Florida is the 2nd most popular state in the eyes of motorcyclists. This is seen when you find out that the state has 600,000 motorcycle riders legally registered.
If you want to legally ride your motorcycle on public roads, you should also get registered. You will be happy to know that obtaining a license in Florida is very easy.
Despite this, many people do not know how to get a motorcycle license in Florida. This article will aim to impart that knowledge to you so you can easily get your motorcycle license without hiccups.
All you need to do is get a learner’s permit and pass a basic riding course. After that, it’s just a matter of documentation and fees.
I will highlight all of these steps in the rest of the article. If you are interested in one or all of them, it is best to read and understand this article. That way, you will easily be able to acquire a motorcycle license.
Motorcycle License Requirements In Florida
Before you get into the article’s meat, you must decide which route you will take. Whether you want a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle license is entirely up to you.
It is recommended to get an endorsement as that does not limit you to motorcycles as the motorcycle-only license does. You should decide on this before you proceed.
Knowing Your Age
Depending on the choice you make, mentioned in the above passage, you will be restricted in what you can and cannot do.
Motorcycle endorsements are given to anyone with a standard driver’s license, while getting a motorcycle-only license requires you to be at least 15.
Age Between 15 – 18
To start getting a motorcycle-only license, you must be at least 15. Once you are at this age, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A form of primary identification such as a valid passport or birth certificate.
- Proof of your social security, such as your Social Security Card or W2 form.
- Documents that prove your residential address, such as a utility bill or medical card.
- A parental consent form that is signed and notarized by the applicant’s parents.
Age 18 Above
If you are over the age of 18, then you will need to provide this set of documents if you want to get a motorcycle license:
- A form of primary identification such as a valid passport or birth certificate.
- Documents that prove your residential address, such as a utility bill or medical card.
- A marriage certificate in the event the applicant has changed their name via marriage.
- Proof of your social security, such as your Social Security Card or W2 form.
Types Of Motorcycle Licenses
Many states have multiple types of licenses which the applicants can choose from. The state of Florida has only one motorcycle license, but the existence of a motorcycle endorsement often overshadows it.
Motorcycle Only License
This license is available at the age of 16, but applicants can start applying at the age of 15. This one only allows the applicants to drive a motorcycle and does not give them any access to cars or other vehicles.
Motorcycle Endorsement
While not necessarily a license, it offers the same functionality to one. The one major difference between this and a motorcycle-only license is that it can be acquired on top of your driver’s license. This allows you to drive cars and motorcycles.
How To Apply For Your Florida Motorcycle License
In this part of the article, I will go over the main points and steps you need to clear if you want to get a driver’s license in Florida.
While many of these steps may also apply to other states, the entire process is only viable for Florida.
Step 1: Get A Driver’s License
- Getting a driver’s license can open the room for you to get a motorcycle endorsement which is much more appealing.
- If you do not have a driver’s license, you can get a motorcycle-only license, but it will take some extra steps.
- You will have to get a Class E license without a driver’s license. This is essential as you need to be well versed in the rules of the road.
- Getting a driver’s license can save you this step.
- You must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course to obtain a driver’s license.
- Then you must go to your local DHSMV and apply in person.
- You will need to provide crucial documents which prove your date of birth, identity, and residence.
- Afterward, you will have to pass a set of vision, hearing, and knowledge tests.
- Applicants over 18 will also have to take a driving test.
- Once done, you can get your license after submitting a small fee.
Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License
To prove to the government that you are worthy of getting a license, you will also have to pass a series of tests.
1. Motorcycle Written Test
- The written test consists of a total of 50 questions.
- You must answer 40 of them correctly if you want to pass the test.
- This test will assess your basic knowledge and education on road rules.
2. Hearing Test
- The state of Florida also requires a simple hearing test for applicants to carry out.
- This test evaluates your hearing capabilities and sees if you are fit to ride a motorcycle.
- If you fail a hearing test, you must go to a specialized doctor and get hearing aids.
- Once you have your hearing aids, you can retake the test.
3. Vision Test
- As with many states, you must also conduct a vision test.
- This test checks your vision and eyesight.
- You will need at least 20/40 to pass the test.
- Failure in this test will result in you visiting relevant doctors and getting contacts or glasses.
- You can then retake the test at your discretion.
4. Motorcycle Road Test
- Depending on your stance, you will be surprised to hear that you do not have to pass a road test if you are getting a license in Florida.
- Instead, you have to pass an Introductory Motorcycle Riding Course.
- This entire course takes about 15 hours.
- To apply for this course, you must pay anything from $100 to $300.
- While there is a motorcycle road test, you only have to give it to get your license, that too, if you are 18 or over.
Step 3: Collecting Your Paperwork
- Once you have completed all the requirements, it is time to collect your documents from the office.
- Take back any documents and fill out any forms the office provides you.
- Make sure to keep them in check, as these documents usually have sensitive information on them.
Step 4: Go To Your Local Driver’s License Office
- At this point, all the hard steps have been completed.
- You can now collect your temporary license at the office.
- You will receive your permanent license via the mail at your place of residence.
- Do not forget that you also have to pay a small fee here.
Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In FL
I have said throughout the article that motorcycle endorsements are the way to go in Florida.
Here is how you can get one:
Step 1: Make Sure Your Driver’s License Is Valid
This step is quite simple. All you have to do is have a valid driver’s license. If you do not have one, you can refer to the content above and see what you need to do.
Step 2: Apply For A Course
Now you will have to proceed by taking an approved Motorcycle Skills Course. You will have to take them regardless of how competent a driver you are.
Step 3: Collect Your Documents And Go To The Office
Now, all that’s left for you is to gather all essential documents and visit the Driver’s license office. Once you provide all the required material, you will get your endorsement on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In Florida?
If you start getting the license at the age of 15, it will take you over a year to get a motorcycle license.
If you are above 18, however, it will only take you about 30 days before you can get your permanent motorcycle-only license.
Q2. How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In Florida?
If you want to get a motorcycle endorsement in Florida, you will have to pay a fee of $7 and an additional fee of $6.25 if you use the tax collector’s office.
A motorcycle-only license will cost you $48 and an additional $6.25 if done at the tax collector’s office.
Q3. Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Florida?
Having a license in Florida is crucial if you want to ride your motorcycle on public grounds.
Not having a license and driving on public roads can get you fined if the police pull you over. It can also have serious repercussions if you get into an accident.
Conclusion
Getting a license in the state of Florida is by no means a difficult task. As long as you are well versed in how the state operates and what you need to provide, you should be able to get a motorcycle with little to no issue.
Now that you have read this article, you should clearly know how to get a motorcycle license in Florida. That being said, getting a motorcycle endorsement on top of your driver’s license is more to your benefit.
This will allow you to drive cars and other vehicles, along with your precious motorcycle, rather than limiting you to it.
I am a passionate blogger who wants to spread my interest in motorcycles. Fueled by my love for motorcycles, I provide readers with valuable insights and updates on motorcycles’ informative and engaging topics and document the latest happenings in the biking community. Despite my hectic schedule, I can provide these blogs, which involve regular trips to the gym and sports like mountain biking and BMX. I am usually available most of the time, so be sure to join me on my journey of motorcycles and bikes! I appreciate a quiet and simple life and am always eager to interact with my readers to provide helpful information on my blog site.
