FAQ
Yes. All of the classes offered at Austin Moto Academy meet the requirement for licensing in Texas.
Take the certificate we give you (called the MSB-8) to the DPS licensing office. The certificate shows that you have taken the class and passed the written test and driving test. If you are over 18 and have a driver’s license (Class C) you will be issued the motorcycle license or M endorsement at that time with no other written or driving test required. If this is your first license the DPS will require a riding and a written test. You should direct your licensing questions to the DPS.
Email us if you need to reschedule or cancel your class. Our policy requires 48 hours to cancel or reschedule, so that we can fill that spot. Space is very limited (8 students per class) so it’s important for us to fill every spot. If you cancel, reschedule, or don’t complete the class, please expect to pay for another spot. Each class is like a plane trip – you can’t take an old or half-used ticket and use it for another flight.
You must bring a valid photo ID and your eCourse completion certificate to the first class. During the driving portion, you must wear long sleeves, long pants, and boots or shoes that cover and protect your anklebone (higher than regular shoes). We will provide a DOT-approved helmet, full-finger gloves, and protective eyewear, but if you have any of those items please bring them, as the fit and comfort may be better for you.
We provide the training bikes and we recommend you use those. If you want to bring your own, please email us to make arrangements and make sure it meets training bike criteria in size and weight. You will have to sign a waiver in case your vehicle is damaged during class. Remember that even if you have riding experience, you will likely be in a class with 7 others who are brand new riders.
We ride rain or shine – but not in lightning or hail. If rain is predicted, wear your rain gear. If the weather makes riding dangerous, then the instructor will call for the class to be rescheduled. This is rare in Austin.
Yes! The Basic Rider Course is a well-designed curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to teach absolute beginners. It starts with the fundamentals and builds your knowledge and experience over the course of 17 exercises.
This class provides a safe way to try motorcycling with expert instruction. Motorcycling is not for everyone, and you may decide it’s not for you. Or you may have a hard time but want to try again. You are welcome to take the class again but we can’t offer it for free, because it is expensive to hold this class. Although no school can guarantee that you will pass the class, we find that at least 95% of our students do pass the first time. The small percent that come back for a second class usually pass then.
Moderately difficult. You will learn lots of material, and you’ll have to use your brain and your physical skills together. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed and the material is delivered section by section, so you learn something and then build on it. Most people who come ready, rested and relaxed do very well.
Those under 18 need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian in front of the instructor at the first class. The other requirements are as follows (from the DPS website)
Prior to enrolling in the motorcycle safety course, minors (aged 15 – 17) must either:
- Have a Class C learner license and have completed the 32 hour classroom phase of a driver education course; or
- Present a certificate of completion of the classroom phase (32 hours) of a driver education course (the behind the wheel portion of the driver education course is not required to take the motorcycle safety course or apply for a Class M license; or
- A provisional driver license.
You may take the class as long as you have a valid photo ID, but taking the class doesn’t guarantee you are eligible to receive a Texas motorcycle license. For example, if you are visiting but not establishing residency here, DPS will not issue a license. Information is available at this site:
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/moving-texas
The Basic Rider Class can be taken on a motorcycle or a scooter. If you have any interest in riding a motorcycle this is the best place to learn. You can start on a motorcycle and switch to a scooter but you cannot start on a scooter and switch to a motorcycle. If you have no interest in motorcycles and only want to ride a scooter we can provide a 50cc scooter for you.
Texas does not recognize a scooter as a vehicle designation. 49cc vehicles are considered a moped, and can be ridden legally with a car driver’s license if you are over 18. Every other 2 or 3 wheeled vehicle is considered a motorcycle and requires an M on your license.
If you were ticketed for riding without a license, you must take the class to get the ticket dismissed or reduced. If you were ticketed for a moving violation but you had a motorcycle license, check before you take the class. It may or may not count as ‘defensive driving.’ These legal issues are ultimately up to a judge, so we can’t guarantee any particular outcome.
Austin Moto Academy offers a variety of motorcycles for students in the class. We have the Kawasaki Eliminator 125, a small user friendly cruiser style motorcycle with a low seat height. Other bikes include the Suzuki TU250, Yamaha XT225 and Suzuki DR200 dual-sports, Honda CB300f, KTM Duke 200 and the Honda Grom, and a couple vintage Suzuki GN125s. You will most likely get to choose the bike you ride but the final decision is always left up to the instructor.
The eCourse link and instructions are sent with your confirmation email the moment you register. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it, and contact us if you did not receive the email. There is probably a typo in the email entered.
