DO YOU WANT TO RIDEe MOTORCYCLES, MOPEDS, OR SCOOTERS?

Then read the following information about two and three wheel motor vehicles.

 When do I need a motorcycle endorsement?
   ?   If you wish to be licensed to ride any two or three wheel motor
         vehicles MORE THAN 50 cc. F.S.322.03(4), 322.01(25)

       
 What are the requirements to obtain a motorcycle endorsement?
 If under 21 years of age, motorcyclists are required to:
   ?   Be at least 16 years old. F.S.322.05(1)
   ?   Hold at least a Class E driver license, or complete the
         requirements for a Class E driver license. F .S. 322.12(5)(a)
         (Exception: No automobile driving test required if applying for a
         "Motorcycle Only" license.) F.S.322.12(5)(a)
   ?   Complete the Florida Rider Training Program basic motorcycle
          safety course. F .S. 322.12(5)(a), 322.0255(8)
   ?   Present the completion card to the driver license office and no
          additional testing is required. F .S. 322.12(5)(b)

 If 21 years of age or older, motorcyclists are required to:
   ?   Pass the motorcycle knowledge and on-cycle skill tests at a driver
         license office or, F.S..322.12(5)(a)
   ?   Complete the Florida Rider Training Program motorcycle rider
         safety course. F .S. 322.12(5)(b)
   ?   Present the completion card at a driver license office and no
         additional testing is required. F.S. 322.12 5 b

 What are the requirements concerning the Florida Rider Training Program basic Motorcycle Rider Safety Course?
   ?    You must be at least 15½ years old to enroll and you must hold at
          least a Learner's Driver License to attend the basic
          motorcycle safety course. Course providers are institutions (Jr.
          College/Vo-Tech) or are privately owned. The course length
          (classroom & on-cycle instruction) is about 15 hours including
          lunch and breaks. The schools provide the motorcycles,
          helmets (if available), and student workbooks. Some schools also
          offer the one day Experienced Rider Course, which
          requires your motorcycle, protective equipment and a valid
          driver license with motorcycle endorsement or a Temporary
          Driving Permit for Motorcycle operation. (Course fees vary by
          sponsor.)

What are the driver licensing requirements for mopeds, scooters and other two or three wheel motor vehicles?  
   ?    If 50 cc or less, these vehicles are not motorcycles by driver
          license law definition, F .S. 322.01 (25), so a motorcycle
          endorsement is not needed per F.S. 322.03(4); however, to
          operate them on streets and roadways,
   ?    You must be at least 16 years old and hold at least a regular
          operator (Class E) or "Motorcycle Only" driver license.
          (Reason: Even though these vehicles are 50 cc or less, they still
          fall under the driver license law definition of "Motor Vehicle" and
          a driver license is required to operate a "motor vehicle.")
          F.S. 322.05 1 and F.S. 322.01 26

What are the requirements for obtaining a Temporary Driving Permit for Motorcycle Operation?
   ?    Be at least 21 years old, hold at least a Class E driver license, and
          pass the motorcycle knowledge test. The permit is valid for 60
          days, will be restricted to "No Passengers", may be issued a
          maximum of five times and is to be carried with your regular
          license. After passing the on-cycle skill test, or completing a
          motorcycle safety course, a new license is issued with full
          motorcycle endorsement. F .S. 322.07 1

What does getting a "Motorcycle Only" driver license involve? Who can get one?
   ?    Be at least 16 and, if under 18, held a learner's License for one
          year with no traffic convictions. F.S. 322.05{1) & (2){a) .
   ?    Pass the same knowledge test as for a regular operator's (Class E)
          driver license. F .S. 322.12{5){a)  
   ?    If under 21 years of age, you must show proof of completion of
          a motorcycle safety course. FS. 322.12{5){a) .
   ?    If at least 21, you may take the safety-course or pass the
          motorcycle knowledge test and motorcycle skill test.
   ?    Your driver license will be restricted to operating "Motorcycles
          Only." F.S.322.12{5){a)

Can I upgrade to a regular license later and have the "Motorcycle Only" restriction removed?
  ?   Yes, by passing the regular motor vehicle driving test in a four-wheel
          (car, etc.) motor vehicle. FS. 322.12 5 a

 What if someone brings a three-wheel motorcycle or a sidecar motorcycle for their motorcycle skill test?
   ?    A variation of the regular skill test is used and you will be restricted to
          three-wheel motorcycles only. F.S.322.12(5)(a)

 Is a license required for "Go-Peds," motorized skateboards, Go-carts & other small engine vehicles?
    ?   These vehicles legally cannot be operated on public streets, roads or
          highways; they are not designed for that. However,
          if someone does so anyway, an officer can ask to see a valid driver
          license; because these vehicles are not propelled solely by human
          power, they fall under the definition of "Motor Vehicle" under driver
          license law. F.S.322.0126

What is a motorcycle Third Party Tester? How does that work?
   ?   A company or institution (Jr. College/Vo-Tech) under signed
         "Agreement" with the Department may 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. F .S. 322.56

Are you required to wear a helmet & eye protection to ride motorcycles? How about mopeds and scooters?
   ?    Motorcvcles: Those 21 and older can ride without a helmet If they
          carry proof of Personal Injury Protection or proof of health insurance,
         (such as an employee health insurance card.) In either case, the
          coverage amount must be at least $10,000 to pay for treatment of
         injuries that may result from a crash. Those under 21 years of age
         MUST wear a Department approved motorcycle helmet
         without exception. F .S. 316.211 {1 )&(2)
         
    ?    Mopeds/Scooters: If a motor vehicle is 50 cc or less, 2 brake
          horsepower or less, and cannot exceed more than 30 mph on level
          ground, no helmet is required for the operator. (But they MUST be
          at least 16 years old and hold at least a regular operator driver
          license or "Motorcycle Only" license.) Passengers under 16 however,
          must wear a helmet.

    ?   Eye Protection: All persons who operate motorcycles (motorcycle  
           =51cc or more) must wear eye protection.

Is insurance required for motorcycles? Under certain circumstances,                   YES. See below about your financial responsibility.             
    ?  Insurance is not required to register motorcycles as with four-wheel
          motor  vehicles. FS 627.733   HOWEVER.  if a motorcycle operator
          is  charged in a crash with injuries, then the owner or
          owner/operator is financially responsible for bodily injury 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 Financial Responsibility (license
          and tagIregistration) suspension or to reinstate license, tagIregistration
          after suspension. (FS. 324.)

 For even more information, check out the Florida Rider Training Program web site at http://casey.hsmv.state.fl.us/intranet/ddl/motorcvcles/
or call the Florida Rider Training Program at 850-487-1227.

Courtesy of Florida DHSMV