Motorcycle Rider Education & Endorsements

FAQ’s





  • 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. Complete the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or Basic RiderCourse updated (BRCu) motorcycle safety course.

    3. Go to a driver license office or tax collector office that issues driver licenses and inform them that you completed the course.  Upon providing proper ID and paying the required endorsement fees your license will be issued with a motorcycle endorsement.

    4.  The costs include the $7.00 endorsement fee, plus a license fee (see fees for original, renewals, duplicates, and replacement license), and $6.25 if applying at a county tax collector office. In addition to these costs, you will need to pay the course provider for the required motorcycle safety course.

  • What are the minimum Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or Basic RiderCourse update (BRCu) enrollment requirements?

    You must be at least 16 years old and hold at least a Learner’s Driver License to enroll in the Basic RiderCourse. You should have a basic knowledge of traffic laws, road signs and general “road rules”.

  • What are the requirements to get endorsed for a three-wheel motorcycle or sidecar motorcycle?
    1. Hold at least a regular Class E operator’s driver license.
    2. Complete the 3 Wheel Basic Rider Course (3WBRC) or Sidecar/Trike Education Program (S/TEP) motorcycle safety course.
    3. Go to a driver license office or tax collector office that issues driver licenses and inform them of the course you completed. Upon providing proper ID and paying the required endorsement fees, your license will be issued with the “S” Restriction.
    4. The costs include the $7.00 endorsement fee, plus a license fee (see fees for original, renewals, duplicates, and replacement license), and $6.25 if applying at a county tax collector office. In addition to these costs,  you will need to pay the course provider for the required motorcycle safety course.
  • What is the 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course (3WBRC) and enrollment requirements?

    The 3WBRC or 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course is for a three wheel, two track vehicle only, and is for endorsement (“S” Restriction will be reflected on the license).  Some course Sponsors may be able to provide a 3-wheel training motorcycle for you to complete the course on.  You will need to contact the course provider to determine if they can provide a training motorcycle for you to take the course.

    1. You must be at least 16 years old and hold at least a Learner’s Driver License to enroll in the 3WBRC. You should also have a basic knowledge of traffic laws, road signs and general “road rules”.
    2. Check with the 3WBRC course provider about their availability to provide you a 3-wheel training motorcycle.  If a course provider is unable to provide one, you will need to bring your own 3-wheel motorcycle, or bring written permission to use another privately owned 3-wheel motorcycle.
    3. Provide proof of liability insurance on the 3-wheel motorcycle being used for the course.
    4. Provide your own helmet and protective riding gear.

    Click here to see providers that offer the 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course.

  • What are the minimum Sidecar/Trike Education Program (S/TEP) enrollment requirements?

    The S/TEP or Sidecar/Trike Education Program is a course that can be taken by the unendorsed rider for endorsement, but would limit the rider to only operating a motorcycle with more than two wheels or atached sidecar (“S” endorsement/restriction will be reflected on the license).

    1. You must hold at least a Learner’s Driver License to enroll in the S/TEP Course.  Having a basic knowledge of traffic laws, road signs and general “road rules” is an important pre-curser to the rider course.
    2. Bring your own motorcycle, or bring written permission to use another privately owned sidecar or trike.
    3. Provide your own helmet and protective riding gear.
    4. Provide proof of liability insurance on the sidecar or trike used for the course.

    Completion of a basic or experienced rider safety course may entitle a motorcyclist to insurance premium discounts.

    Click here to see providers that offer the Sidecar/Trike Education Program course.

  • Do I have to take the Sidecar/Trike Training Course (S/TEP) to ride a Trike or a three wheeled motor vehicle?

    NOTE:  No. If you have a “Motorcycle Also” endorsement on your license you may also ride a three wheeled motor vehicle.

    Refer to: * What are the requirements to obtain a motorcycle endorsement above

  • Does my motorcycle endorsement expire?

    No, once the endorsement is added to the license, it is good for life.

    After successfully passing the BRCu, you must go to your local driver license or tax collector office within one (1) year to have the endorsement added to your license. If the endorsement has not been obtained within one year, the course completion card is considered invalid and you must complete another BRCu before the endorsement can be added.

  • What are the minimum requirements to get a Motorcycle Only License?

    1. Be at least 16 years old and hold a Learner’s License for one year with no traffic convictions or, if over the age of 18, hold a Learner’s License.

    2. Pass the same knowledge test as for a regular Class E operator’s driver license.

    3. You must complete the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or Basic RiderCourse updated (BRCu) motorcycle safety course.

    4. After you complete the course, go to a  driver license office or tax collector office that issues licenses and inform them that you completed the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or Basic RiderCourse updated (BRCu) and are requesting a “Motorcycle Only” license.  Upon providing proper ID and paying the required endorsement and license fees, your “Motorcycle Only” license will be issued.

    Your license will be restricted to operating Motorcycles Only.

    NOTE: Tax collector offices charge an additional $6.25 fee for driver license transactions.

  • When are motorcycle endorsements reciprocated?

    The motorcycle requirements are reciprocated if the customer presents a driver license that includes a motorcycle endorsement from any one of the following:

    Any State (except Alabama, unless the customer presents a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course completion card that is not more than one year old, or it is considered invalid)

    United States Territories and Possessions (including Panama Canal Zone if issued prior to January 1, 2000)

    Canada

    France

    Germany

    Taiwan

    United States Military

  • 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 any of the following motorcycle course completion cards are presented and are not more than one (1) year old.

    Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) Basic RiderCourse™ (BRC), Basic RiderCourse updated™ (BRCu), 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse™ (3WBRC)

    Evergreen Safety Council’s Sidecar/Trike Education Program TM (S/TEP)

  • I am stationed outside of Florida, how can I add a motorcycle endorsement to my Florida license?
    1. Complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse™ (BRC), Basic RiderCourse updated™ (BRCu), 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse™ (3WBRC) or the Evergreen Safety Council (ESC) Sidecar/Trike Education Program™ (S/TEP) course conducted by any branch of the military service.
    2. Return to a Florida Driver License or Tax Collectors office with the required documents and pay the applicable fees, or obtain a license in the state they currently reside.
  • Is insurance required for motorcycles in Florida?

    Yes, under certain circumstances. Insurance is not required to register motorcycles. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 wear eye protection for safety reasons, but are not required by law to do so.

  • 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 type of vehicles are exempt from the driver license law definition of motor vehicle and thus do not require a driver license.

  • What are Motorized Scooters?

    Motorized scooters are small two or three wheel vehicles that a person may stand upon or sit upon to operate or ride. Some have electric motors and some have gas engines. The steering is managed by use of a T-shaped handlebar.

    Motorized scooters cannot be legally operated on public roadways nor may they be legally operated on sidewalks or bicycle paths.

    Please check your city and county ordinances for restrictions and contact your attorney for advice to determine where you may legally operate motorized scooters.

  • What are my responsibilities regarding owning/operating a moped?

    Moped operators have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle operators and can also receive citations for traffic violations; therefore, they should know and obey the moped laws. Please view the motorcycle operator’s manual for information regarding the laws for operation of a moped on Florida highways.

  • What is the Basic Bike Bonding Rider Course® (BBBRC)?

    The Basic Bike Bonding RiderCourse® (BBBRC) is a five to six hour course that is designed for the new rider to enhance their skills on the training bike.  This is to gain confidence in the new skills they have learned.  To locate course providers who provide this course please click here.

  • What is the Ultimate Bike Bonding RiderCourse® (UBBRC) ?

    The Ultimate Bike Bonding RiderCourse®  (UBBRC) is a partial day course that consists of police-style precision riding, targeting low speed and tight turns.  To locate course providers who provide this course please click here.

  • What is the Basic RiderCourse 2® (BRC2)?

    Basic RiderCourse® (BRC2) is a one-day course that is available for experienced riders who already have a motorcycle endorsement but want to refresh and enhance their riding skills.  This course covers more riding strategies to handle traffic hazards and works on developing cornering, braking, and swerving skills.  BRC2 participants provide their own motorcycle, proof of insurance, and protective riding equipment.  The MSF has recently improved this course and it is called the Basic RiderCourse 2 updated®  (BRC2u).  Some course providers in Florida are now providing the BRC2u.  To locate course providers who provide this course please click here.

  • What is the Basic RiderCourse 2 updated® (BRC2u) ?

    Basic RiderCourse 2 updated® (BRC2u) is the newest version of the BRC2 and is still a one-day course that is available for experienced riders who have a motorcycle endorsement but want to refresh and enhance their riding skills. BRC2u participants provide their own motorcycle, proof of insurance, and protective riding equipment.  To locate course providers who provide this course please click here.

  • What is the Advanced Rider Course® (ARC)?

    The Advanced RiderCourse® (ARC) is a one day advanced course for skill building or enhancement.  It is designed to challenge one’s ability to recognize risky behavior and to choose a different course of action.  The course is about making good decisions and risk off-set, along with developing a new skill set to increase one’s safety margin.  To locate course providers who provide this course please click here.

  • What is the Returning Rider Basic RiderCourse® (RRBRC) ?

    The Returning Rider Basic RiderCourse® (RRBRC) is for riders who have ridden previously, but have not been actively riding for some time and would like to refresh their riding skills and gain more knowledge of risk, including how to manage risk while riding.  This course is not intended for a rider who is learning to ride for the first time.  To locate course providers who provide this course please click here.

  • Do all motor scooters and mini-motorcycles (Exhibit "B") have to be titled within the State of Florida?

    Motor Scooters fit the definition of a motorcycle as defined in section 320.01(27) Florida Statutes. Since they meet this definition, they must be titled and registered if they are operated or driven upon the roads of this state, per sections 319.21(1) and 320.02(1) Florida Statutes.

  • If the MCO indicates that the vehicle is a motor driven cycle, the cubic centimeters are greater than 50, but the cycle has pedals, should it be classified as a moped, motorcycle or motor scooter?

    Since the cubic centimeters are over 50, the vehicle type and the body type would be MC (motorcycle). A motor vehicle does not meet the definition of a moped if the displacement of the engine exceeds 50 cubic centimeters, regardless of pedals.

  • Are motorcycles that are 50 cubic centimeters or less be exempt from odometer disclosure requirements?

    No.

  • What are the driver licensing requirements for mopeds, scooters and other two or three wheel motor vehicles?

    If 50cc or less, these vehicles are not motorcycles by driver license law definition, section 322.01 (26), Florida Statutes so a motorcycle endorsement is not needed per section 322.03(4), Florida Statutes. 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 50cc or less, they still fall under the driver license law definition of “Motor Vehicles” and a driver license is required to operate a “motor vehicle”). See sections 322.03(1), 322.01(27) and 322.05(1), Florida Statutes.

  • Is there a motorized vehicle you can operate without a driver license?

    Yes, if at least 16, you may ride a bicycle with an electric helper-motor that can not go faster than 20 mph on level ground, per sections 322.03(1), 322.01(27) and 316.003(4), Florida Statutes.