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How Can I Fail an MSF Course?

No one wants to fail their MSF course! But it does occasionally happen, even with the best intentions. Here are a few ways a student can be dismissed from of  class… sometimes without even sitting on a motorcycle. 😥 

☠   Arriving late —or not showing up— to any or all classes. Period.

☠   Not bringing required paperwork <create FAQ> to class.

☠   Not having required riding gear (or incorrect gear) for rider training.

☠   Being dismissed or canceled-out during rider training… for any reason.

☠   Failing any part of the Skills Test.

☠   Reckless or dangerous riding.

(See our Terms and Conditions page for company policies regarding student dismissals, refunds, etc.)

I have a complaint. Who should I contact?

We’re always bummed if any of our students didn’t have a great experience with Total Rider 😥 . If you’d like to discuss any issues with us directly, we encourage you to email us through our Contact page, explaining what the problem is. We’re always here to help, and try to remedy any situation.

You may also send TR a letter via mail at:

Total Rider, LLC
5501-A Balcones Dr., Suite 214
Austin TX 78731

Of course, you can always call and leave a message at 512-522-5844 and we’ll get back to you.

Still disgruntled? You may also contact Texas Dept. Licensing and Regulations here

What are TR’s Terms & Conditions?

As of August 26, 2024

Please read and follow the below information carefully, as you are essentially entering into a contract with Total Rider once you have paid your class fee. Understanding our requirements and policies will help you better prepare yourself for a successful learning experience!
Questions or concerns? Contact Us now!

Requirements

All students must:
  1. be able to balance a bicycle…  knowing how to ride is even better!
  2. supply and wear required Riding Gear
  3. complete your online ePackage course before class (both BRC and BRC2 students), and arrive with printed certificate in hand.  Note: we provide access to the proper MSF ePackage, via email, as part of your fee… so please don’t go to the MSF website first to take an “eCourse” or you’ll waste $20 bucks! (MSF online courses are not required for ART.) Completion certificates are only valid within 30 days of your course.  You can re-take the eCourse for free if you are beyond 30 days.
  4. ✍  complete, print, and sign the appropriate Course Waiver before class
  5. for all classes, possess a valid driver’s license or photo I.D. for class entry.
  6.  review any other requirements specific to the course you are taking: BRC, BRC2, or ART (these will also be included as part of your confirmation email).
For all MSF classes:
If you are between 18-24 years of age AND still have a permit, then you must prove you have passed at least the Driver’s Education classroom portion by bringing Form DE-964 to class.
If you are under 18 years of age: as a minor, you must have a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license to take our courses.   If you still have a permit then you must prove you have passed at least the Driver’s Education classroom portion by bringing Form DE-964 to class. In addition, participants under 18 years of age must bring medical consent and the appropriate course waiver form signed by a parent or guardian in person at the training location or the forms must be notarized. 

Testing Policies

Motorcycle Skills Training and Testing for MSF courses (BRC and BRC2):
  • Students are required to pass all riding exercises and skills evaluation in order to receive a completion certificate.
  • A failure of any part of skills training is a failure of the entire course and must be repeated from the beginning.

General Policies

❗Danger. Any student whose riding performance creates an unmanageable danger during training will be removed from the course and will not be entitled to additional classes with Total Rider.

  Weather. Classes go on rain or shine, hot or cold, unless Total Rider deems otherwise. If in doubt, call or text our office (512-522-5844) to determine if a class has been canceled.  See our Weather FAQ.
✍You must notify us through our Contact Us page prior to registering, if:
  • you have a physical, medical, or learning disability
  • your primary language is not English
The Small Print. Total Rider assumes no responsibility for class cancelations as a result of illness, emergencies, or events beyond its control. We also reserve the right to cancel classes for any reason deemed necessary —including classes not filling, inclement weather, scheduling conflicts, etc.— and will notify you of that decision if/when it occurs.
See other policies and class info on our website FAQs and under the “Info” tabs on the Book Your Class page.

