Here’s some important info regarding the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) online ePackage 1 or ePackage 2 (depending on the class you take). Please read this FAQ in its entirety, as it should answer most of your questions.
*Note: the online course will take a few hours to complete (about 5 hours for BRC, 4 hours for BRC2) and you will need to arrive at your first Total Rider class with a printed Certificate of Completion… or you will be dropped from your class 🙁
1. First and most important of all… Do not go directly to the MSF website to take an “eCourse”! This is part of your class fee, and we provide you access info after you book your class with us.
2. After booking your class with Total Rider, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us with class information including how to access your ePackage online. The Subject line will contain: “Booking confirmed – Total Rider”
This email will contain instructions on how to access the correct ePackage course, through a secure page on our website. This will provide you a specific link to the appropriate ePackage registration page at the MSF website for your class. Again, DO NOT go to the MSF website first and take the “eCourse” as you’ll end up wasting $20.00 and have to take the darn thing over again!
There are 2 distinct ePackages, depending on the class you enrolled in:
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.
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.
3. Your course-specific ePackage (1 or 2) must be completed before coming to the first day of class with your printed certificate in hand.
Upon completion of the ePackage online course, you will be able to print a Completion Certificate that is valid for 30 days. The ePackage must be completed within 30 days prior to the class start date. If you have completed an ePackage more than 30 days before the class start date, you will have to re-take it (for free, at no additional charge) by logging back in and checking the “Start new attempt” checkbox.
ePackage1 sample certificate
ePackage2 sample certificate
**MSF’s ePackage is 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.
4. And lastly, relax! Once you begin your online course, you don’t have to complete it in one sitting. You can do a little bit here and there, have some lunch, go for a walk, etc… then resume the course where you left off. Yay!
Here’s some important info regarding the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) online ePackage 1 or ePackage 2 (depending on the class you take). Please read this FAQ in its entirety, as it should answer most of your questions.
*Note: the online course will take a few hours to complete (about 5 hours for BRC, 4 hours for BRC2) and you will need to arrive at your first Total Rider class with a printed Certificate of Completion… or you will be dropped from your class 🙁
1. First and most important of all… Do not go directly to the MSF website to take an “eCourse”! This is part of your class fee, and we provide you access info after you book your class with us.
2. After booking your class with Total Rider, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us with class information including how to access your ePackage online. The Subject line will contain: “Booking confirmed – Total Rider”
This email will contain instructions on how to access the correct ePackage course, through a secure page on our website. This will provide you a specific link to the appropriate ePackage registration page at the MSF website for your class. Again, DO NOT go to the MSF website first and take the “eCourse” as you’ll end up wasting $20.00 and have to take the darn thing over again!
There are 2 distinct ePackages, depending on the class you enrolled in:
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.
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.
3. Your course-specific ePackage (1 or 2) must be completed before coming to the first day of class with your printed certificate in hand.
Upon completion of the ePackage online course, you will be able to print a Completion Certificate that is valid for 30 days. The ePackage must be completed within 30 days prior to the class start date. If you have completed an ePackage more than 30 days before the class start date, you will have to re-take it (for free, at no additional charge) by logging back in and checking the “Start new attempt” checkbox.
ePackage1 sample certificate
ePackage2 sample certificate
**MSF’s ePackage is 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.
4. And lastly, relax! Once you begin your online course, you don’t have to complete it in one sitting. You can do a little bit here and there, have some lunch, go for a walk, etc… then resume the course where you left off. Yay!
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.
Yes, effective September 1, 2009, a Texas law passed that required successful completion of an MSF Basic RiderCourse*. This applies to all riders 18 years of age and older or if you held a motorcycle license which has since lapsed.
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. In addition, participants under 18 years of age must have medical consent and course waiver forms signed by a parent or guardian in person at the training location or the forms must be notarized.
Here’s some important info regarding the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) online ePackage 1 or ePackage 2 (depending on the class you take). Please read this FAQ in its entirety, as it should answer most of your questions.
*Note: the online course will take a few hours to complete (about 5 hours for BRC, 4 hours for BRC2) and you will need to arrive at your first Total Rider class with a printed Certificate of Completion… or you will be dropped from your class 🙁
1. First and most important of all… Do not go directly to the MSF website to take an “eCourse”! This is part of your class fee, and we provide you access info after you book your class with us.
