Finally, New Motorcycle Riders Get Their MSF Courses Approved in New York and Can Go Get Their Licenses

The weather is getting warmer, which means people all over New York are looking to get outside. That's especially true for those with outdoor hobbies. Gardeners are itching to start planting. Hikers want to hit the trials. Boaters want to take advantage of trh limited time they have on the water. And, of course, motorcycle riders want to get on the road.

The problem for bikers, though, is the course that gives them their license has not been available.

The MSF Course in New York

For those learning to ride and obtain a motorcycle license, an MSF course is the best way to do. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is an international program funded and supported by the biggest makers of motorcycles to help people learn how to ride and be safe.

The course teaches riders across the country, let alone in New York, the basics of riding a motorcycle, how to be safe, and ultimately it provides them their motorcycle license. That is, if they pass the course and road test at the end. Bikers will often tell beginners to immediately sign up for the course so they can be prepared to ride the right way. It's a trusted and essential program. It also provides bikes to learn on, so if you don't have one or don't want to use yours, you are able to use one of theirs.

The problem is it's been unavailable.

Why was the MSF Course Not Available in New York State?

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) apparently received another bid from a different school to teach the courses. That delayed the state approving the MSF course for licensing. People could sign up for lessons and basic courses, but they would not receive their license certificate.

That was a big problem for people as getting a road test through the DMV, while cheaper, requires friends or family with motorcycle licenses to come with you for the test. Before that, you have to pass a 5 hour written course that the MSF course gives you for free with their entry fee. Long story short, the MSF course makes it really easy to learn and get licensed compared to doing it on your own.

MSF Courses Are Approved Again in New York

After a meeting between MSF and the NY DMV Monday, approval was finally given to run the licensing course state wide. Riders can now sign up for courses to learn and get licensed.

As a new rider myself, I was itching to do this course. So many of my friends said it's a must take to not just get a license, but also learn from real professionals. Here I am with my Honda Rebel 500.

Riding a motorcycle is a super fun thing to do, but it obviously comes with risks and dangers. I want to be prepared for anything and everything because, after all, the only thing I control on the road is me and my actions. The more skills I develop and more knowledge I have the better I'll be able to to control myself and react to others. I'm so excited to FINALLY get signed up. I'll be taking my MSF course at SUNY Niagara on May 10 and 11 in the morning. There are also courses in West Seneca and in Jamestown.

Most classes are Saturday and Sunday, with a morning or afternoon session. The course is $313, but provides the written test online for free as part of your fee. You must compete the written 5 hour course before taking the in person course.