FAQ Categories: F) Terms & Conditions / Company Policies

What if I fail an MSF rider course?

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??
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.  😎

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. 

What paperwork is required to attend class?

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. 

  1. Appropriate MSF eCourse Completion Certificate  (ePackage 1 or ePackage 2 depending on the course you enrolled in.)
  2. Total Rider Course Waivers (signed, and dated)

Remember: No paperwork, no riding!

I have a complaint. Who should I contact?

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
5501-A Balcones Dr., Suite 214
Austin TX 78731

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

What are TR’s Terms & Conditions?

As of August 1, 2023

Please read and follow the below information carefully, as you are essentially entering into a contract with Total Rider once you have paid your class fee. Understanding our requirements and policies will help you better prepare yourself for a successful learning experience!
Questions or concerns? Contact Us now!

Requirements

All students must:
  1. be able to balance a bicycle…  knowing how to ride is even better!
  2. supply and wear required Riding Gear
  3. complete your online ePackage course before class (both BRC and BRC2 students), and arrive with printed certificate in hand.  Note: we provide access to the proper MSF ePackage, via email, as part of your fee… so please don’t go to the MSF website first to take an “eCourse” or you’ll waste $20 bucks! (MSF online courses are not required for ART.)
  4. ✍  complete, print, and sign the appropriate Course Waiver before class
  5. for all classes, possess a valid driver’s license or photo I.D. for class entry.
  6.  review any other requirements specific to the course you are taking: BRC, BRC2, or ART (these will also be included as part of your confirmation email).
For all MSF classes:
If you are between 18-24 years of age AND still have a permit, then you must prove you have passed at least the Driver’s Education classroom portion by bringing Form DE-964 to class.
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.   If you still have a permit then you must prove you have passed at least the Driver’s Education classroom portion by bringing Form DE-964 to class. In addition, participants under 18 years of age must bring medical consent and the appropriate course waiver form signed by a parent or guardian in person at the training location or the forms must be notarized. 

Testing Policies

Motorcycle Skills Training and Testing for MSF courses (BRC and BRC2):
  • Students are required to pass all riding exercises and skills evaluation in order to receive a completion certificate.
  • A failure of any part of skills training is a failure of the entire course and must be repeated from the beginning.

General Policies

❗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.

  Weather. Classes go on rain or shine, hot or cold, unless Total Rider deems otherwise. If in doubt, call or text our office (512-522-5844) to determine if a class has been canceled.  See our Weather FAQ.
✍You must notify us through our Contact Us page prior to registering, if:
  • you have a physical, medical, or learning disability
  • your primary language is not English
The Small Print. Total Rider assumes no responsibility for class cancelations as a result of illness, emergencies, or events beyond its control. We also reserve the right to cancel classes for any reason deemed necessary —including classes not filling, inclement weather, scheduling conflicts, etc.— and will notify you of that decision if/when it occurs.
See other policies and class info on our website FAQs and under the “Info” tabs on the Book Your Class page.

Refund Policy / Additional Fees

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).

Other

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.

Complaints? Follow this link to the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) website.

What if a training bike doesn’t fit me?

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.

Can I use my own motorcycle?

  • BRC: No
  • BRC2: Yes  (see specific requirements for using your own motorcycle on the BRC2 course page)

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.

What if I am deaf?

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 email us if you have a dedicated interpreter that can work with you and our instructors, and within class parameters.

What is your refund and/or rescheduling policy?

Refund Policy / Additional Fees

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 (or 50% of total class fee), 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.