I’ve never ridden a motorcycle.  Is a Basic RiderCourse right for me?

The Basic RiderCourse (BRC) is designed with new riders in mind.  No previous motorcycle riding experience is required; however, the ability to balance and ride a bicycle is essential.  Balancing is not taught in this course, but is an important part of safely controlling a motorcycle.  You can to learn to ride on RSRS’s training bikes on a controlled, closed parking lot. Currently, all Basic RiderCourses are held at the Sleepy Eye High School.

Can I get my motorcycle endorsement by taking your Basic RiderCourse?

Yes!  We are approved by the State of Minnesota to test students for their motorcycle endorsements, provided that you are at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license and motorcycle instruction permit.  You can earn a skill test waiver for your motorcycle endorsement by successfully completing our course.   Learn how to ride safely and earn your endorsement all in one class!  Our BRC costs $299, and you can either register online or mail a completed registration form with a check or money order to RSRS.

What do I have to do to get my motorcycle endorsement if I’m under 18 years old?

To earn your endorsement, you must:

  • Have a Minnesota driver’s license.  It is necessary to have a license to enroll in our BRC, and you cannot earn a motorcycle endorsement with just a driver’s instruction permit.
  • Successfully complete an approved safety course, such as our BRC.  Upon completion, you will receive two certificates to take to a Driver and Vehicle Services exam station along with your driver’s license.  One certificate will allow you to take the state knowledge test for the motorcycle instruction permit.  Now you can legally ride your motorcycle on public roads. The other certificate will allow you to take the state skill test for the motorcycle endorsement.  To prepare for the state tests, you can download a copy of the Motorcycle, Motorized Bicycle (Moped) and Electric-Assisted Bicycle Manual at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or purchase a manual from a driver’s license exam station.
  • Pass the state knowledge test for the motorcycle instruction permit.  You must present the completion certificate.  The fee is $29.
  • Pass the state skill test for the motorcycle endorsement.  You must present the completion certificate and provide your own motorcycle that is street-legal and insured.
  • Pay the $26 fee and receive your duplicate license.

What do I need to do before taking the BRC?

Again, in order to earn your motorcycle endorsement through RSRS, you need to have your motorcycle instruction permit in your possession before you can complete the BRC. The permit has to be current or expired for less than one year.

You must complete a five-hour eCourse before the second day of the BRC. More information will be provided after you register for your class. The BRC Rider Handbook can be viewed online or downloaded at MSF’s website.

Where can I take my motorcycle permit test?

Your best bet is to visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services for the most current schedules and locations for the motorcycle permit test. You can also call the Mankato office at 507-344-2799.

Online practice tests for the Minnesota motorcycle permit test can be found at a few sites. Try the MINNESOTA DMV MOTORCYCLE LICENSE TEST and Motorcycle Test | License MN 2022 | FREE Online Practice! and FREE Minnesota DVS Motorcycle Practice Test 2022 | MN.

What do I need to bring to the BRC?

You must bring the following items to class:

  • Your valid driver’s license.
  • A signed Waiver and Release of Liability/Emergency Contact information sheet.  All students under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver.
  • Your MSF e-Course completion certificate.
  • Safety gear for the riding exercises.  You are required to wear sturdy gear for Saturday and Sunday’s range exercises, including:  a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, full-fingered gloves with no holes, a long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt, long pants, and low-heeled shoes/boots that cover the ankles.  Wearing safety glasses with your helmet visor up is an option on rainy, foggy, and/or hot days.  We recommend bringing extra layers for cold days and wearing light-colored microfiber T-shirts on hot days. If you do not have some of these items, we suggest you borrow them from a family member or friend for the weekend.  Make sure you have comfortable gear that fits!
  • Optional comforts, such as coolers or thermoses with cool/hot beverages, snacks, sunscreen, a rain suit (pants and jacket), and/or extra clothes for warmth. With our Minnesota weather, it’s wise to dress in layers.

What if it’s raining? Do we still have class?

Yes! BRCs are held as scheduled, even if it’s raining. Learning to ride in the rain provides another opportunity to experience real-life conditions and can be beneficial for newer riders. The only time we cancel or delay a class is if the riding conditions are unsafe, such as the presence of lightning, ice, or snow.

What if I receive an unsuccessful score on my BRC skill test?  Can I still earn my motorcycle endorsement from RSRS?

Yes.  Should you receive an unsuccessful score on your first skill test, you can take it with us again by completing a Skills Retesting Course.  The Minnesota Department of Public Safety requires at least four hours of additional training and a waiting period of at least seven days before you retest.  We would encourage you to repeat the Level II riding exercises on day two of a later BRC and retake the skill test.  Sometimes people just need more practice and confidence before they are able to pass the riding evaluation.  Our Skills Retesting Course costs $100.

