Coasts, beaches, and deserts are just a part of the scenery you can see while cruising in Florida. Frankly, you need a motorcycle to immerse yourself in these scenes. Having the open road in front of you, the wind blowing through your hair, and the feeling of a strong engine below you are some of the best feelings you can ever experience.
However, not just yet! You need a valid motorcycle driver’s license. There are two ways to do that: applying for a motorcycle-only license or adding an endorsement. Without further ado, let’s discuss the steps you’ll need to take to obtain your license and blaze the open road.
Applying for a Motorcycle Only License
To apply for a motorcycle-only license in Florida, you need to fulfill certain requirements, as listed below.
- Complete a 15-hour Basic Rider Course
- Be at least 16 years old
- If under 18, the applicant must have a learners’ license for 12 months with no convictions
- Take the Basic Rider Course (BRC)
- Your motorcycle must be more than 50 CCs
Once you meet the requirements, that’s when the process starts.
1. Obtain Your Learner’s Permit
The first step to getting your motorcycle driver’s license is to earn your learner’s permit. All you have to do is take the Florida Drug and Alcohol Course, which can even be done on an application.
After that, take the documentation that proves that you passed it to the DHSMV (Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.) Finally, you’ll need to take a hearing and vision test. That’s it!
2. Undergo the Driver’s License Exam
After obtaining your permit, you’ll need to undergo the Florida Driver’s License Exam. For this step, you can either take the test at the DHSMV or online by state-approved providers. It isn’t a long written exam; rather, it consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. There is a plethora of online tests and preparation material online so that you can be ready for the actual exam.
3. The Basic Rider Course (BRC)
Next comes the Basic Rider Course. To pass it, you attend classes where you’ll be instructed about the road’s rules, safety instructions, what to do in case of an accident, and more.
After completing the sessions, you’ll take the test, consisting of multiple driving lessons and courses. During these courses, you’ll learn all you need to know about motorcycle driving and safety as well. When you finish them, you’ll become a master in the art of motorcycle driving.
4. Paying the Fees
Last but not least, you’ll need to pay the fees, which are less than $50. And you’re done! Do note, however, that the license is only valid for two and three-wheeled vehicles.
Adding an Endorsement
The second way you can obtain a motorcycle license in Florida is to add an endorsement to your already valid E-Class license. Here are the requirements and what to do next.
- Have a valid Florida Driver’s License – Class E
- Complete the Basic Rider Course (BRC) for motorcycle safety
- Have the supporting documents to provide completion of the course and your basic background details
1. Make Sure Your License Is Valid
The first step is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is have a valid Florida Driver’s license. If it isn’t valid or passed its expiration date, head to the nearest DMV to renew it.
2. Pass the BRC
Like applying for a motorcycle-only license, you’ll also need to pass the BRC.
3. Pay the Fees
Finally, you’ll have to pay the endorsement fee, which is less than $10, and you’ll be ready to blaze the open road all you want.
And if you’re wondering, once you get the motorcycle endorsement, it never expires as long as your E-Class license is valid.
Final Thoughts
Finally, after all is said and done, it goes without saying that cruising Florida’s roads on your motorcycle will show you a new side of motorcycling. However, you’ll need to have a valid motorcycle driver’s license, and obtaining one is pretty straightforward.
You can either obtain a motorcycle driver’s only license or add an endorsement to your valid license. The steps are pretty much the same, except when applying for a new license, you’ll need to get a learner’s permit first, plus the difference in the fees.
Happy trailblazing!