Which course should I take?

The NMMSP offers two nationally recognized Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCourses in our training program. Please make sure you are enrolling in the appropriate course for your needs. If you have never ridden a motorcycle, or have taken some time off from riding and are getting back into it, and/or you need to obtain your motorcycle license endorsement, then the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) is most likely the course for you.

If you already have your motorcycle license endorsement, or learner’s permit, and desire to refresh your riding skills then the Basic RiderCourse 2 is most likely the course for you.

What if I am under the age of 18 years?

All applicants for a motorcycle endorsement that are under the age of 18 years are required by NM State law to attend and complete the Basic RiderCourse. In addition, all students under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian present at the first class session to sign all applicable waivers and course paperwork.

What paperwork and/or course waivers must I sign before taking a RiderCourse?

You will be required to sign both a course Ground Rules form and a Motorcycle Safety Course Waver and Indemnification form on the first day of the course. If you are under the age of 18 years, you MUST have a parent or legal guardian present at the first class session to also sign the applicable forms. If you wish to review the forms before the class begins, both of the required forms will show as attachments to the confirmation page that you will see when you finish your course registration.

What is the Basic RiderCourse?

The Basic RiderCourse (BRC) is aimed at beginning riders of all ages. A minimum of five hours classroom instruction prepares the student for at least ten hours of practical riding in a controlled, off-street environment, typically a parking lot. Motorcycles and helmets are included in your course fee. In this course, you'll learn how to operate a motorcycle safely, with a lot of emphasis on the special skills and mental attitude necessary for dealing with traffic.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation certifies your RiderCoaches. They'll start you off with straight-line riding, turning, shifting and stopping. You'll gradually progress to cornering, swerving and emergency braking. In the classroom you'll learn about the different types of motorcycles, their controls, and how they operate. The RiderCoaches, all experienced motorcyclists, will advise you on what to wear for comfort and protection. You'll find out how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to ride safely. A very important segment of the course will show you how to create your own strategy for riding in traffic, and dealing with critical situations. The course concludes with a knowledge test and skill evaluation. You'll smile with satisfaction as the RiderCoach hands you the course completion card.

What equipment is provided or required to take the BRC?

The NMMSP provides training motorcycles and loaner helmets for the BRC, but you will need the following personal clothing/equipment:
  • Eye protection (Sunglasses, prescription glasses are acceptable)
  • Long sleeve shirt or jacket (cotton shirts, riding jackets, etc. – NO sweat shirts are allowed)
  • Sturdy full-fingered gloves (leather or synthetic material motorcycle gloves such as Kevlar or cordura; NO cotton gloves are allowed)
  • Long pants (sturdy denim or similar material; NO sweat pants, spandex or lycra are allowed)
  • Sturdy footwear that completely covers the ankle (riding/hiking/combat boots, sturdy padded athletic shoes; NO thin canvas sneakers allowed)
  • If you bring your own helmet it must be certified by the manufacturer to meet DOT specifications
  • It is recommended that you bring some drinking water, sunscreen lotion and light snacks

What is the Basic RiderCourse 2?

Even if you've been riding for some time, there's always something new to learn. Increasing numbers of seasoned riders are flocking to the half-day Basic RiderCourse 2 to hone their skills and fine-tune the mental skills needed for survival in traffic.

You MUST have a valid motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license or a motorcycle learner’s permit to enroll in this RiderCourse. You'll discuss with your peers how to balance the mental and physical aspects of safe riding, manage risk, increase visibility and optimize your lane position. The BRC2 also covers protective gear, rider responsibility, motorcycle inspection and care, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on riding. Using your own motorcycle, you'll put into practice the techniques of managing traction, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving.

What equipment is provided for the BRC2?

The NMMSP does NOT provide training motorcycles for the BRC2, you will need the following personal clothing/equipment:
  • Helmet must be certified by the manufacturer to meet DOT specifications
  • Eye protection (Sunglasses, prescription glasses are acceptable)
  • Long sleeve shirt or jacket (cotton shirts, riding jackets, etc. – NO sweat shirts are allowed)
  • Sturdy full-fingered gloves (leather or synthetic material motorcycle gloves such as Kevlar or Cordura; NO cotton gloves are allowed)
  • Long pants (sturdy denim or similar material; NO sweat pants, spandex or lycra are allowed)
  • Sturdy footwear that completely covers the ankle (riding/hiking/combat boots, sturdy padded athletic shoes; NO canvas sneakers allowed)
  • If you bring your own helmet it must be certified by the manufacturer to meet DOT specifications
  • It is recommended that you bring some drinking water, sunscreen lotion and light snacks

The RiderCoach will have final say on approving your safety equipment. If you do not bring appropriate equipment you will not be permitted to participate in the course and you will not receive a refund.

Your motorcycle must be street legal, insured and registered in your name (or if registered to someone else, you must have a NOTARIZED letter of permission from the registered owner allowing you to use the motorcycle in this training course).

Do I have to take the NMMVD test after I take the BRC class?

If you satisfactorily complete the BRC you will receive a MSF BRC Completion Card, which may be used as a skills test and written test waiver at NMMVD. The ERC completion card is NOT a motorcycle license test waiver for the NMMVD.

When is the next class scheduled?

How do I enroll?

The best way to enroll is using the NMMSP on-line enrollment system. You will need a credit card (MasterCard or Visa), driver’s license (unless you are under the age of 18 years) and an email address to enroll.

What if I don't have a credit card or an email address?