How can I get my moped permit?

A moped is defined as having 50 cc or less, a maximum of 2 hp, and capable of no more than 30 mph on a flat surface.  If you are 14 years old you can still take the course, but you cannot obtain your moped permit until you are 15 years old.  You must take a moped safety course, then pass a knowledge test and skill test at a state exam station.  The fee for the knowledge test is $6.75.  The fee for the Moped Operator’s Permit (under 21) is $17.75.  Our moped curriculum qualifies as an approved moped safety course, and you will earn a completion certificate when you take a moped course with us.  Our RSRS Moped Safety Course costs $70 and is offered ONLINE at mopedsafetycourse.com and can be completed on your own schedule in at least three hours.

Here is a review of the steps to getting your Moped Instruction Permit:

  • First, successfully complete our Moped Safety Course and earn a state-required course completion card.
  • Next, you need to pass a knowledge test at the examiner’s station and pay $6.75 to get a Moped Instruction Permit. Bring your course completion card with you. Your parent/guardian NEEDS to sign an affidavit – bring them along or get it before you test. Make an appointment for the skills test at that time, if you want.
  • You are now able to ride within a 1 mile radius of your home. Only your parent/guardian can ride with you as a passenger on this instruction permit.
  • Within 30 days, you need to pass a skills test on your own moped. Bring your instruction permit, proof of insurance, DOT-approved helmet, and eye protection.
  • Finally, you need to apply for a Moped Operator’s Permit and pay $17.75, which is valid for one year. This permit can be renewed after one year.
  • Mopeds must be registered annually and have insurance.
  • Once you have your driver’s license, you no longer need to renew the Moped Operator’s Permit.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

  • If we cancel your course before the course date, you will receive a full refund.
  • If you cancel your course and give us at least a two-week notice:
    If you paid in full and cancel your course, we will give you a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee.  We’ll waive this fee if you reschedule instead of cancelling.
    If you made a $100 non-refundable deposit, then it is, of course, non-refundable.
  • If you cancel less than two weeks before the start of the class:
    Whether you paid in full or you made a non-refundable deposit, you forfeit $100. In other words, if you paid in full, you’ll get a $199 refund, minus a $25 cancellation fee. We’ll waive the $25 fee if you reschedule. If you made a $100 deposit, that deposit is non-refundable.
  • If you don’t cancel and don’t show up for the course, then you waive any right to a refund.
  • If you miss portions of the course or don’t show up for the second day, then you waive any right to a refund.
  • If the course instructor(s) determine that you are a hazard to yourself or others in the course, you will not be allowed to continue the course and no refund will be given in such case.

What other benefits come with taking a BRC or BRC2?

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), benefits from taking a RiderCourse include greater confidence, improved skills, licensing-test waivers, insurance discounts, discounts of course fees, support for enthusiast groups, and base access for military riders.

BRC and BRC2 course graduates will be presented with a MSF course completion card and may be eligible for insurance discounts, as well as other incentives from motorcycle manufacturers and dealerships.  Ask your insurance agent and motorcycle dealers if you are eligible for safety training discounts.

What are Minnesota’s Motorcycle Laws and Regulations?

Motorcycle permits are valid for one year.  Penalties for riding without a motorcycle endorsement or instruction permit include up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and having the motorcycle towed and impounded.

All motorcyclists must:

  • Have a motorcycle instruction permit or a motorcycle endorsement.
  • Register their motorcycle and display a valid license plate.
  • Carry liability insurance for their bike and proof of insurance when riding.
  • Wear eye protection, either a face shield, goggles, or glasses.  Windshields do not meet legal requirements.

When riding on a motorcycle permit, riders:

  • Must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
  • Cannot carry passengers.
  • Cannot ride at night.

If you are under 18, you must:

  • Have a valid driver’s license.
  • Complete an approved motorcycle rider training course, like our BRC, and have a motorcycle instruction permit.
  • Wear a DOT-approved helmet.

Street-legal Motorcycle Equipment:

  • If the motorcycle has a passenger seat, it must also have passenger footrests.
  • A rear view mirror, horn, and muffler are required equipment.
  • The headlight must be on at all times when riding.  Motorcycles are required to have at least one, but not more than four, headlights with both high and low beam. Headlight modulators are legal in Minnesota.
  • A red or yellow tail light is required, including a brake or stop lamp.  A “blue dot” on the tail light of up to one inch in diameter is legal.
  • At least one brake is required, front or rear, which may be operated by hand or foot.
  • The license plate must be securely fastened, with letters and numbers facing outward and in an upright position.
  • Turn signals must be visible 100 feet to the front and rear at all times. Motorcyclists may use hand and arm signals instead.

