Are There Different Types of Motorcycle Licenses in Florida?

Paul Brannon | April 10, 2023 | Florida Law

Are There Different Types of Motorcycle Licenses in Florida?

Being able to drive a car safely doesn’t necessarily mean you can operate a motorcycle safely–you’ll need an extra set of skills for that. Because of this, Florida offers three different types of motorcycle licenses, depending on your purpose and your prior experience. None of them are extremely difficult to obtain, but the process does require a certain amount of time, effort, and skill. 

Learner’s Permit

A learner’s permit allows you to ride your motorcycle together with an experienced rider for a year. The aim is that you can practice your riding skills in preparation for obtaining your motorcycle license. Obtaining a learner’s permit is a precondition to obtaining a motorcycle-only license.

Documents

To obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit, you must submit documents proving your personal identity, your age (at least 15), your social security number, and your Florida residency. If you are under 18, you will also need the written, notarized consent of a parent or legal guardian. 

Tests

You must pass the following tests:

You don’t need to pass a road test to obtain a learner’s permit.

Motorcycle License

A separate motorcycle license is for people with no automobile driver’s license, and it will not permit you to drive an automobile. To obtain a Florida “motorcycle only” license, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Have been issued a learner’s permit;
  • Have held your learner’s permit for a year with no moving violations;
  • Complete the Basic Rider Course (BRC) or the updated Basic Rider Course; and
  • Submit your ID and proof of passing the BRC or the updated BRC at a Florida driver license office or tax collector office; and
  • Pay the appropriate license fees.

Both versions of the BRC include about 15 hours of training. They are road tests, so you will need more than just a pencil and paper to pass. Many different providers offer BRC courses.

Motorcycle Endorsement

If you already have an automobile driver’s license and you want to operate a motorcycle, too, seek a motorcycle endorsement for your driver’s license. You don’t need to obtain a learner’s permit beforehand since you already obtained a learner’s permit to practice for your automobile license test.

Following is a list of the requirements:

  • Make sure your current driver’s license is valid. If it isn’t, you will have to renew it before you can seek a motorcycle endorsement.
  • Take and pass the Basic Rider Course. This is a road test, and it is the same course you need to pass to obtain a motorcycle-only license. You will have to pay a fee of about $275.
  • Head to your nearest driver’s license office with your automobile driver’s license and proof of passing the BRC. You will need to pay a small fee to obtain the endorsement.

It is best to make an appointment with the driver’s license office, although you might not need one. They will give you your endorsement on the spot, assuming you’ve met all the requirements. It will be valid for the rest of your life-–you won’t need to test for it again.

When in Doubt, Contact a Lawyer

If you have suffered a motorcycle accident in Florida, your injuries might be catastrophic. Alternatively, you might be grieving the wrongful death of a loved one in a motorcycle accident. 

Either way, a Florida personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve.

If you are a motorcyclist, or if you hope to become one, the best way to avoid an accident is to drive defensively. Remember that motorcycles are not particularly common. Automobile and truck drivers typically are not watching out for motorcyclists, and they might not even know you’re there. 

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Northwest Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Destin motorcycle accident lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297