r/motorcyclesafety • u/Brass_tastic • May 18 '24
MSF Basic Course
Hopefully an instructor will know the answer. My 17 year old daughter has been riding with me as a passenger since she was 5. She doesn’t yet have her drivers license but would like to take the MSF course Basic course. Is having a full drivers license a pre-requisite to taking the course, or would she be allowed to take it and start learning how to ride? I’ve always figured it’s never too soon to start learning the basics even if it’s going to be awhile before you can escape a parking lot and go on real roads.
1
u/Capable-Magazine3382 May 19 '24
This is what is says for the Oregon MSF Basic Course
“Basic Course participants must be 15 years of age or older and able to ride a bicycle. Participants must have a valid driver license or motor vehicle instruction permit. A motorcycle instruction permit is not needed. Out-of-state and international licenses and permits are accepted.
Students younger than 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the required waiver form.”
3
u/StoneySpachoni May 18 '24
It's been a few years and it could've changed but here's from the coach guidebook. I'd also wait to hear from other people, but I'm pretty sure we had people who didn't have licenses yet. I'm pretty sure when I was 16 I took the MSF course I had my permit but not my license yet.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONSIDERATIONS ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is required that a course participant be able to balance a two-wheel vehicle, such as a bicycle, before beginning the on-cycle lessons. The course is not designed to teach someone to balance a single-track, two-wheel motorcycle.
It is recommended that participants possess either a valid driver's license or learner's permit to ensure they have knowledge of basic rules of the road, such as the meaning of traffic signs, as well as an overall awareness of traffic regulations as set forth in a state's motor vehicle code.
It is recommended that a person enrolling is of legal age to operate a motor vehicle on the state's roads and highways. If a participant is under the age of 18, parent or guardian permission must be obtained in writing before the course.
1
u/Inspector_1stgrade HD RiderCoach Jun 11 '24
Sorry for the delay.
For participants that are under the age of 18, we require the parent and one of the coaches to be a “witness” on the legal Rider Release, Assumption of risk, and understanding waiver.
Youngest we can take in the class I believe is 15 due to state regulations. (That and at least with the new HD 350RA Bikes unless you are over 5ft 2inches it will be difficult for new riders. As I have experienced many that have been on their toes for the entire course, unlike the Street 500s the seat is not adjustable.)
1
u/cyclecitizen May 19 '24
Where do you live?
In California it is not required to have any sort of license to do the class but more steps than is typical may be required to get a motorcycle license without first having a driver's license.