Taking in the sense of freedom and the feel of the wind as you ride a motorcycle along the road is an experience that cannot be matched. And with its year-round warm weather, winding coastal roads, and beautiful views, Florida is one of the greatest places in the country to enjoy that sensation.
But before you get on your bike and explore Florida’s highways and byways, you must be properly trained and licensed. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Rider Handbook is a great place to start, but there are other important steps that you must take in order to be licensed to ride a motorcycle in the state of Florida.
Here are the answers to some of the key questions you might have as you explore how to get your motorcycle license Florida.
How do I get my motorcycle license in Florida?
In Florida, in order to legally operate any two wheeled or three wheeled motorcycle with an engine size of more than 50 cc, you must either have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver license (a note on the license stating, “Motorcycle Also”) or hold a “Motorcycle Only” license (which only permits you to drive a motorcycle).
In order to obtain a motorcycle endorsement, you must follow these steps:
- Hold a valid Florida, Class E operator’s driver license.
- Receive a course completion card and “Pass” waiver status from either the Basic Rider Course or Basic Rider Course Updated motorcycle safety course from an authorized Florida Rider Training Program sponsor. Running for fifteen total hours over the course of at least two separate days, these courses teach riders essential strategies and practices for managing different riding environments and preventing crashes. If you hold a motorcycle driver license from another state (except Alabama), you can opt out of this requirement.
- You have a one-year grace period after successfully finishing the course and receiving your course completion card and “Pass” waiver to visit a driver license office or tax collector office, present the office staff with proper ID, and pay the required endorsement fee. If you wait longer than one year, you will have to complete a Rider Skills Test with a Florida Rider Training Program coordinator.
In order to obtain a “Motorcycle Only” license, you must follow these steps:
- Pass the Class E operator’s driver license knowledge test.
- Complete either the Basic Rider Course or Basic Rider Course Updated motorcycle safety course from an authorized Florida Rider Training Program sponsor.
- Visit a driver license office or tax collector office, present the office staff with proper ID, and pay the required endorsement fee. If you wait longer than one year, you will have to complete a Rider Skills Test with a Florida Rider Training Program coordinator.
When can you get your motorcycle license in Florida?
In order to obtain either a motorcycle endorsement or a “Motorcycle Only” license in Florida, you must be at least 16 years of age. If you are under 18 years, you must also have held a Learner’s License for at least one year with no traffic convictions. No person under the age of 16 years may operate or be licensed to operate a motorcycle, moped, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, or electric helper-motor bicycle in the state of Florida.
How much is a motorcycle license in Florida?
In order to obtain a motorcycle endorsement, you first need a Class E license, which costs $48 (either new or renewal). The endorsement fee itself is $7. The fee for a “Motorcycle Only” license costs $48. If you obtain your license from a tax collector office, there is an additional $6.25 service fee.
You will also have to pay for the cost of the Basic Rider Course or Basic Rider Course Updated motorcycle safety course. While these are certified by the state, they are provided by independent schools, which means that the prices for the courses will vary. Typically, you should expect to pay between $100 and $400 for the course, depending on what is included in the training, the nature of the facility, and whether it provides a test-pass guarantee.
What is a Class E license in Florida?
A Class E license in Florida permits the holder to operate any non-commercial motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating under 26,001 pounds. This includes most passenger cards, passenger vans, trucks, recreational vehicles, and two wheeled and three wheeled motor vehicles with 50 cc engines or less, such as mopeds and motorcycles. In order to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in Florida, you must already hold a Class E license.
Can I ride a motorcycle with a car license?
Unless you have obtained a motorcycle endorsement for your Class E operator’s license, you cannot ride a motorcycle with only a car license. However, if you are riding a scooter with a motor that is under 50 cc, you can legally operate it with only a Florida Class E license.
Riding a motorcycle without the proper license is, under Florida Statute 322.03(4) a criminal second-degree misdemeanor, subject to a $500 fine, up to six months’ probation, and/or up to 60 days in the county jail.
Can I get a motorcycle license without a car license?
If you do not have a Florida Class E operator’s license, you can still obtain a “Motorcycle Only” license.
Is lane splitting legal in Florida?
Lane splitting is when two motorcycles occupy a single lane of traffic, riding parallel to each other. This practice is legal in Florida, though it is prohibited for more than two motorcycles to share a single lane at a time.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Florida?
If you need to take the required course, you should expect to spend anywhere from 2 to 7 days completing the required 15 hours of coursework. You can obtain your license on the day you complete the course.
Final Remarks
So there you have it. Applying for a motorcycle license in Florida is pretty much fuss-free and straightforward. If you’re a beginner and wish to learn more about riding motorcycles, browse through our site for learning resources.