Click on a category below to read FAQs. Not seeing what you’re looking for? No worries! Just email us through the Contact Us page and we’ll get back to you!
Scheduling your class is super easy! Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way… Your class fee covers the following: What your class fee does not cover: 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. *PDF files will open in a new window. Total Rider prefers major credit cards including Visa, American Express, Master Card, etc.… and of course you may pay with a Debit Card or PayPal. How about cash or check? Deposits?? Okay, so what about discounts? We support our troops! 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. Other discounts: Completing the MSF eCourse is the first step toward learning to ride. Pro Tip 1: Do not go directly to MSF’s website and take their “public” version of the eCourse! Not only will you be taking the incorrect eCourse for your specific class, you’ll also be wasting your hard-earned money… plus, it’s already included as part of your TR class fee. (see Step 1 below for more about this) Pro Tip 2: The eCourse takes a few hours to complete (about 5 hours for BRC, 4 hours for BRC2), but you don’t have to do it all in one sitting. You can take breaks, watch a movie, visit your mom, whatever… then resume where you left off. Just make sure you arrive to your first class with a printed Completion Certificate… or you will not be able to participate in rider training 🙁 *Again, DO NOT go to the MSF website first and take their version of the “eCourse”… as you’ll end up wasting $20 bucks and have to take the darn thing all over again! Basic BRC “ePackage 1” sample certificate Intermediate BRC2 “ePackage 2” sample certificate Yes, all Total Rider locations have toilet facilities. Great question! Here’s a basic rundown of what you’ll absolutely, positively need to do before attending your MSF class… along with things you’re required to have for the first day of class. More detailed info about all of this can be found on our website. Along with providing you with the very best MSF-certified RiderCoaches in Texas, we also provide… • Training motorcycles in a variety of forms. They are lightweight, easy to learn on, and will be comfortable for most people. These include: Honda Groms (125cc), Kawasaki Z-Pros and Eliminators (125cc), Yamaha V-Stars (250cc), and Suzuki GZs (250cc). Note: not all variety of motorcycles are at every location. • Safe, closed course venues. No traffic or distracted drivers here! You’ll learn to ride in a secure, empty parking lot that’s designed specifically for a relaxing, fun experience. • We also provide loaner helmets, although we always encourage students to purchase (or borrow) their own, as fit and availability is not always guaranteed… but we do our best to accommodate everyone! • Certificate of Completion. For successful students who pass the course, you’ll receive the coveted “MSB-8 “completion card that’s needed to get an “M” endorsement on your Texas drivers license… and that what we’re all here for, right? 😀 Every student is required to bring to class the below documents, completed and printed out, and ready to present to their instructor at the beginning of rider training. Remember: No paperwork, no riding! ATGATT : All The Gear, All The Time! •• REQUIRED GEAR •• 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 • RAIN DAYS: 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! Review our Terms & Conditions page for more detail. You can print this Riding Day Checklist to help you remember what to bring! Haha… NO. Once rider training has begun, there’s no turning back. Kinda like missing the bus, class will continue without you. Even being a couple minutes late will get you booted out of class, so show up a few minutes early. (And just so you know, it’s not our rules… it’s MSF and TDLR rules, so don’t blame us!) 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. Also, review our refund and cancellation policy on our Terms and Conditions page. Great question! Once you’ve successfully completed and passed an MSF course, your instructor will present you with a certificate of completion (aka: MSB-8). You’ll need to take this certificate to the Texas Dept. of Public Safety in order to get an M endorsement on your current drivers license. As of this date, MSF graduates will not need to take additional driving or written test for M licensure… unless you are under 18 years of age. Find out more by visiting DPS’s website here. We get asked this a lot! There really is no difference as the end result is the same from your perspective, provided you pass your class. If you want to dig in a little deeper… here is the official word from the Texas Department of Public Safety 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. * BRC or BRC2 As of August 26, 2024 ❗Danger. Any student whose riding performance creates an unmanageable danger during training will be removed from the course and will not be entitled to additional classes with Total Rider. Total Rider offers no refunds once class has begun. Class fees are good for one attempt at passing an MSF course. If a student fails the class for any reason*, they will need to take the complete course again. (*Reasons may include: arriving late for class, non-attendance, dismissal by instructor, improper riding gear, failing any part of the class, etc.) Although no one is guaranteed to pass an MSF course, we do however offer class retakes or rescheduling for an additional fee for specific issues