Texas BRC mandatory for M endorsement

[Porsche Monkey]

Not sure if this is a Derby but it has been in place since September 1 this year.

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/billlookup/BillSummary.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1967

Discuss?

[John1454]

I just got my M endorsement. I took the MSF course and didn't even realize it was mandatory until the third day -- the instructor was saying something like yeah were going to be a lot more busy now that it is mandatory... and I was like "oh --it is?... I guess it is good that I am here. haha"

[slim_grizzy]

Not a big fan of government regulations, but this one is a pretty good one.  I wasn't aware of that here in TX but hopefully it'll get some folks a little better prepared for going out on the road. 

[yotogi]

You can never argue with a little more of this:

"Senate Bill 1967 amends the Education Code to require the Texas Education Agency to include certain motorcycle awareness information in the curriculum of any driver education course or driving safety course."

Doesn't cover the existing drivers trying to kill me daily, but at least it is something.

[junior varsity]

My wife had to take it (but also wanted to, so no big deal).


Interestingly, its also mandatory for scooter riders to take IF the scooter is either (a)bigger than 49cc or (b) speedometer goes over X mph (can't remember).

I think this is funny. Just because the speedometer says I can go 140 something on my monster, it ain't going to happen. A sub 49cc scooter with a speedometer showing it can go over X mph doesn't mean it will actually go that fast, so I think that part is poorly written.

[smooth]

Just wondering, do the cagers (& most of us) have to take a driving class/course to get an automobile drivers license in Texas?

I'm not against the MSF courses at all, just wondering if it applies to other road users as well.

When did TX drop the helmet law?

[triangleforge]

Just out of curiosity, how hard is it to get into a BRC session in Texas' larger cities? It was a huge PITA in the DC area back when I did it, and I've heard similar stories from around the country.

It'd be a bad thing if this requirement caused an increase in people riding without any MC endorsement at all. But at the same time a shortage like that could be a good business opportunity for MSF-certified instructors. Even in our smallish city, there's at least one couple making a good full-time living offering the full slate of MSF courses.

[red baron]

I'm guessing that it's got a lot to do with injuries to unlicensed riders.


" The bill prohibits a peace officer from stopping or detaining a person who is the operator of or a passenger on a motorcycle for the sole purpose of determining whether the person has successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a motorcycle health insurance plan and repeals provisions relating to a DPS-issued sticker required to be displayed on a motorcycle by a motorcycle owner.  "

From the web artilce listed above.

[junior varsity]

Just out of curiosity, how hard is it to get into a BRC session in Texas' larger cities? It was a huge PITA in the DC area back when I did it, and I've heard similar stories from around the country.

Peace of cake. My wife signed up for a class, went and took it, no big deal. Unlike TN, however, there is still a written element of the test to be completed at the DOT station. In TN, your class had everything included, written and practical elements of the test.

[Porsche Monkey]

I think this is a great step in the right direction.  The BRC wasn't that bad to get into before.  In fact one of the schools would let you work for them for a week doing odds and ends and take the class for free.  I have no idea how long the wait is now.  I bet there will be more unlicensed riders though.