Effective immediately, motorists who would like to take the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP) / Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course (BRC) no longer need to obtain a motorcycle learner permit before taking the course. Motorists must still be 16 years of age or older and hold a valid driver license. Motorists should be encouraged to pursue a permit first, but should have the option not to.
This policy change does not waive the permit requirement for licensing. Motorists will still have to pass a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) motorcycle learner permit test before their road test can be waived and license issued. It is crucial your students understand this completely.
DMV Offices have been formally notified of the policy change and will be prepared to assist motorists who arrive with a BRC card and require a permit test.
The primary advantage of this policy change is that motorists can experience motorcycle training without first having to visit DMV to be tested and obtain a permit. This change eliminates a potential barrier to training and will hopefully increase participation in training. Additionally, since a motorist will only have to make a single visit to DMV to become licensed (to obtain the permit and license on same day), the potential for them to follow through with the licensing process, rather than to ride perennially on a permit, will be greatly increased. New York DMV believes the potential for increased enrollment due to this change should benefit NYSMSP sites.
Please contact us if you have any questions.