver License and valid NYS Motorcycle Permit.
  Per NYS DMV, Junior License holders may NOT take this course. Students must be 18 years of age or older.
  We can make copies for you in class.
• Current registration and proof of insurance (check dates) for your street-legal, registered, insured motorcycle or Class A scooter with current inspection. 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.
• 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 Safety Course waiver and indemnification form (PDF)
  • Completed student information form (PDF)

Required Riding Gear

• DOT-approved helmet — full-face recommended (loaner helmets available)
• 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 nearby or bring your own lunch.

Attendance and Timing

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 BRC2‑LW riding exercises are physically demanding. All courses require physical stamina, motor coordination, and mental alertness. Some prescription medications 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.

Day of Class

You will report to HVCC, Parking Lot A, which is the first left when entering through the Holliday Ave entrance.

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 BRC2‑LW?

A:

• DOT-approved helmet (loaner helmets available) — 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; 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 or evenings.

Q: Should I take the BRC or the BRC2‑LW?

A: If you just got your permit and have limited street time, you should take the BRC. The exercises in the BRC2‑LW are designed for the rider who has basic motorcycle operating skills and experience on the street using these skills. An inexperienced rider will not be able to complete the exercises and will be counseled out and not receive a refund. If you are not sure, contact Maggie at (518) 857-2099 or info@518rider.com.

Q: I have a conditional/restricted license due to an impairment conviction. Can I take the BRC2‑LW?

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: You must successfully complete the online eCourse and the on-campus motorcycle skills evaluation. Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory.

Q: What MUST I bring to the BRC2‑LW course?

A: You must bring:

• Please review, print, and sign the following documents and bring them with you to class: Motorcycle Safety Course waiver and indemnification form (PDF), and a completed student information form (PDF). Blank forms will be available in class if you do not have access to a printer.
• 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. 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.
• The original and one copy of your NYS Driver License (class D or higher) and NYS Motorcycle Permit. We can make copies in class.
• Required riding gear.

Q: What SHOULD I bring to the BRC2‑LW course?

A: Yourself, well-rested, open-minded, and ready to try new things. Bring water (8 oz 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 BRC2 to re-test at no charge.

Q: How do I become eligible for my motorcycle license after one day of training?

A: When the course begins you must:

• Possess a valid NYS Motorcycle Permit (minimum of one year recommended)
• Possess a valid NYS Driver License without restrictions
• Complete the required MSF eCourse and bring proof of completion to class
• Meet the objectives of each training exercise on your own street-legal, registered, insured motorcycle or Class A scooter
• Pass the BRC2-LW Skill Evaluation, which is administered after all the BRC2 riding range exercises have been completed

Contact

Any questions? Contact Capital Area Rider Training LLC Site Administrator Maggie McNally at (518) 857-2099 or info@518rider.com.

Revised February 2026