regarding students not passing on their first attempt (see below). Students wishing to retake a class will need to contact the front office for rescheduling procedures by emailing us at Operations@TotalRider.com Class Retake Fees: $75.00 Prior to Motorcycle Training (may include being late to class, incorrect or no paperwork, improper gear, illness, family emergency, etc.) $150 After Motorcycle Training Has Begun (may include failed class, instructor dismissal, not passing skills test, not attending Day 2 of a two-day course, emergency situations, etc.) Note: this will allow student a 2nd attempt at passing the class; If student fails again, TR may recommend personal evaluation outside of regular class. Rescheduling Fees: $25.00 if Total Rider is notified at least 3 days prior to scheduled class. $75.00 if Total Rider is notified less than 3 days prior to scheduled class. Note: Both Retakes and Reschedules can only be initiated by an enrolled student, unless the student is a minor (15-17 years of age). We use SMS (text messaging) only for automated class reminders and to potentially communicate issues directly on a person-to-person basis. That’s all. You are opting into this policy when you provide us your mobile number during the booking process. Coaches or staff may photograph students and activities during class. Some images may later be used in marketing materials. Students who prefer their image not be used should notify the coach at the beginning of their class, otherwise you are giving Total Rider, LLC permission to use such images for promotional purposes. Video Policy: Students (including friends and family) are strictly prohibited from taking video of any portion of the rider training program, of its coaches, and/or of other participating students. No one wants to fail their MSF course… but it does occasionally happen, even with the best intentions. Here are a few ways a student can be dismissed from of class… sometimes without even sitting on a motorcycle. 😥 ☠ Arriving late —or not showing up— to any or all classes. ☠ Not completing or abandoning rider training*. ☠ Not bringing required paperwork to class. ☠ Not having required riding gear (or incorrect gear) for rider training. ☠ Being dismissed or “counseled-out” by your rider coach… for any reason. ☠ Failing any part of the Skills Test. ☠ Reckless or dangerous riding. *If you’re ill, have a family emergency, etc., and cannot complete your training, please contact us ASAP at Operations@TotalRider.com (preferable) or calling 512-522-5844. PLEASE NOTE: Although we strive to teach everyone how to ride successfully and safely, there are no guarantees that you will pass the course, and believe us… not everyone does. Students unable to keep pace with the class, or who pose a hazard to themselves or others, will most likely be dismissed. Also understand that MSF courses are presented in a group learning format that limits the ability of coaches to provide individual instructions to students. The course —along with motorcycle riding in general— is mentally and physically demanding, and is not suited to everyone. Can I get a refund? Sorry, but Total Rider offers no refunds once class has begun. Class fees are good for one attempt at passing an MSF course. If a student fails the class for any reason, they will need to take the complete course again. But but… why can’t I get a refund?? Okay, so what are my options? If you’ve failed your class and wish to have another go at it —and you should!— you’ll need to contact our front office for retake and/or rescheduling procedures by emailing us at Operations@TotalRider.com (preferable) or calling 512-522-5844. Class Retake Fees: $75.00 Prior to Motorcycle Training (may include being late to class, incorrect or no paperwork, improper gear, illness, family emergency, etc.) $150 (or 50% of total class fee), After Motorcycle Training Has Begun Note: this will allow student a 2nd attempt at passing the class; If student fails again, TR may recommend personal evaluation outside of regular class. Rescheduling Fees: $25.00 if Total Rider is notified at least 3 days prior to scheduled class. $75.00 if Total Rider is notified less than 3 days prior to scheduled class. Note: Both Retakes and Reschedules can only be initiated by an enrolled student, unless the student is a minor (15-17 years of age). Please understand Total Rider is restricted by both MSF and TDLR rules and regulations as to what we can —and cannot— do if you are unable to complete the course. All Texas MSF schools teach the exact same curriculum… the exact same way. Total Rider offers no refunds once class has begun. Class fees are good for one attempt at passing an MSF course. If a student fails the class for any reason*, they will need to take the complete course again. (*Reasons may include: arriving late for class, non-attendance, dismissal by instructor, improper riding gear, failing any part of the class, etc.) Although no one is guaranteed to pass an MSF course, we do however offer class retakes or rescheduling for an additional fee for specific issues regarding students not passing on their first attempt (see below). Students wishing to retake a class will need to contact the front office for rescheduling procedures by emailing us at Operations@TotalRider.com Class Retake Fees: $75.00 Prior to Motorcycle Training (may include being late to class, incorrect or no paperwork, improper gear, illness, family emergency, etc.) $150 After Motorcycle Training Has Begun (may include failed class, instructor dismissal, not passing skills test, not attending Day 2 of a two-day course, emergency situations, etc.) Note: this will allow student a 2nd attempt at passing the class; If student fails again, TR may recommend personal evaluation outside of regular class. Rescheduling Fees: $25.00 if Total Rider is notified at least 3 days prior to scheduled class. $75.00 if Total Rider is notified less than 3 days prior to scheduled class. Note: Both Retakes and Reschedules can only be initiated by an enrolled student, unless the student is a minor (15-17 years of age). Total Rider’s other policies can be found in our Terms and Conditions, here. Every student is required to bring to class the below documents, completed and printed out, and ready to present to their instructor at the beginning of rider training. Remember: No paperwork, no riding! 