Motorcycle & Moped Education

What is the Motorcycle Rider Education (MRE) Program?

Iowa’s Motorcycle Rider Education (MRE) Program, administered by the DOT, offers Basic (BRC), Intermediate (BRC II), and Advanced (ARC) courses from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).

• BRC: 15 hours (5 classroom, 10 range).
• BRC II: 5 hours, mostly range.
• ARC: One-day course improving perception, hazard awareness, braking, and cornering.

Passing both a knowledge and skills test is required to receive  a certificate of completion.

Basic skills taught include:

• Mental preparedness
• Perception development
• Situational awareness
• Risk evaluation & evasive strategies
• Riding in a straight line
• Turning
• Shifting
• Stopping

The next level of instruction is the application of these basic skills to on-street riding conditions.

Who Teaches It?

Only Iowa-licensed, MSF-certified rider coaches teach the BRC and BRC II programs.

Who Can or Must Take It?

Any person 14 years of age or older, whether licensed or not licensed for motorcycle, may take the course to learn, refresh or improve safe riding skills. The licensing skills test may be waived upon successful completion of the course.

Any person under the age of 18 who wants a motorcycle license must successfully complete the motorcycle rider education course before the motorcycle license will be issued.

What Does it Cost?

Motorcycle rider education in Iowa is supported in part by an additional fee of $2 per year for a motorcycle validations, a portion from the sale of MRE license plates and the balance comes from the student tuition. Your out-of-pocket cost, which varies by sponsor and course, ranges from $150-$349 for the Basic Rider Course and $75-$125 for the Basic Rider Course II.

Some sponsoring locations offer vouchers to assist with motorcycle course costs. Please contact your sponsoring location to see if they are offering vouchers and details on eligibility.  

Where Can I Take It?

The training season, somewhat weather dependent, varies throughout the state. However, the course is generally available from early April through mid-October.

Motorcycle Rider Education Courses

Guide to Motorcycle Rider Education Course Names:

• BRC= Basic Rider Course
• BRCII = Basic Rider Course Two (or “Experienced Rider Course”)
• ARC = Advanced Rider Course
• 3WBRC = 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course

For more detailed descriptions of these courses, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's website.

Moped Instructors

It is recommended you take a moped safety course before operating your moped. If you are at least 14-years-old, but under age 16, a moped safety course is required by law. The following contains a list of Iowa community colleges that offer moped safety courses.

Motorcycle Safety Links