2. After booking your class with Total Rider, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us with class information including how to access your ePackage online. The Subject line will contain: “Booking confirmed – Total Rider”
This email will contain instructions on how to access the correct ePackage course, through a secure page on our website. This will provide you a specific link to the appropriate ePackage registration page at the MSF website for your class. Again, DO NOT go to the MSF website first and take the “eCourse” as you’ll end up wasting $20.00 and have to take the darn thing over again!
There are 2 distinct ePackages, depending on the class you enrolled in:
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.
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.
3. Your course-specific ePackage (1 or 2) must be completed before coming to the first day of class with your printed certificate in hand.
Upon completion of the ePackage online course, you will be able to print a Completion Certificate that is valid for 30 days. The ePackage must be completed within 30 days prior to the class start date. If you have completed an ePackage more than 30 days before the class start date, you will have to re-take it (for free, at no additional charge) by logging back in and checking the “Start new attempt” checkbox.
ePackage1 sample certificate
ePackage2 sample certificate
**MSF’s ePackage is 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.
4. And lastly, relax! Once you begin your online course, you don’t have to complete it in one sitting. You can do a little bit here and there, have some lunch, go for a walk, etc… then resume the course where you left off. Yay!
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:
Helmet DOT-approved only and 5 years old or less (we do have a few loaner helmets, but fit and availability are not guaranteed)
Eye protection (eyeglasses, sunglasses, face shield or goggles)
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.
Gloves full-fingered only (leather preferred)
Long Sleeve Shirt or Jacket
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!
You can print this Riding Day Checklist to help you remember what to bring!
Although we strive to teach everyone how to ride successfully and safely, there are no guarantees that you will pass the course. Students unable to keep pace with the class or who pose a hazard to themselves or others may be dismissed (aka: counseled-out, dropped, etc.) from the class by the coach.
There will be no refunds, pro-rated or in full, should a student be dismissed by the coach.
Please understand that these courses have group learning format that limits the ability of the instructors to provide individual instructions to students. These courses are mentally and physically demanding, and weather conditions can increase the stress on students.
Please understand we are restricted by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation rules and regulations as to what we can do if you are not able to complete the course for reasons other than those above.
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. 🙂
Classes go on rain or shine, hot or cold! (unless Total Rider cancels class due to severe weather). Dress appropriately, wind and rain can make temperatures seem much colder. On hot days black clothes absorb sunlight so avoid those if possible. Read your confirmation email as it contains important information on what to wear.
Instructors will delay class in the event of lightning or other severe temporary conditions until it is safe to begin again, or cancel class if necessary. If you leave the riding area and the class was not canceled by the instructor, you will forfeit your tuition fee and must begin the class from the beginning.
Occasionally a student will come to class who doesn’t feel comfortable on our training bikes because of height or fitment issues (e.g. their legs are too short, or too long, or their hands get tired because they’re too small, or they are using different muscles). Very rarely are our training motorcycles too tall or too small for the student. We use 125cc and 250cc motorcycles.
The shortest student we have trained was 4’6″ and weighed approximately 88 pounds. The tallest was approximately 7’4″ and weighed 450 lbs. Both of these students completed the course successfully on our training bikes. We use motorcycles with the lowest seat heights available and the lightest weights available.
If you are concerned about sitting comfortably on one of our training bikes please visit any of our dealer partners to sit on a comparable motorcycle before enrolling in our class, or contact us. We can try and arrange an onsite visit during a class so you can sit on a motorcycle.
Under Title III of ADA requirements, we want to let you know that we will make every reasonable accommodation to any ASL interpreter you provide. However, we cannot assume the undue financial burden of hiring an ASL interpreter as it would severely alter the nature of the service we provide. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation may have grant money to offset the cost to you and other area schools may provide services more to your liking than we can provide at this time.
Please call our office to discuss resources we can share with you.
Although we strive to teach everyone how to ride successfully and safely, there are no guarantees that you will pass the course. Students unable to keep pace with the class or who pose a hazard to themselves or others may be dismissed (aka: counseled-out, dropped, etc.) from the class by the coach.
