Do you imagine riding a motorcycle through Florida while enjoying the cold breeze in your hair? Florida is the second most well-known state among bikers, having more than 645,012 registered motorcycle owners.
This makes perfect sense, specifically given the picturesque surroundings and constant sunshine. Additionally, there is nothing more magnificent than traveling to the white-sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle to escape the summer heat.
But you must have a legitimate endorsement or motorcycle license in order to ride a motorcycle in the Sunshine State. Luckily, it’s not too difficult to obtain a motorbike license in the Sunshine State, particularly if you already hold a driver’s license.
So, how do you get a motorcycle license in Florida? You must have a valid Class E operator’s license. Complete the motorcycle safety course Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or Basic RiderCourse updated (BRCu) with a sponsor that has been approved. You must acquire your endorsement within one year of passing the RiderCourse.
Before you may apply for a motorbike license, you must be older than 16 years old. I’ll outline the requirements and how to apply for a motorbike license in Florida in this post. So let’s start now.
Table of Contents
How to Get a Florida Motorcycle License?
In the state of Florida, the following steps must be taken in order to obtain a license to operate a motorcycle:
- Have a minimum age of 16
- One year with a valid learner’s permit and no traffic offenses
- Complete the BRCu or BRC in accordance with FL322.12
- Get your Class E driver’s license by passing a written test
- Visit the DMV or tax collection offices with your ID and documentation that you have successfully completed the BRCu or BRC course
- Lastly, pay the license fee
Do I Need a Florida Motorcycle License?
You need a proper license, just as in any other U.S. state, to enjoy Florida’s breathtaking scenery. If caught riding a bike in the Sunshine State without a license, you could face fines.
To legally operate a motorcycle with a driver’s license, you must obtain a motorcycle endorsement. Accordingly, in order to legally ride a bike, you need to have either a learner’s permit, a motorcycle endorsement, or a current license.
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To ride the highways with a learner’s permit, you must be with other experienced motorcyclists.
Note: You won’t need a Florida license if you’re merely passing through Florida on a road trip for commuter purposes. This is so even if different states grant licenses, they are all legitimate in the US. This means, that Florida must accept all licenses, particularly when dealing with a non-resident. But keep in mind that in order to even be eligible for a motorcycle license in the United States, you must be at least 16 years old.
What Is the Difference Between a Motorcycle Endorsement and a License in Florida?
To ride a motorbike in Florida with an engine larger than 50cc, a rider must have a valid license. Both two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles fall under this.
You require a current permit, motorcycle license, or motorcycle endorsement, just like in every other state.
Riders aiming for rider-only official credentials need to obtain a motorcycle license. These are available to anyone without a driver’s license. An endorsement, on the contrary, is for people who already possess a Florida driver’s license.
Note: Another distinction between the two is the yearly renewal requirement for a motorcycle-only license. In contrast, the motorcycle endorsement is a one-time fee. When you go to renew your driver’s license, your motorcycle endorsement will be renewed for you instantly and at no additional cost.
Therefore, you must first decide which one you need before going to the DMV office.
What Do You Need to Do to Get a Motorcycle License in Florida?
Nothing is more calming than riding with your friends across Florida’s roadways. But in order to join Florida’s almost 600,000 bikers, you either require a motorcycle-only license or an endorsement.
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If you ride a bike without having one of these qualifications, you will be subject to a fine. But there are a number of standards you must meet in order to be eligible for a license or an endorsement.
Obtaining a motorbike endorsement requires:
- Possess an active Florida class E driver’s license
- Completed a BRC or BRCu (Basic Rider Course updated) (Basic Rider Course)
- Pay the license cost
- Visit your local tax collection or DMV office and present your BRCu or BRC certification together with a valid ID.
To qualify for a motorcycle-only license, you must:
- Have a minimum age of 16
- Possess a learner’s permit for a year with no traffic offenses
- According to FL322.12, complete the BRCu or BRC take and pass the knowledge test for a class-E driver’s license
- Go to the DMV or tax collection offices and present your ID and documentation that you have successfully completed the BRCu or BRC course
- Pay your license cost at the end
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License in Florida?
Are you prepared to begin riding along Florida’s roadways and taking in the state’s stunning coastlines? If so, you’re in luck because getting a Florida motorcycle-only license is rather simple.
Be prepared because this process takes longer than receiving an endorsement. So, be careful to prepare in advance.
In order to obtain a motorcycle-only license, you need to:
Step 1: Get your Learners Permit
You must first get a bike riding permit in Florida if you don’t already have one. Use the learner’s permit for a full year after that without receiving any traffic tickets.
Prior to obtaining permission, you need to:
- Pass the class E tests in the state: The test consists of 50 questions, and you must receive a score of at least 80% to pass. On the exam, there are multiple-choice questions about traffic laws and signs. Reading up on Florida’s driver’s license manual will help you pass the exams.
- You have to be at least 16 years old, and if you are under the age of 18, you need a parental authorization form that has been notarized or signed by a parent.
- Be successful on the hearing and vision tests, which are administered at the local traffic service station. Therefore, when filing for a learner’s permit, be sure to wear your glasses or contacts.
