Hello all. I'm Walt. I'm new to this forum, but not new to the internet or bulletin board forums in general. Not new to riding either, but my sister is, which is why I decided to post here and solicit some suggestions and advice.

Recently she has been dropping hints regarding her increasing interest in riding a motorcycle. At first I thought nothing of it. A passing interest I thought. Now I find she is looking at riding courses. Holy crap, so she must be serious.

She's going on 38, is mature, bright, and sensible. Although she has zero motorcycle experience (apart from being a passenger), she has owned a manual transmission automobile before, so is familiar with the operation of a clutch, can ride a bicycle, blah blah blah. I don't have any doubt whatsoever she can learn to proficiently operate a motorcycle. Does this ease my mind as her older brother? Heeeeeeeeeell no. I am scared to death for her. But what are you gonna do right? I support her no matter what.

So... back to why I am posting this....

When I took the MSF course, I was living in San Diego and that was a while back. I remember there being oral instruction, written test, and a practical test. I remember needing next to nothing, in order to pass the tests and secure my CA motorcycle endorsement on my license. You do not even need a motorcycle to get a motorcycle license in CA. They provided the instruction, bike, and even helmet (although I already had my own helmet). All they asked me to provide was gloves, shoes with ankle protection, and my undivided attention.

Question: Is it pretty much the same format here in Nevada? Will an MSF certification in Nevada be enough to satisfy the DMV practical test as it does in California? Does anybody have any recommendations on an MSF Basic Rider Course location?

Thank you for your time.

w-

Yep its the same here. Take the written test at the DMV for your permit, then take the course, then take your certificate down the dmv and trade it for your license. You dont need to own a motorcycle to get it done.

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I can't remember exactly how it was for mine. I already had a M on my license when we moved here.

When I bought Leslie her bike, she took the MSF course, took the cert to the DMV and exchanged it for the real deal. Never had to take a test at the DMV.

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Thanks guys. That is the sequence of events as I remember it also. I will tell her to start the process of getting her permit first.

+1

The only difference from your (OP) description is that College of Southern Nevada requires you to provide your helmet. They're probably the best resource to take the MSF BRC. Here's a link with information on their classes:

CSN Motorcycle Courses

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Tks Eric. She can use either my helmet or my wife's. I remember the part about the "eye protection" too. Thought it was silly since I had a full face helmet. Problem is, that I always wanted to wear my visor up, so that I could hear them better. Turns out, full face with visor up wasn't considered "eye protection" (as it should not have been). All of the sudden, a pair of sun shades wasn't such a silly idea after all. I will make sure she is prepared. Tks for the link too.

Shell need a jacket, gloves, and boots as well...

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I didn't have to take the written at the DMV. For my MSF course I had Thurs and Fri at night for the book portion and took the written test on that Friday Night. Sat and Sun were hands on and on Sunday took my riding portion at the MSF. After that I just had to take my cert to the DMV and get my license.

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True...
I didnt want to mention that as even taking the written test might help prepare her some more (more information might be absorbed).

To the OP, I would still suggest that she go take the written one at the DMV, and then take the MSF.

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"Charlie don't surf!"
The Cake is a Lie!
"You're gonna love my nuts!"
"I haven't seen Yayo..."
07 ZX-6R - "crack"
07 Mean Streak Special Edition - "blow"

I believe it's like that here in AZ too. I have yet to take the class or even get an endorsement... but a friend took the course and said there was the written test, riding test, and so on... They provided everything for the test.... Bike, helmet etc....

However, my friend has been riding for years, he use to race moto cross, and he said that this class was worth every penny. He said they taught him things he never knew.

So there is a bit of learning that does go on there.

As someone who rides, you know the dangers and it's perfectly natural you would be concerned for her safety... But you have to look at it this way, the way you feel about her is the way she feels when you ride.

Just try to support and help her be the best rider she can be. Help her pick a bike that fits her... nothing too small or too powerful.

my 2 cents for what it's worth ;)

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It's like everyone else has said, she'll need to bring all the proper riding gear. All you don't need is the bike. They use mostly Honda 250 nighthawks. It's over 2.5 days. (written), (beginning riding/operation, written test), (intermediate practice drills, official test on morning drills).

On a side note does she have experience on regular pedal bikes? As long as you have decent balance and are comfortable on 2 wheels it's not that hard to learn. I also agree with getting your learners permit while waiting on the class. It'll enable her to go on group rides for practice, assuming she'll have a bike before taking the test.