You probably know that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation can help you learn to ride a motorcycle and help you get your motorcycle license. But did you know that most of the people involved with MSF are regular motorcycle enthusiasts who got their start just like you? It’s a community built on passion and a desire to help more people get into the fun world of motorcycling the safe way, with proper training and gear. Here are 10 things you might not have known about MSF.

• Many MSF RiderCoaches started out just like you! You don’t need to be born into a family of riders. Many learned to ride as an adult and got their license by taking an MSF class. After getting some riding years under their belts and building up their skills, these riders wanted to help spread the joy of motorcycling by teaching and becoming MSF RiderCoaches or MSF DirtBike School Plus, it can be a great way to earn some extra cash for your two- or three-wheeling hobby.
• You can earn your motorcycle license without owning a motorcycle or taking a riding test with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Forty-six states and the U.S. military worldwide use the MSF Basic RiderCourse as the learn-to-ride licensing course. Training sites will provide students with motorcycles for use on the ranges, and after successfully completing the course – including passing the riding skills test at the end of the class – you can get a waiver to take to the DMV to get your motorcycle license.
• Not sure if you’re ready to take a class? You can try riding for free! There are at least 25 events coming up in 15 cities across the U.S. (Alaska to Virginia) where you can experience riding a motorcycle without the commitment of taking a full class. Click here for a list of scheduled events.
• Whether you are into street riding, dirt riding, or both, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has a class for you. Check out MSF offerings, including DirtBike School, AdventureBike RiderCourse, Basic RiderCourse 3-Wheel, Advanced RiderCourse, and more!
• Training is not just to get your license: You’re learning to be a smarter, safer rider. And after you complete your licensing class, the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Did you know that the best motorcyclists in the world keep training and practicing to continue to hone their skills? The better your skills are, the more types of riding you can do. Whether you are into long-distance Iron Butt Rallies, adrenaline-pumping track racing, off-road enduro events, or just finding your own adventures, improving your skills and techniques mean you can ride more rides and have more fun.
• There are plenty of free resources to read and watch on the MSF website, including riding tips for street motorcycles, scooters, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, and more. MSF also has a free library of quick tips on riding with a passenger, group riding, a pre-ride inspection, preventing motorcycle theft, personal protective gear, and other topics that you can download, copy, and distribute.
• The MSF Basic RiderCourse will not only help you become a motorcyclist, it will make you a better driver, too! The street strategies you’ll learn can be applied to any vehicle you operate, and you’ll become much more aware of your surroundings.
• The Riding Skills Test was not created to fail you! The skills evaluation, known as the RST among the MSF community is to ensure riders have the fundamental skills needed to safely operate a motorcycle on public roads. When you pass, does that mean you know everything you need to know about motorcycles? No, but the Basic RiderCourse is a great place to start building your skills and the knowledge needed to make safe decisions. Plus, it helps you earn your motorcycle license. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation developed the RST with help from two key organizations: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
• There are about 7,000 MSF-certified RiderCoaches and DirtBike School Coaches working at 2,000 ranges across the country. You can go to the MSF website and enter your zip code to find a course near you.
• Got what it takes to become a coach? MSF is always looking to certify more coaches. Click the link for more information on how to join the thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts who are giving back to the motorcycling community.