Become an MSI-Certified Instructor
Transforming your passion into professional instruction starts with ensuring our team embodies the highest standards of skill, safety, and leadership.
MSI is the only organisation in Africa that trains and certifies motorcycle riding instructors.
Before joining the ranks as an MSI-Certified Motorcycle Riding Instructor, all candidates undergo a thorough vetting and qualifying process. This critical phase allows us to assess your riding experience, communication abilities, and alignment with our safety-first mission, ensuring we shortlist only the most dedicated candidates for our training programme.
Is this you?
The MSI Instructor Training Programme is for experienced riders who want to teach. Whether you plan to join the MSI team, run your own riding school or academy, or train commercial delivery riders within your fleet, certification gives you the standard and the credibility to do it properly.
What you gain
- Certification as an MSI Motorcycle Riding Instructor, qualified to conduct the Urban Rider Course (URC).
- The option to join the MSI team or operate your own riding school under the MSI banner.
- A recognised professional standard; the only instructor certification of its kind in Africa.
- Ongoing support, current course materials, and a place in the MSI instructor network.
What you’ll need to qualify
- Be at least 25 years of age
- Have at least 10 000 km of regular riding experience
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Have strong social skills and a genuine interest in helping others
- Hold a valid South African or Foreign motorcycle licence
- Operate/ride a motorcycle frequently
- No criminal record and no licence suspensions in place
How the programme works
The programme runs in three phases:
- Self-study: your course material is sent to you 7 to 10 days beforehand.
- Theory: three sessions of three hours, in a classroom or online via Google Meet, ending with your written theory exam.
- Practical: three days of range training, delivery practice, and evaluation (a fourth day for larger groups).
You complete and pass the theory before the practical, so you know where you stand before travelling for the hands-on training.
Fees
An investment in yourself as a professional, your riding school/academy, and the people you will influence. Fees include all course material, tuition, theory sessions, practical training, evaluation, and your first year of certification.
| Tier | Group Size | Fee per Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 1 – 2 candidates | R12 500 |
| Tier 2 | 3 – 4 candidates | R10 500 |
| Tier 3 | 5 – 8 candidates | R8 500 (includes the additional practical day) |
A junior instructor can earn up to R1 500 a day and a senior instructor from R3 500 a day — many candidates recover the course fee within their first week or month of work.
Course Add-Ons
Mindset Facilitator: R6 000
If you plan to train last-mile commercial delivery riders, our Mindset & Culture Shift Workshop facilitator training is a must-have addition. Two-day course, limited to 4 candidates per session.
K53 Motorcycle Licence (LRC): R4 500
Training to conduct the South African K53 Licence Rider Course (LRC), preparing riders for their yard test. One-day session, limited to 4 candidates per session.
How to apply
- Complete the online instructor qualifying form.
- We review your application and confirm whether you meet the requirements.
- Once accepted, you receive your course material, we discuss your dates, and your training begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own motorcycle? Yes — you’ll use your own motorcycle and riding gear for the practical sessions, unless otherwise arranged.
What if I don’t pass the theory exam? You get one free retake at the next sitting. If needed, you can defer and re-attempt at a future intake within 12 months for a reduced re-sit fee — there’s no permanent bar.
Where does the training take place? Near Durban, or at an MSI-approved training site elsewhere in South Africa. The theory can be done online.
Is ongoing accreditation required? Yes, to remain accredited thereafter, certified instructors pay an annual accreditation fee of R2 500, which covers:
- Continued use of the MSI name and certification mark
- Current course materials and updated training briefs
- Your listing as a certified instructor on www.msi.org.za
- Access to the MSI instructor support network
To maintain accreditation, instructors must also:
- Conduct a minimum number of URC courses each month, as set by MSI
- Submit basic course records monthly (student numbers, assessment scores, and student feedback)
- Complete a short annual online refresher
What can I do once I’m certified? You can conduct the MSI Urban Rider Course — join the MSI team or run your own riding school. Certified instructors also have a path to becoming an MSI Accredited Training Partner.