- TLSAE completion certification (traffic-law and substance-abuse education course). Fortunately, there is a program for that.
- Legal documentation that supports your ability to prove your identity, social security number, and proof of residence.
You must be prepared to use your learner’s permit for more than a year without breaking any traffic laws before you may obtain one.
Note: The learner’s permit allows you to ride alongside an experienced rider for a year as you hone your riding techniques.
Step 2: Complete the Basic Motorcycle Riding Course
So passing the BRCu or the BRC is the next stage. The sponsor for vehicle rider training and the highway safety department both provide these courses. These 15–hour courses cover all the fundamental abilities that every rider needs.
If you have never taken a course like this before, you are required to pass it in order to get a motorcycle license in any state, even if you already have one from another state.
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You will be eligible for a driver’s license if you have held a learner’s permit for a year and driven a motor vehicle without breaking any traffic laws. After that, you’ll be able to legally ride a motorcycle in Florida.
In the state of Florida, the cost of attending one of these classes can range anywhere from $99 to $300, based on the location of the course. Additionally, you should be prepared to spend the entire day at the facility there to finish the course.
Currently, the majority of accredited course providers are switching to BRCu versions of this course. Therefore, be sure to find out which is being taught in the training facility close to you.
Tip: Your safety is essential when riding a motorcycle, so make sure you have some gloves and a head cover with you. Throughout the training, be sure to put on a reliable pair of motorcycle boots. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are also required.
Insurance, practice bikes, helmets, and manuals will all be provided by the course providers. Additionally, they will let the motor vehicle and highway safety department know after you have completed the course.
Note: If you don’t pass the class the first time, you can retake it for free within two months. However, you are unable to retake the exam that day.
Step 3: Provide Documentation and Pay the Fees
You can attend the DMV offices and obtain your license after completing the fundamental riders’ course. However, remember to carry the appropriate identification.
Your evidence of completing the BRC will already be on file at the DMV locations. However, it’s always a good idea to have a duplicate of your certification on hand just in case.
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You must first pay the charge at the DMV offices you visit in order to receive your license. A motorcycle-only license in Florida costs $48 plus an additional $6.25 at the municipal tax collecting offices.
How to Obtain a Motorcycle Endorsement in Florida?
A motorcycle endorsement is an additional piece of legal documentation required to drive on this state’s highways. However, you must already possess a Class E driver’s license in order to receive an endorsement.
Except for Alabama, Florida will recognize any other state’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. As a result, you won’t need to complete the motorcycle course in order to ride a motorcycle in Florida. A license from Alabama may be reciprocated in Florida if the rider submits the BRC completion card.
You should be prepared to complete the following in order to get your motorbike endorsement:
Step 1: Obtain a Valid Class E Driver’s License
You require a class E license that is up to date if you currently drive in Florida. The typical non-commercial license in Florida is a class E license.
If you possess a current class C, B, or A commercial license, you may also submit an application for an endorsement. If you’ve passed the BRC, you can request an endorsement if you have a driver’s license from another state.
Step 2: Complete a Certified Motorcycle Skills Course
All applicants for an endorsement in Florida and the majority of American states must complete the BRC course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation typically develops and updates the course. To apply for a motorcycle-only license, you can complete the BRCu or BRC.
These programs are made to show students how to deal with any situations that may arise while riding. Despite the fact that the regulations of the road are the same for both, driving a car and riding a motorcycle are two very different experiences.
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Therefore, before moving on with the application, you must study all the safety precautions related to operating a motorcycle.
Step 3: Collect the Documentation and Go to the Closest DMV Office
Take all the necessary paperwork with you when you finish the motorcycle skills course and go to the DMV offices. You’ll need a number of these things, including:
- $48 for license renewal, $7 for the endorsement, and an additional $25 at the tax collecting offices is required for the endorsement.
- BRCu or BRC course certification that is valid with respect to the current year.
- Bring an appropriate document of identification, such as your existing class E driver’s license.
When you have all the required paperwork, visit any licensing office to acquire your endorsement. Various tax collecting agencies can grant motorbike endorsements as well.
An endorsement is timeless, so keep that in mind. A regular driver’s license is the one thing you need to renew annually.
How Long Does it Take to Obtain a Motorcycle License in Florida?
You have one year to submit an application if you have already completed the motorcycle safety course and got your completion card. If more than a year has passed since that time, you might need to pass a rider skills test in order to apply for a license.
It can take you up to a week to complete the coursework if you have to participate in the course. After completing the course, you can instantly receive the license because everything is prepared.
Note: If you don’t complete the BRC successfully, you might have to retake it before bringing your application to the DMV’s offices. This will result in a longer period of time to obtain your motorcycle-only license.
Conclusion
Most people’s dreams of year-round highway cruising in the Sunshine State come true. However, in order to do so, you must be prepared to obtain a motorcycle endorsement or a license that is exclusively valid for motorcycles.
You must be older than 16 years old, which is one of the key requirements for both. An active class E driver’s license is required for the motorbike endorsement. You must have utilized a learner’s permit for more than a year without receiving a moving offense in order to qualify for a motorcycle-only license. You can then move on and take the BRC before going to the DMV offices.