If you are thinking about getting a motorcycle in Florida, you may be wondering if you need a motorcycle license to ride. The motorcycle accident attorneys at The Fran Haasch Law Group got you covered.
Although it is possible to get a motorcycle without any experience or knowledge of how they work, there are many things that you will need to know. For example, motorcycles operate differently than cars do when turning and braking. This means if you’re not familiar with them, it could be dangerous for yourself and others on the road with you.
Can You Ride a Motorcycle Without a License in Florida?
In Florida, you cannot ride a motorcycle without a license. In addition, you must have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement on your current driver’s license to ride any bike with an engine over 50cc.
If you are riding without the proper documentation, law enforcement may issue citations or even arrest you for operating the vehicle illegally. If found guilty of driving without having proper documentation on hand while riding your motorcycle, the penalties can range from a fine of $500 to a maximum of 60 days in jail.
Can I Get a Motorcycle License Without a Car License?
You can get a Florida motorcycle-only license instead of a car license. However, suppose you do not have an existing driver’s license or learner’s permit. In that case, you will need to take the written knowledge test and road skills test at your local DMV office before obtaining a motorcycle driver’s license.
Motorcycle-Only License Requirements
To get a motorcycle-only license, you must be at least 16 years old and have held a Learners Permit for at least a year with no traffic convictions. If you are 18 and over, you are not required to have held a learner’s permit. However, you do have to pass the standard class E license test.
To get your license, follow these steps:
- If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian will need to sign off on your application.
- Complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course.
- Pass a basic rider course (BRC) through the Florida Rider Training Program.
- Present documents to prove your identity verify your social security number and current address.
- Pass an eye and ear exam at the licensing site.
Motorcycle Endorsements Requirements
Follow the steps below to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on your Florida Driver’s license.
Make Sure Your Current Driver’s License Is Valid
To get a motorcycle license in Florida, you must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. If your current driver’s license is not from Florida, you will need to take the written knowledge test and road skills test at a local DMV office.
Take an Approved Motorcycle Skills Course
Florida law requires anyone seeking a motorcycle license or endorsement to take a motorcycle safety course with a curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
Before taking a course, make sure it is an approved training program. You can find a list of these on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website.
After completing an approved motorcycle safety course, you can take the motorcycle skills test. This is a practical exam where you will be required to demonstrate your ability to ride a motorcycle safely. You must pass this test in order to obtain your Florida motorcycle license.
Submit Documentation and Fees
Once you have passed your written knowledge test and skills test, you will need to gather the required paperwork. This includes your BRC or BRCu course completion card dated within the last calendar year, a current driver’s license, an endorsement fee ($7), and a license renewal fee ($48). Take all this documentation to the nearest driver’s license office, and they will issue you a Florida motorcycle endorsement.
Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Consider contacting an accident lawyer if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
The motorcycle accident lawyers at the Fran Haasch Law Group have committed to protecting motorcycle rider rights. We have years of experience helping riders get the compensation they deserve.
