Motorcycle Safety FAQs | Glen Oaks Community College

In This Section

Motorcycle Safety

Everything You Need to Know Before You Ride

Course Logistics & Policies

Q: Can I transfer to a different course date after I register?
A: No. Transfers are not allowed. If you cannot attend the course you originally registered for, you must cancel your registration and then re-register for a new course. The new registration will require a separate payment. To cancel your registration, call (269) 294-4276 or email Kristine Stevens at msf@glenoaks.edu.

Q: Can I send someone else in my place?
A: No. Registrations are non-transferable. The person whose name appears on the registration must be the person who attends the class. Identification may be checked at sign-in.

Q: Why are there no refunds or transfers?
A: Glen Oaks offers motorcycle safety training at a significantly reduced cost thanks to grant support from the Michigan Department of State.

To keep the program affordable and accessible:

Courses are staffed part-time and run on a limited budget
Administrative capacity does not allow for processing refunds or course swaps
Each registration reserves space, instructors, and state-funded materials for you specifically

We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to review all requirements before registering.

Licensing & Endorsement

Q: Will this course waive my riding and written tests at the Michigan Secretary of State?
A: Yes. Upon successful completion of the BRC or BRC2, you’ll receive a completion certificate that the Michigan Secretary of State accepts as proof of testing. This means you can waive the written and skills tests and apply directly for your motorcycle endorsement.

More info:
Apply for a Motorcycle Endorsement – Michigan SOS

Q: Do I still need a permit?
A: A motorcycle permit is not required to take the Basic Rider Course or BRC2.
However, if you are planning to practice riding outside of a course environment, a motorcycle Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) is required.

Practice test:
Take a Michigan Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Other Training Options

Q: Can I take this course somewhere else in Michigan?
A: Yes. If Glen Oaks does not offer a class date or location that works for you, you can search for other state-certified motorcycle safety training sites across Michigan through the Michigan Department of State.

Browse other locations:
View Michigan Motorcycle Training Sites

Class Preparation

Q: What gear do I need to bring to class?
A: All students are required to bring and wear the following safety gear during range exercises:

DOT-approved helmet
Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
Long, sturdy pants (no holes)
Over-the-ankle boots or shoes (no tennis shoes)
Full-fingered gloves
Eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face shield)
Optional: Rain gear — training continues in all weather conditions.

All riding gear must provide full skin coverage. No exposed skin is allowed during riding exercises.

Q: Do I need to complete a waiver before class?
A: Yes. All students must complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Course Waiver.

To save time during check-in, we recommend printing and signing the form at home.

If you don’t bring the waiver with you, you'll need to complete it on-site before class starts.

Q: What should I bring to class besides riding gear?
A: You should bring:

Water and a snack
A portable chair for use at the range - if desired
Your printed MSF eCourse completion certificate
Your completed waiver form

Lunch and dinner are not provided, so plan ahead if attending both morning and afternoon sessions.

Q: What time should I arrive for class?
A: Arrival times depend on the session you registered for:

Morning classes: Arrive by 6:45 am (class runs 7:00 am – 12:30 pm)
Afternoon classes: Arrive by 12:15 pm (class runs 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm)

Range instruction occurs on Saturday and Sunday and occasionally on a Thursday and Friday.

Q: Can I be added to a waitlist or show up as a standby?
A: No. Standbys are not allowed for any motorcycle safety course at Glen Oaks.
All students must be pre-registered and confirmed in advance.

Q: Do classes run in bad weather?
A: Yes. Classes and range instruction will be held rain or shine, unless there’s an extreme weather event. Please come prepared with weather-appropriate gear such as a waterproof jacket or rain suit.

Q: Do I need a motorcycle permit to take the class?
A: No. A motorcycle permit is not required to enroll in either the BRC or BRC2.
However, a permit is required to legally practice riding on your own outside of class.

Q: Do I need to bring my own motorcycle?

BRC: No — a motorcycle and helmet are provided at no cost.
BRC2: No.

Q: What if I don’t have access to a Windows computer for the MSF eCourse?
A: The MSF eCourse requires a Windows-compatible device.
If you don’t have one at home, you may use a computer at:

Glen Oaks Library (Mon–Thu, 8:00 am–8:00 pm)
Your local public library

Q: Can I take photos or record during class?
A: No. To protect privacy and ensure focus during training, photography or video recording is not allowed during classroom or range sessions.

Q: What happens if I forget my gear or certificate?
A:You will not be allowed to participate in the course, and your registration fee will not be refunded. Please review all requirements carefully before your class date.

Motorcycle Safety – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)