Refund Policy / Additional Fees

Total Rider offers no refunds once class has begun. Class fees are good for one attempt at passing an MSF course. If a student fails the class for any reason*, they will need to take the complete course again. (*Reasons may include: arriving late for class, non-attendance, dismissal by instructor, improper riding gear, failing any part of the class, etc.)

Although no one is guaranteed to pass an MSF course, we do however offer class retakes or rescheduling for an additional fee for specific issues regarding students not passing on their first attempt (see below). Students wishing to retake a class will need to contact the front office for rescheduling procedures by emailing us at Operations@TotalRider.com

Class Retake Fees:

$75.00 Prior to Motorcycle Training (may include being late to class, incorrect or no paperwork, improper gear, illness, family emergency,  etc.)

$150 After Motorcycle Training Has Begun (may include failed class, instructor dismissal, not passing skills test, not attending Day 2 of a two-day course, emergency situations, etc.)   Note: this will allow student a 2nd attempt at passing the class; If student fails again, TR may recommend personal evaluation outside of regular class.

Rescheduling  Fees:

$25.00  if Total Rider is notified at least 3 days prior to scheduled class.

$75.00 if Total Rider is notified less than 3 days prior to scheduled class.

Note: Both Retakes and Reschedules can only be initiated by an enrolled student, unless the student is a minor (15-17 years of age).

Other

We use SMS (text messaging) only for automated class reminders and to potentially communicate issues directly on a person-to-person basis. That’s all.  You are opting into this policy when you provide us your mobile number during the booking process.

Coaches or staff may photograph students and activities during class. Some images may later be used in marketing materials. Students who prefer their image not be used should notify the coach at the beginning of their class, otherwise you are giving Total Rider, LLC permission to use such images for promotional purposes.

Video Policy: Students (including friends and family) are strictly prohibited from taking video of any portion of the rider training program, of its coaches, and/or of other participating students.

Complaints? Follow this link to the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) website.

What’s up with the eCourse, and how do I know I’m taking the right one?

Completing the MSF eCourse is the first step toward learning to ride.
This online, interactive component now takes the place of an actual classroom setting, and is completed on your own computer, tablet, or smart phone… on your own time. It’s a great learning tool, and a great way to gain expert knowledge of motorcycling.

Pro Tip 1: Do not go directly to MSF’s website and take their “public” version of the eCourse! Not only will you be taking the incorrect eCourse for your specific class, you’ll also be wasting your hard-earned money… plus, it’s already included as part of your TR class fee. (see Step 1 below for more about this)

Pro Tip 2: The eCourse takes a few hours to complete (about 5 hours for BRC, 4 hours for BRC2), but you don’t have to do it all in one sitting. You can take breaks, watch a movie, visit your mom, whatever… then resume where you left off. Just make sure you arrive to your first class with a printed Completion Certificate… or you will not be able to participate in rider training 🙁

Step 1. Complete the eCourse Before Attending Your First Class.
After booking a class, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us that contains a link to a secure TR webpage, where you’ll find detailed information about how to access your online eCourse —including a custom link to the appropriate “ePackage” registration page on MSF’s website— for your specific rider course. 
 
There are two distinct eCourses, depending on the class you’re enrolled in:
  1. Basic BRC ePackage 1 is a 5-hour online course that begins by addressing Level I beginner topics covered in the BRC Rider Handbook. The second half of ePackage 1  addresses Level II content, focusing on human factors with self-assessment regarding values and choices. This interactive component provides the cognitive aspects of learning to ride in preparation for the range portion of the BRC.

  2. Intermediate BRC2 ePackage 2 is a 4-hour online course that integrates MSF’s Street Strategies and Human Factors into one seamless course. The BRC2 ePackage 2 addresses both Level I and Level II content. Level I content includes most of the topics in the BRC Rider Handbook about the basics of riding, but eliminates elementary content related to motorcycle controls and getting started. Level II addresses rider behavior with self-assessment as to values and choices, as well as the cognitive aspects of riding in traffic.

*Again, DO NOT go to the MSF website first and take their version of the “eCourse”… as you’ll end up wasting $20 bucks and have to take the darn thing all over again!

