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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ'S ON MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENTS

When do I need a motorcycle endorsement?
If you wish to operate any two or three wheel motorcycle, whose engine is more than 50 cc, you are required to have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver license or a motorcycle-only license.

What are the requirements to obtain a motorcycle endorsement?

1. Hold at least a regular Class E operator's driver license.
2. If under 21 years old, show proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course to a driver license office or tax collector office that issues driver licenses.
3. If at least 21 years old, show proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course to a driver license office or tax collector office that issues driver licenses OR pass the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests at a driver license office, tax collector office, or third-party tester that offers such tests.

NOTE: Tax collector offices charge an additional $5.25 fee for driver license transactions.

What is a motorcycle Third-Party Tester?
These are Florida Rider Training Program rider course providers who have signed an agreement with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to provide the same motorcycle knowledge and/or skill tests as the state. Passing one or both of the tests at their site will waive one or both of the tests at the driver license office when you present the waiver they issue. Fees vary by location.

What if I bring a three-wheel motorcycle or a sidecar motorcycle for my motorcycle skill test?
A variation of the regular skill test is used and you will be restricted to “Three-wheel Motorcycles Only.”

TEMPORARY INSTRUCTION PERMIT FOR MOTORCYCLE OPERATION

What are the requirements for obtaining a Temporary Instruction Permit for Motorcycle Operation?

1. Be at least 21 years old
2. Hold at least a regular operator license (Class E)
3. Pass the motorcycle knowledge test at a driver license office or tax collector office that issues licenses

The permit will be restricted to “No Passengers” until the motorcycle skill test is passed or a motorcycle safety course is completed and motorcycle endorsement is added to the license.

NOTE:Tax collector offices charge an additional $5.25 fee for driver license transactions.

MOTORCYCLE ONLY LICENSE

What does getting a "Motorcycle Only" driver license involve? Who can get one?

1. Be at least 16 years old, and if under 18, hold a Learner's License for one year with no traffic convictions.
2. Pass the same knowledge test as for a regular Class E operator's driver license.
3. If under 21 years old, show proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course to a driver license office or tax collector office that issues licenses.
4. If at least 21 years old, show proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course to a driver license office or tax collector office that issues licenses OR pass the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests at a driver license office, tax collector office, or third-party tester that offers such tests.

Your license will be restricted to operating "Motorcycles Only."
NOTE: Tax collector offices charge an additional $5.25 fee for driver license transactions.

Can I upgrade to a regular license later and have the "Motorcycle Only" restriction removed?
Yes, by passing the regular driving test in a regular four-wheel motor vehicle.

MOTORCYCLE RIDER COURSES

What are the Basic Rider Course enrollment requirements?
You must hold at least a Learner’s Driver License to enroll in the Basic Rider Course. Having a basic knowledge of traffic laws, road signs and general “road rules” is an important pre-curser to the rider course.

What about the Motorcycle Safety Foundations’ experienced Rider Course Suite?
To enroll in the six-hour ERC Suite to add motorcycle endorsement to your license you must:

1. Be 21 years of age or older
2. Bring your own motorcycle, or bring written permission to use another privately owned motorcycle
3. Provide your own helmet and protective riding gear

Completion of a basic or experienced rider safety course may entitle a motorcyclist to insurance premium discounts.

Will Florida accept rider course completion cards from out-of-state rider courses or the military and waive testing in Florida to add motorcycle endorsements to existing or first time Florida licenses?
Yes, if the rider course completion card or a certificate of completion indicates that the motorcycle rider course curriculum was sponsored or approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Will other states accept Rider Course course completion cards issued by Florida schools and waive tests?
Some states will accept the MSF card from Florida’s schools and waive both tests. Some states will waive only the skills test and still some may require full testing anyway. Contact other state’s licensing departments to be certain.

What are the motorcycle helmet requirements in Florida?
Required by all riders under 21.
Not required by riders over 21 if covered by an insurance policy of at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

Are you required to wear eye protection to operate a motorcycle? How about as a passenger?
All persons who operate motorcycles must wear eye protection. Passengers should also for safety reasons, but are not required by law to do so.

MILITARY MEMBERS OUTSIDE OF FLORIDA

I am stationed outside of Florida, how can I add a motorcycle endorsement to my Florida license?

1. Complete a military motorcycle rider course or Motorcycle Safety Foundation sponsored rider course and
2. Send a copy of the completion card with $15 and request a duplicate driver license with an endorsement and make the check or money order payable to "DDL” or Division of Driver Licenses
3. Include your name, military mailing address, driver license number and date of birth in your letter
   Send the letter to: Bureau of Records, PO Box 5775, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5775

WHAT ABOUT MOTORIZED SCOOTERS?

Scooters are usually two-wheel motorcycle-type motor vehicles 50 cc or less or 2 brake horsepower or less gas engines that have automatic transmissions. Mopeds also have 50 cc or less engines with two wheels, but have pedals and may be operated solely by human power.

In order to legally operate scooters, mopeds, and other 2-3 wheel small engine motor vehicles, at least a Class E driver license and tag/registration are required.

Persons 16 and older may operate a moped or ride as a passenger without a helmet. Persons under 16 may not operate a moped, but may ride as a passenger with protective headgear securely fastened upon their head.

Is there a motorized vehicle you can operate on a public roadway in Florida without a driver license?
Yes, if you are at least 16 years old, you may ride a bicycle that is propelled by a combination of human power (pedals) and an electric helper-motor that cannot go faster than 20 mph on level ground. These are exempt from the driver license law definition of motor vehicle and thus do not require a driver license.

INSURANCE FOR MOTORCYCLES

Is insurance required for motorcycles in Florida?
Under certain circumstances Yes. Insurance is not required to register motorcycles as with four-wheel motor vehicles. However, if a motorcycle operator is charged in a crash with injuries, then the owner or owner/operator is financially responsible for bodily injuries and property damage to others. If no liability coverage was in effect, then bodily injury/property damage liability insurance must be purchased and kept for three years to avoid license and tag/registration suspension or to reinstate license and tag/registration after suspension.

What about motorcycle passenger insurance?
If you plan to carry passengers it is a good idea to ask your insurance carrier about the need for carrying passenger insurance coverage.

Is there a minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers?
Florida law does not address a minimum age for passengers. However, other laws may apply such as endangering a minor.

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.