The Basic Rider Training (BRT) - Traditional All In-Person Training Course is designed for the novice rider with no (or limited) street-riding experience or for the person coming back to motorcycling after a period of time off. This course is for two-wheel motorcycles only and includes both in-person classroom and in-person on-cycle instruction. You will learn fundamental skills required to operate the motorcycle and progress to street-strategies and emergency situation skills. Motorcycles are provided in this course. Each participant is required to bring their own DOT-approved and proper fitting motorcycle helmet.

If you are looking to obtain your motorcycle operator endorsement, successful completion of this course will waive South Dakota's skills test and written test requirements if the endorsement is added within one year of passing the course.

Tuition for the Basic Rider Training (BRT) Course is $125 plus tax ($132.75).

Upon completion of your class registration a link to an electronic copy of the South Dakota Basic Rider Training Rider’s Guide will be e-mailed to you along with confirmation of your class registration. You are highly encouraged to read the book prior to attending your class.

IMPORTANT: We urge you to choose your class carefully to avoid having to cancel or reschedule. Out of consideration for the many people who want to take our classes, we observe the following policies: 1) No rescheduling without payment of an additional FULL tuition; 2) No refunds are granted. If you have questions regarding the registration and rescheduling policies, call the South Dakota Safety Council at 605-361-7785 or 800-952-5539, or email us at, sdsc@southdakotasafetycouncil.org. All registrations are final. NO REFUNDS are issued, and NO RESCHEDULING is allowed without payment of an additional FULL tuition.

Out-of-State Participants:
If you are not a resident of South Dakota and want to take this course to obtain a motorcycle endorsement/license in your home state, please verify with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Drivers Licensing Center to confirm that your state will accept South Dakota's Basic Rider Training (BRT) course completion card.

Who should take this course?
Release and acknowledgement forms (required)
Release and acknowledgement forms for minors (required)
What you MUST BRING
What we recommend you also bring
Requirements for successful completion
Benefits of successful completion
Use of Scooters

Who should take this course?

• Anyone who is at least 14 years old.
• People who have never ridden before.
• People who are considering riding but aren't sure.
• People who have started riding.
• People coming back to riding after a period of time off.
• Experienced riders.

Release and Acknowledgement forms
All students must sign releases and acknowledgement forms to participate in riding activities. To access the required release and acknowledgement forms click here.

Release and acknowledgement forms for minors
Parents or guardians of minors should download the required release and acknowledgement forms from the registration website or by clicking on this link. Bring the required release and acknowledgement forms signed by a parent or guardian to the class. A minor student cannot participate in riding activities without the required release and acknowledgement forms signed by a parent or guardian.

What you MUST BRING

• Minors (participants under 18) must bring the appropriate release and acknowledgement forms signed by a parent or guardian.
• DOT-approved motorcycle helmet. Helmets must fit correctly.
• Eye protection, including non-tinted face shields, glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, goggles, or motorcycling glasses. We recommend that you bring both tinted and clear lenses. Tinted lenses don't work well as dusk approaches.
• Long sleeved shirt, coat, or jacket.
• Full-fingered leather gloves. Work gloves are acceptable. Cotton gloves are not acceptable.
• Sturdy pants such as jeans or leather. NO shorts are allowed.
• Over the ankle boots, with rubber soles. Please do not wear boots with high heels such as cowboy boots or fashion boots. Please avoid leather soles.

What we recommend you also bring:

• Rain gear - even the least expensive type will provide crucial protection in the event of rain. We will ride in the rain.
• Warm clothes - please dress in layers so that you can adjust as the temperature changes.
• Snacks for yourself during course breaks.
• Water or hydrating drinks.
• Sunscreen and lip balm.

Requirements for successful completion:

1. You MUST attend ALL sessions. You must be on time and stay for the entire session. If you are late or miss part of an exercise, you will be dropped from the course with no refund or free rescheduling.
2. Achieve a minimum score on a knowledge test covering course material. Test questions are based on the material presented in your South Dakota Basic Rider Training Rider’s Guide. Students must correctly answer at least 40 of 50 multiple choice questions.
3. Achieve a passing score on a riding-skills evaluation. The riding-skill evaluation consists of four exercises that assess your ability to complete a sharp turn as well as braking, cornering, and swerving competencies. The evaluation is based on exercises that you will perform during skills instruction.

Benefits of successful completion

• A waiver for the South Dakota riding and written tests for your motorcycling endorsement on your driver's license. You will still have to pay, possibly have an eye test and have your picture taken again. If you are from another state, please check with your local licensing bureau to make sure they will accept the South Dakota BRT course completion card.
• Some insurance companies offer a discount on your insurance.
• Knowledge, skills and experience that could be the difference between avoiding or being part of an accident.

Use of Scooters:
Scooters may be used in the Basic Rider Training - BRT class providing ALL of the following conditions are met:

1. Scooters must be 50 cc's or higher.
2. Scooters must be in safe operating condition.
3. Scooters must be licensed and registered.
4. Scooters must be insured — proof of insurance required.
5. Scooters must be provided by participants — we do NOT provide scooters.
6. Participants using a scooter not owned by the participant must provide written permission from the owner to use the scooter in the Basic Rider Training - BRT class.
7. We do NOT provide storage for scooters between classes. Storage and transportation of scooters to the course site and between classes is the responsibility of the participant.
8. Participants must notify their instructors (instructor email addresses are available on the online-registration site) prior to the start of the Basic Rider Training - BRT class regarding their intent to use their own scooter.