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. *PDF files will open in a new window. 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. 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 Total Rider provides. Please reference this link on the government’s ADA website. Please email us if you have a dedicated interpreter that can work with you and our instructors, and within class parameters. We’re always bummed if any of our students didn’t have a great experience with Total Rider 😥 . If you’d like to discuss any issues with us directly, we encourage you to email us through our Contact page, explaining what the problem is. We’re always here to help, and try to remedy any situation. You may also send TR a letter via mail at: Total Rider, LLC Of course, you can always call and leave a message at 512-522-5844 and we’ll get back to you. Still disgruntled? You may also contact Texas Dept. Licensing and Regulations here Yes, all Total Rider locations have toilet facilities. 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. Regarding the question of if you need an M license and/or take an MSF course to operate an autocycle legally (e.g. Polaris Slingshot, Can-Am Spider, etc.)… the short answer is “No”. Read below for further info about current state laws. New Law Establishes Definition, Rules for Autocycles June 9, 2015 AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is informing Texans about a new motor vehicle designation created by the 84th Texas Legislature through SB 449, which defines an autocycle and establishes requirements for titling, registration and operation. The law went into effect May 22, 2015. An autocycle constitutes a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is: The bill also specifies an autocycle is required to be titled and registered as a motorcycle. Additionally, an autocycle can be operated under a Class C driver license (the standard license for operating a motor vehicle). For a more detailed chart related to autocycle rules along with title, registration, licensing and headgear requirements, see VDR Chart and Autocycle FAQs. Additional information is also available on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website. (HQ 2015-66) Here is one example of a vehicle that meets the current definition: Total Rider doesn’t currently offer 3-Wheel classes at this time. You may want to check out the Can-Am site for more info and where classes may be offered. Note, if you are trained on a 3WMC your license will be restricted to only a 3WMC. A 2-wheel “M” endorsement covers all 2 and 3-wheeled motorcycles. Students are required to use three-wheeled vehicles during the riding portion of the class. Our range of training bikes includes Honda Grom 125cc, Kawasaki Eliminators 125cc, Kawasaki V-Star 250cc, and Suzuki GZ 250cc. 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. No, Total Rider does not currently offer the Motorcycle Safety Foundation ARC/MSRC. The Advanced RiderCourse is designed for experienced motorcyclists and includes advanced riding techniques on a full-size range. Attn Army: The Department of the Army POV Task Force has affirmed that the ARC will substitute for the Military Sport Bike Course for sport bike riders, and will be the equivalent of the BRC2 for Non-Sport bikes. The best place to start once you’ve made the decision to ride. Covers the basics of operating a motorcycle and safety-oriented mental strategies. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for your use. Successful completion of this course, consisting of the online 5 hour MSF Basic eCourse and ten hours of riding instruction conducted over two sessions, will waive the license test unless you are a minor. The course may also earn you an insurance discount. If you already ride, but desire to get legal then the Intermediate one day BRC2 course might be right for you! Visit our Which Course Should I Take page for more info. No, Total Rider does not provide scooters at this time. We’re always bummed if any of our students didn’t have a great experience with Total Rider 😥 . If you’d like to discuss any issues with us directly, we encourage you to email us through our Contact page, explaining what the problem is. We’re always here to help, and try to remedy any situation. You may also send TR a letter via mail at: Total Rider, LLC Of course, you can always call and leave a message at 512-522-5844 and we’ll get back to you. Still disgruntled? You may also contact Texas Dept. Licensing and Regulations here
A) Scheduling Your Class (3)
We offer two distinct MSF classes: Basic BRC for beginners, and Intermediate BRC2 for skilled and/or returning riders. Not sure? No problem! Click on this link to help you decide.
