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FAQ about
motorcycles...
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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
4. Send the letter to: Bureau of Records, PO Box 5775, Tallahassee, FL
32314-5775
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 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."
* 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.
Motorcycle Only License
* What does getting a "Motorcycle Only" driver license involve?
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.
Motorcycle Rider Courses
* What are the BasicRider Course enrollment requirements?
You must hold at least a Learner's Driver License to enroll in the Basic
RiderCourse. 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 MSF Experienced RiderCourse 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
4. Provide proof of liability insurance on the motorcycle brought for
the course
In order to receive a knowledge and skills test waiver form, you must
pass both the knowledge and skills test provided at the endof the
course.
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 RiderCourse 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.
* 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.
Temporary Instruction Permit
* 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 valid for 90-days and 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. |
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