Instructor Training

RiderCoaches are the backbone of the RiderCourse training system.  During the RiderCoach Preparation Course you will learn the nuts and bolts of teaching the MSF's Basic RiderCourse.  After you have gained experience in teaching the BRC and achieved full RiderCoach status you will be provided with the opportunity to attend an Experienced RiderCourse (ERC) update, which after completing, will certify you to teach that course.

 Who teaches the RiderCoach Preparation Course?

MSF-certified RiderCoach Trainer’s; approved by the Motorcycle Association of New York State (MANYS), teach the course.  These specially trained Trainers have completed the MSF's RiderCoach Trainer Course and are authorized to train Candidates for MSF RiderCourse certification.  They have also been familiarized with the procedures and information specific to the New York State program and are therefore certified by MANYS.

 What qualifications do I need to enroll?

You must be a licensed motorcyclist who currently rides on a frequent, routine basis.  You should have several years of varied riding experience.  As a teacher you need good communication skills.  As a RiderCoach, you'll be called upon to give your time to teach RiderCourses.  Although you will get paid, you won't become rich in this field.  A sincere desire to help reduce motorcycle crashes, injuries and deaths is the prime motivation of RiderCoaches.  You must have a delivery agency as a site sponsor.  That is, a site that will employ you as an apprentice RiderCoach where you will co-teach with a seasoned RiderCoach.  This insures that your educational and professional development as a RiderCoach will continue in a safe, consistent and positive manner.  New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Part 138, § 138.7(b)(3) requirements for instructors are as follows:  "An instructor of a motor vehicle accident prevention course must have no driver's license suspension or revocation within the five (5) years prior to becoming an instructor (with exception of an indefinite suspension which can be terminated by the performance of an act by the licensee) and no alcohol related driving conviction within seven (7) years prior to becoming an instructor.

 What does the course cover and what are the completion requirements?

In New York State the course is approximately 80 hours long.  Course schedules will vary; you should plan on nine to ten days of intense training.  Approximately one month prior to the start of the RiderCoach Prep Course you will be required to pass a riding-skill test.  It is the same test used in the BRC; however, the standards are higher for RiderCoach candidates.  After successful completion you will be supplied the Coach Guide (CG) for the BRC.  You will also receive a quantity of MSF materials, reports and handouts to start your own reference library.  During the course, you will learn how to teach the BRC curriculum.  You will practice teaching in the classroom, you will learn how to manage the range exercises and how to evaluate and coach students as they develop their riding skills.  At the end of the curriculum-training portion of the course, you will be given a knowledge test.  You must pass it to continue in the program.                                                           

The MSF certification course process culminates as you and your classmates teach a complete BRC to a group of twelve new riders.  The RiderCoach Trainers will evaluate your teaching performance.  Successfully completing student teaching is your final requirement to qualify for MSF and MANYS RiderCoach certification.

  When is the course offered?

It depends.  Typically a course is offered when there is a need for instructors in a particular area.  MANYS and the training site (delivery agency) jointly organize the course.

 How can I find out when/where a course will be offered?

Contact the local Site Administrator, Learn 2 Ride, Inc., Ron Hinz, 585-615-RIDE or  e-mail - Learn2ride@Juno.com 

Course tuition:

The course fee in New York State is currently $400.  This includes course materials.  This does not include lodging (if necessary), travel or personal expenses. 

 YOU NEED TO KNOW:

•    Be prepared to complete an interview for admittance to the Instructor Preparation Course.

·    If you are accepted in a course, go prepared to ride every day.  That means you have to wear appropriate riding gear: over-the-ankle leather boots, long pants, long sleeved shirt and/or jacket, full-lingered gloves and a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet.

•      Be prepared to spend time during off-class hours to study.  This is a very intensive and difficult training program that requires a significant investment of time, effort and concentration to complete.

•      It would be helpful to you to complete a BRC prior to the Instructor course.

•      Not all candidates who are accepted into the course will complete the course.

•      All certified instructors are required to teach a minimum number of classes per season at an approved training site in order to maintain their RiderCoach certification.

•      Be prepared to pay a fee for the training and materials provided.

•      Be prepared to "adjust" many of your own opinions and ideas about motorcycle riding, as participation in the program requires strict adherence to the national Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum.

•     Teaching these courses is a tremendously rewarding activity.  It allows you to participate directly in an activity that makes motorcycling safer for all participants.  As an added benefit, there is a very strong possibility that you will become a higher skilled and better rider.

Instructor Standards and Responsibilities