There will be no refunds, pro-rated or in full, should a student be dismissed by the coach.
Please understand that these courses have group learning format that limits the ability of the instructors to provide individual instructions to students. These courses are mentally and physically demanding, and weather conditions can increase the stress on students.
Please understand we are restricted by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation rules and regulations as to what we can do if you are not able to complete the course for reasons other than those above.
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.
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. 🙂
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. In addition, participants under 18 years of age must have medical consent and course waiver forms signed by a parent or guardian in person at the training location or the forms must be notarized.
BRC2: Yes (see specific requirements for using your own motorcycle on the BRC2 course page)
We do NOT allow students to use personal motorcycles or scooters for the beginner BRC class. Even though a personal bike may be small it is typically not geared for the constant low parking lot speeds and maneuvers, thus increasing wear & tear on the clutch and transmission components. Also, liquid cooled motorcycles don’t do well in a training environment, which also increases wear on the motorcycles.
If a student crashes a training motorcycle they usually are not as upset as they would be on their personal bike. Additionally, a mechanical failure on a personal bike could cause a safety problem on the range, resulting in the student being dismissed from the class. From a safety perspective, BRC students typically don’t have a motorcycle license, and we don’t encourage illegal or untrained riding.
Under Title III of ADA requirements, we want to let you know that we will make every reasonable accommodation to any ASL interpreter you provide. However, we cannot assume the undue financial burden of hiring an ASL interpreter as it would severely alter the nature of the service we provide. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation may have grant money to offset the cost to you and other area schools may provide services more to your liking than we can provide at this time.
Please call our office to discuss resources we can share with you.
If it has been less than 4 years since you took our course then we can replace your MSB-8 certificate for a $40 fee ($45 expedited). Please visit our Lost MSB-8 Certificate Replacement Request page to get started.
On May 22, 2015, the Governor signed SB449 which created a new definition for an autocycle in Texas. The bill became effective immediately. Below are some common questions regarding the new autocycle registration, licensing and operation in Texas. In addition, the Motorcycle Safety Unit in ETR regulates and sets rules for motorcycle training in Texas and publishes information on motorcycle, autocycle and ATV definitions and requirements chart for your review and dissemination.
What is the definition of an autocycle?
The definition of an autocycle is: “autocycle” means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:
(1) designed to have when propelled not more than three wheels on the ground;
(2) equipped with a steering wheel;
(3) equipped with seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
(4) manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.
What type of driver license is required for an autocycle?
SB449 amends TRC Chapter 521 where an autocycle can be operated on a Class C license. This is because an autocycle is stable, has a steering wheel, and uses the traditional throttle and brakes like a motor vehicle does.
What type of license plate is on an autocycle?
For purposes of titling, registration, and inspection an autocycle will be considered a motorcycle. This is because the autocycle cannot meet the definition of a motor vehicle as required by federal statutes (airbag, crash ratings, enclosed, etc). The autocycle can meet the federal definition of a motorcycle as built so that is why the manufacturer can issue a certificate for a motorcycle.
Do riders of an autocycle need to wear a helmet?
Yes, SB449 amends the helmet section requiring a helmet. The standard exemption from the helmet requirement of having sufficient insurance also applies to an autocycle. Peace officers cannot stop a motorcycle or autocycle for the sole purpose of determining if a rider is in compliance with this section.
The autocycle is equipped with a safety restraint system, are riders required to wear the safety restraint system?
State law does not require riders to put on the restraint system, but riders should comply with the manufacturer’s suggestions for safe operation.
Does an autocycle have to have footrests and handholds like a motorcycle?
No, SB449 exempts the autocycle from the footrest and handhold requirement.
Can a child ride in an autocycle?
SB449 amends section TRC 545.416 to state that passengers may only ride in the seat of an autocycle and an operator may not carry another person in an autocycle unless that person is at least 5 years old.
What are the rules of the road for a motorcycle such as speed limit and lane operation?
The autocycle must be operated in the same manner as a regular motor vehicle for purposes of TRC Subtitle C Rules of The Road.
What does an autocycle look like?
Here is one example of a vehicle that meets the current definition:
Got Gear?
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