Head over to our Schedule Your Class page, where you’ll be able to select your chosen class listed by both dates and locations. You’ll also find important details and requirements about your class under the Info tabs, so definitely check this out.
After booking your class, we’ll send you a confirmation email containing all the info you need to prepare for your class, including times and locations, as well a secure link back to our website that will guide you through taking the online eCourse.
B) Paying For Your Class (2)
Sorry, but TR does not accept cash or checks at any of our locations, as our instructors are not allowed to accept any form of payment. If you need to pay by either of these means, please contact us for more info.
Again, sorry, but we don’t take deposits. Classes must be paid-in-full at the time of booking.
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 upon entering your first day of class.
C) MSF eCourse Info (2)
This online, interactive component now takes the place of an actual classroom setting, and is completed on your own computer, tablet, or smart phone… on your own time. It’s a great learning tool, and a great way to gain expert knowledge of motorcycling.
All students are required to hand in a printed, hardcopy ePackage 1 or ePackage 2 Completion Certificate to their instructor on the first day of class. Sorry folks, but no printed certificate… no riding… and digital/phone pics are not acceptable at this time.
D) Attending Your Rider Training Class (7)
The eCourse will take several hours, so give yourself plenty of time. After booking your class with us, we’ll email you a custom link to our secure site, that will in turn lead you to the correct eCourse, as well as information about how to complete this step. Pro Tip: Only use the link we supply to take your eCourse, as it’s included in your class fee.
Links to all paperwork will also be included on our secure site, and will need to be signed, dated, and agreed to in order for you to attend rider training.
Upon arriving to class, your TR coach will collect these documents for your file. Remember: No paperwork… No riding!
You’ll need proper riding gear for all TR classes. Click this link to see what you’ll need to participate in rider training.
Learning to ride can be an amazing experience, and can be difficult for some. Showing up for class rested, alert, and in a good mood will certainly be an asset for both you and your instructor!
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!
All students must bring the following to riding practice:
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:
Remember to bring your rain gear, as we ride rain or shine… and sometimes even snow!
E) All About Texas "M" License (3)
F) Terms & Conditions / Company Policies (9)
Requirements
Testing Policies
General Policies
Refund Policy / Additional Fees
Other
Simple answer is that our coaches get paid no matter if you’re in class or not; they work very hard, teaching a very specific skill-set. Also, we pay for insurance, rent, motorcycle maintenance, and a myriad of other fees just to continue offering our service. Hope that explanation helps a bit. 😎
Refund Policy / Additional Fees
5501-A Balcones Dr., Suite 214
Austin TX 78731
Other Useful Stuff (10)
Autocycle Requirements
Headgear
Yes (helmet requirements and exceptions for autocycles are the same as those for motorcycles)
Safety inspection
Yes
Title required
Yes
Insurance required
Yes
Motorcycle training
No
5501-A Balcones Dr., Suite 214
Austin TX 78731