Motorcycle Laws:

  • Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of their lane and have all the rights and responsibilities of other drivers.
  • Motorcyclists are permitted to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lanes.
  • Passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
  • Passengers must wear eye protection.
  • Motorcyclists may only ride on a permanent seat.  Passengers may ride on a passenger seat or in a sidecar.
  • Passengers must be able to reach both foot pegs while seated on the bike.
  • Operators and passengers must face forward with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
  • Motorcyclists must not carry anything that interferes with holding onto the handlebars.
  • Headphones/earphones are allowed in one ear only.
  • All laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs apply to motorcyclists as well.
  • Careless and reckless driving laws apply to motorcyclists as well, including wheelies, stoppies, standing on the seat, etc.

Minnesota Red Light, Green Light Law of 2002

A person operating a motorcycle who enters or crosses an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal against a red light has an affirmative defense to that charge if the person establishes all of the following conditions:

1.  The motorcycle has been brought to a complete stop.
2.  The traffic-control signal continues to show a red light for an unreasonable time.
3.  The traffic-control signal is apparently malfunctioning or, if programmed or engineered to change to a green light only after detecting the approach of a motor vehicle, or the signal has apparently failed to detect the arrival of the motorcycle.
4.  No motor vehicle or person is approaching on the street or highway to be crossed or entered; or is so far away from the intersection that it does not constitute an immediate hazard.

The affirmative defense in this subdivision applies only to a violation for entering or crossing an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal against a red light and does not provide a defense to any other civil or criminal action.

What are Minnesota’s laws for lane splitting and lane filtering?

Lane splitting and lane filtering are legal in Minnesota and officially took effect on July 1, 2025. The law protects the legal right of motorcyclists to utilize these maneuvers. It is a misdemeanor charge for an automobile driver to intentionally block, impede, or cut off a motorcyclist who is legally lane splitting or filtering.

Lane Splitting Rules (Moving Traffic)
Lane splitting involves a motorcyclist traveling between two lanes of moving traffic traveling in the same direction.
The motorcycle cannot exceed 25 mph. Once surrounding traffic moves faster than 25 mph, the rider must return to a single traffic lane.
The motorcycle cannot travel more than 15 mph faster than the speed of surrounding traffic.

Lane Filtering Rules (Stopped Traffic)
Lane filtering occurs when a motorcyclist moves between lanes of stopped vehicles, such as at a red light or in a gridlocked traffic jam.
Motorcyclists may filter through stationary vehicles but must not exceed 15 mph over the speed of traffic.

Motorcyclists are legally barred from lane sharing, splitting, or filtering in the following zones:
Freeway on-ramps;
Roundabouts (including the approach, drive-through, and exit);
School zones;
Single-lane work zones or construction areas where traffic merges into one lane; and
Shoulders of highways or expressways.

What are Minnesota’s laws for e-bikes and e-motos?

Minnesota follows a standard 3-tier e-bike classification system. All classes are limited to motors of 750 watts or less. The three classes are:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only; motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
Class 2: Throttle-actuated; motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist only; motor stops assisting at 28 mph.

No registration, insurance, or license plates are required.
E-bikes are generally subject to the same traffic laws and trail access as standard bicycles.
Riders must be at least 15 years old.
Riders under the age of 18 must wear a certified protective helmet when riding an e-bike.
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes (max 20 mph) can be ridden on sidewalks and trails.
Class 3 bikes are equipped with a speedometer and may have more access restrictions on local multi-use paths and mountain biking trails. Local authorities and state parks hold the power to prohibit certain e-bike classes on specific paved or natural surface trails.
Local municipalities enforce their own regulations, including 20 mph speed restrictions and impoundment rules for rule-breaking minors. Check with your city office for local restrictions.
Because e-bikes are motorized vehicles, operating them while intoxicated is a traffic violation prosecuted under Minnesota’s DWI laws.
Motorized foot scooters generally follow similar path access as regular bicycles, but local city codes may restrict where they can be ridden.

E-motos with motors between 750 and 1,500 watts (50cc or less for gas) are treated as mopeds and follow Minnesota’s rules and laws for mopeds.

High-powered e-motos (generally 1,000 to 5,000+ watts) are classified as motorcycles and require a license, a plate, insurance, and registration.
They often lack pedals or feature non-functional pedals.
Riders must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid motorcycle license.
They are restricted strictly to public roadways. They are illegal on sidewalks, walking paths, and bike trails.
Riding an illegal e-moto or operating an e-moto without a license on city streets can result in misdemeanor tickets, fines, and even vehicle confiscation.
Some local cities and municipalities have enacted local speed limits and fines to restrict reckless riding.
Because e-motos are motorized vehicles, operating them while intoxicated is a traffic violation prosecuted under Minnesota’s DWI laws.