Step 2. Print Your eCourse Completion Certificate, Ready to Hand In.
All students are required to hand in a printed, hardcopy ePackage 1 or ePackage 2 Completion Certificate to their instructor on the first day of class. Sorry folks, but no printed certificate… no riding… and digital/phone pics are not acceptable at this time.

NOTE: Successfully completed eCourses (and certificates) are valid for a maximum 30 days*, so make sure you don’t take the eCourse more than thirty days out from the date of your first TR class. (*If your certificate is expired, you will have to re-take the eCourse by logging back into MSF’s website and checking the “Start new attempt” checkbox. Re-takes are free, and at no additional charge.)
 
Acceptable Completion Certificates will look like either of these two:
 

msf epackage 1 ecourse certificate total rider

Basic BRC “ePackage 1” sample certificate

msf epackage 2 ecourse certificate total rider

Intermediate BRC2 “ePackage 2” sample certificate
 
**NOTE:  eCourse certificates are NOT accepted as a license waiver by any state department of motor vehicles, nor as a license to ride a motorcycle or a learner’s permit.

What riding gear do I need for class?

ATGATT : All The Gear, All The Time!
Along with MSF and local agency mandates, Total Rider requires all students to wear proper riding gear during training days. And besides, it’s a good habit to get into!

•• REQUIRED GEAR •• 
All students must bring the following to riding practice:

  1. Helmet DOT-approved only and 5 years old or less (we do have a few loaner helmets, but fit and availability are not guaranteed)

  2. Eye protection (eyeglasses, sunglasses, face shield or goggles)

  3. Boots or sturdy over-the-ankle footwear.  Ankles MUST be covered. Canvas/cloth shoes, or boots with elastic sides (“Chelsea boots”) are not permitted. Also, leather-sole or safety-toe boots are not recommended, as they may hinder proper motorcycle foot controls.

  4. Gloves full-fingered only (leather preferred)

  5. Long Sleeve Shirt or Jacket

  6. Long Pants (denim or material of equivalent or better durability) Sorry but… flared, yoga, Jeggings and/or pants with obvious holes are not permitted.

• RECOMMENDED DURING HOT, SUMMER WEATHER
Given that we train in an open, sun-drenched parking lot, and you’re sitting on a running, heat-belching motorcycle while wearing long pants, long sleeve shirt, boots, gloves, helmet… well, you get the picture! Here are a few advisable things you can do to make riding days more pleasant:

  • Hydrate the night before
  • Avoid too much caffeine, energy drinks, coffee, tea… and of course, alcohol!
  • Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing
  • Bring more water than you need i.e. ice chest full of water, and some snacks for break times. Remember, by the time you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated!
  • Lastly, consider a cool wrap… and don’t forget your sunblock!

• RAIN DAYS:
Remember to bring your rain gear, as we ride rain or shine… and sometimes even snow!

 PLEASE NOTE : If you fail to bring all required gear to riding practice, you’ll forfeit your course fee and have to pay for another class… which is a total bummer!  Review our Terms & Conditions page for more detail.

You can print this Riding Day Checklist to help you remember what to bring!

Does Total Rider offer discounts?

We support our troops! Total Rider is honored to offer a $25 discount to all active service men and women, veterans, and first responders. Use promotion code SERVICE when booking your class online, and be prepared to show your affiliated ID card during class.

Other discounts:

  • We occasionally run promotional specials via our facebook page. Check back periodically for some of our special pricing.
  • Drop by local dealers and shops and look for TR flyers. You can usually discover promo codes that will save you a few bucks!
  • Group classes of 6 to 8 students may also qualify for a discounted rate. Please contact our Ops Manager for more info here.

Does TR provide helmets for riding class?

Yes, we do have loaner helmets students may use… however, we only have a limited number of sizes, and can’t guarantee our helmets will offer a proper fit. We strongly recommend bringing your own helmet. Inexpensive, 3/4 or full-face style helmets can be purchased at local motorcycle shops or through our affiliate partners. TR doesn’t recommend half helmets, tho. 🙂