MA MSF people?

[The Magician]

Anyone here an MSF instructor in the MA area?

My buddies nephew just turned 16 and is planning on getting his drivers license/motorcycle endorsement. He lives in Lowell... not sure what the rules/regulations are. Cost of the course? does the DMV waive the riding/written portion with MSF certification? Etc.

I know they vary state to state. In Illinois, the course was free and they would waive the written and riding portion of the test. In CT, i think i paid $150 and had to take the written portion still.

[oVTo]

Ironstone Ventures has sites in Acton/Ayer and Andover (close to Lowell). The Beginner Rider Course is $275, but they'll price match if you find something cheaper.

The BRC is a license-waiver course. If he has his moto permit before taking the course and passes the written and riding evals, he'll qualify for his license without taking a road test.

[klp]

If he has never had a license he will have to hold a permit for six months before begin eligible for a license. He could take the course now but would have to redo it in the spring. Probably be good experience for him.

[rice_rocket]

For me, there were 2 or 3 businesses listed under the massrmv for certified MSF. I ended up taking "trainingwheels" which I know a bunch of the guys here are the instructors for it.

I don't know about the not having a prior license, but myself having a license (auto) just had to write the permit exam at the RMV. This plus an endorsement fee was it. Then I paid for my MSF course ($150) which included the lessons, and the final exam, which, if passed.. was all I needed to do (the prior endorsement fee was required) they sent the paperwork away and in a few weeks I got my endorsement on my license. It was.... very very easy

So, I guess you just have to look up the info about being 16 and not having an auto license etc?

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.508 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

If he has never had a license he will have to hold a permit for six months before begin eligible for a license. He could take the course now but would have to redo it in the spring. Probably be good experience for him.

I don't think that's right.

[OreoGaborio]

I don't think that's right.

I think there's more to it than that. I had a few students a couple weeks ago... got their permits the week of the course, took it, left with a completion certificate and received their licenses 2-3 weeks later.

[Priv]

I think there's more to it than that. I had a few students a couple weeks ago... got their permits the week of the course, took it, left with a completion certificate and received their licenses 2-3 weeks later.

When I did it in MA in April of last year, the requirement was that you physically had a permit period, I could have gotten it the day before the course and It would have been fine. They encourage you to go having not ever ridden anything before, so they really don't care how long you've had your permit for. I got my license within two weeks

Ironstone Venture's site explains everything required when you go to register for the course, such as :

"Students under the age of 18 who want to qualify for licensing must also have a driver education certificate issued by the Registrar and have held their driver or motorcycle learner's permit for a full six months prior to the application for the motorcycle endorsement or license. Please call our office with any questions on this matter."

And

All students must bring to class:

Valid driver's license with motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle learner's permit (However, student must have learner's permit PRIOR to the course to qualify for licensing and an exemption from the Registry's road test for a motorcycle endorsement on their license. ) Out-of-State residents need only provide a copy of their home-state driver's license to participate.
A photocopy of the original motorcycle learner's permit
Students under the age of 18 will need to complete a parental permission form prior to the first class meeting (sent on request or check out our Frequently Asked Questions for information on how to print the form from our web site.)

[klp]

Degsy and Pete, the kid is 16. You cannot get your license at that age. RMV wants you to have your permit for at least six months before licensing you. Adults who hold a license or other have had a driving permit for at least six months do not apply.

If you think about it it makes sense as these kids have no idea or experience with the general rules of the road.

[OreoGaborio]

oyeh... wonder how that'll work.

the way the original post was worded i wasn't sure if he was going to get his driver's license and THEN take the MSF or what.

[The Magician]

Thanks for all the good info! I'll be sure to pass it on

[Degsy]

Degsy and Pete, the kid is 16. You cannot get your license at that age. RMV wants you to have your permit for at least six months before licensing you. Adults who hold a license or other have had a driving permit for at least six months do not apply.

If you think about it it makes sense as these kids have no idea or experience with the general rules of the road.

Gotcha. Sounds right now.