Motorcycle License

As the Sunshine State, Florida is an ideal home for motorcycle enthusiasts who love to ride throughout the year. Obtaining legal authorization for those rides is important, though. If you ride a two- or three-wheeled motorbike with an engine of 50 cc or more, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your regular driver license, or a motorcycle-only license.

Eligibility Requirements For a Motorcycle Endorsement

• You must be at least 16 years old.

• You must have at least a regular Class E driver license.

• If you're younger than 21, you'll need to show proof that you've completed a mandatory safety course.

• If you're 21 or older, you'll need to show proof that you've completed an optional safety course, or that you've passed the state-required motorcycle knowledge and skills tests.

To apply, you'll need to complete a written exam with multiple-choice questions about basic road safety and motorcycle laws. You'll also have to undergo a driving test on your motorcycle, as well as a vision and hearing test. Check out the Florida Motorcycle Handbook for specifics about rules of the road and basic skills.

Motorcycle-only License

To obtain a license that allows you to operate a motorcycle only, you'll be held to the same eligibility and testing requirements as above, except you won't need to be tested on four-wheeled vehicle (normal automobile) driving skills.

Mopeds and Scooters

Obtain a regular Class E driver license or higher; a motorcycle endorsement is not necessary. You'll still need to register your moped or scooter with the Division of Motor Vehicles, however, and all passengers younger than 16 will be required to wear protective headgear.

Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP)

Every motorcycle rider younger than the age of 21 must complete a basic motorcycle safety course before obtaining a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle-only license. The course must be one that is approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). The course is voluntary for riders ages 21 and older, but completing the course allows older riders to skip other required state tests.

The FRTP offers two types of safety education classes:

• Basic RiderCourse (BRC): 15 hours of entry-level skills for responsible riding. Training includes starting, stopping, turning, swerving, and cornering. Bikes, safety gear, and handbooks are provided. You'll need at least a Class E learner's license to sign up.

• Experienced RiderCourse (ERC): This one-day course is open to applicants 21 or older who wish to add a motorcycle endorsement to their existing Class E driver licenses. Other refresher courses are also available through the ERC course providers. All riders are required to provide their own street-legal motorcycles (with tags and proper equipment), as well as proof of liability insurance and appropriate safety gear.

Temporary Instruction Permit

Before signing up for BRC or ERC, if you're at least 21 years old and have at least a Class E license, you should obtain a temporary instruction permit that allows you to operate a motorcycle on Florida highways for purposes of education and training.

To apply, you'll need to take the written skills test at your local licensing office. The permit is valid for 90 days and does not allow passengers to ride with you.

Knowledge and Skills Waiver Form

Riders 21 and older who have completed an ERC course may be eligible to skip the required Florida motorcycle tests for a license endorsement. Bring proof of your completed course and passing grade on your end-of-course tests to your local driver license office.

All graduates of BRC and ERC classes may also be eligible for discounts on insurance premiums. Check with your insurance provider for details.

Out-of-state Newcomers

If your out-of-state license is current and already has a motorcycle endorsement, you won't be required to take additional tests to get the endorsement on your new Florida license. That is, as long as if you are younger than 21, you have completed a Florida-approved safety course. If you are older than 21 but haven't completed an approved safety course, you will need to take and pass the motorcycle knowledge and skills test.

Military Applicants

If you're stationed outside of Florida and need a motorcycle endorsement for your FL driver license, you'll need to:

• Complete a military-sponsored or MSF-approved motorcycle safety course.

• Send the completion card from the course, along with a $15 check or money order and a request for a duplicate license with a motorcycle endorsement, to the Division of Driver Licenses at: Bureau of Records, P.O. Box 5775, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5775. Include your full name, out-of-state mailing address, driver license number, and date of birth in your request.