You may call the NMMSP Call Center to enroll at 877-667-8880 or 505-338-2054.

How much will it cost?

These are the current course fees:
Class Student Fee
Basic RiderCourse (age 18 and up) $190.00
Basic RiderCourse (under age 18) $90.00
Basic RiderCourse 2 (all ages)     $75.00

What if I don’t pass the class?

Return students are defined as a student who:
  • Did not pass the skills evaluation, or
  • Did not feel safe to continue in the class, or
  • Was counseled by the RiderCoach, for safety considerations, to return to a later class

Return students are allowed a one-time opportunity to return to a second class under either of the following two options: Schedule a second class for half-price ($90.00), or Attend a second class on a space available/walk-in basis for no fee.

Under Option 1, you must contact the NMMSP Administrative Office to schedule and pay for your second class at the reduced rate (505-338-2054 or 877-667-8880).

Under option 2, you would come to a scheduled classroom session, and if the class is not full, then you may join that class for no fee. Walk-in return students are accepted strictly on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Return students that return within 30 days may repeat any portion of the class if they wish, but are only required to complete those portions of the class that were not successfully completed in the original class. If the student returns after 30 days, then all portions of the classroom and range activities must be repeated.

If you choose option 2, you will have to have your Return Student Authorization Form with you to be admitted to the class. If you need that Form or have any other questions, contact the Administrative Office at 505-338-2054 or 877-667-8880.

May I use my personal motorcycle in the Basic RiderCourse?

Personal motorcycles are only allowed in the Basic RiderCourse if they have been modified for a specific physical challenge, are still street legal and have been approved in advance by the NMMSP Program Manager.

May I use my personal scooter in the Basic RiderCourse?

You may use your personal scooter in the BRC under the following guidelines:
  • Notify the RiderCoach in the first classroom session of your intent to use your personal scooter,
  • Arrive at the first riding session at least 30 minutes early for a safety inspection on your scooter,
  • Your scooter must be street legal, registered, insured and safe to operate,
  • Bring proof of NM insurance,
  • Bring the vehicle registration in your name (or if not in your name, you will need a notarized letter of permission from the registered owner to use the scooter in the training class).

How do I get a replacement RiderCourse completion card?

All requests for replacement completion cards must be made in writing to the NMMSP Administrative Office at:

NMMSP

4811 B-2 Hardware Dr.

Albuquerque, NM 87109

Your request must include the following information:

  • Full name
  • Date of Birth
  • Telephone/address at the time you took the class
  • You must also include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope for us to mail the replacement card to you.

What is the cancellation/rescheduling policy?

You may cancel (and receive a full refund) or reschedule your class at no additional fee if the request is made at least 14 days before the class start date. You may reschedule or cancel a class within 10-13 days of the start date for a $50 fee.

No changes are allowed less than 10 days before the class start date. All requests for cancellation or rescheduling must be made in writing (or via e-mail to davidfsmith4@comast.net) to the NMMSP Administrative Office at:

NMMSP

4811 B-2 Hardware Dr.

Albuquerque, NM 87109

Unfortunately, we cannot accept voice mail messages for these requests because we cannot guarantee that we will receive the voice mail.

These policies are designed to keep student fees as low as possible and to provide training to as many students as we can.

What else should I know?

In order to help keep cost down the program has established the following rules regarding fees:
  • Classes must by paid for by credit card at the time they are scheduled
  • Fees are non-refundable unless you cancel your registration at least 14 days before the class start date.
  • You may reschedule your class for no additional fee if the request is made at least 14 days before the class start date.
  • You may reschedule or cancel a class within 10-13 days of the start date for a $50 fee.
  • No changes are allowed less than 10 days before the class start date.
  • Unscheduled students (walk-ins) are not allowed (except for return students).
  • Scheduled students must attend the class for which they are scheduled.
  • If you are dismissed from class for cause you will not receive a refund.
  • Dismissal for cause is defined below:
    • Not showing up for a scheduled classroom or riding session.
    • Arriving late for a classroom or riding session.
    • Showing up without the required personal clothing/equipment.
    • Leaving before a regular classroom or riding session is completed.
    • Committing an intentional unsafe act.
    • Disrupting class or acting in any manner that prevents other students from receiving the training for which they have paid.

A Final and Important Note

The RiderCoaches who will be working with you are well trained and want you to succeed. The BRC is designed to teach beginning riders the fundamentals of motorcycle operation. But, many factors may affect the ability of some students to be successful in the time allotted for the course. If, in the opinion of the RiderCoach, a student becomes a danger to him or herself or to others that student will be counseled to return at another time. In this event the “What if I don’t pass the class?” rules above will apply.

Read This Carefully

After you have enrolled, all requests for rescheduling or cancellation must be accomplished through the Call Center at 877-667-8880 or 505-338-2054. Should you need to contact the local training site to have any questions answered you may contact the specific Site Manager:

Site Contact Phone Number    Days Hours
Alamogordo Scott Janssen 575-491-1455 Mon - Fri    8:00AM-5:00PM   
Albuquerque    David F. Smith 505-980-5714 Mon - Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM
Clovis Kevin Eggert 575-760-1264 Mon - Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM
Farmington Jerald Huwe 505-564-3692 Mon - Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM
Las Cruces Pamela Strobbe 575-496-5039 Mon - Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM
Roswell Pamela Strobbe 575-496-5039 Mon - Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM
Santa Fe Murrae Haynes    505-699-7539 Mon - Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM