Motorcycle License Checklist

Driving a motorcycle is a big responsibility which is why getting a motorcycle license involves a different process from that of getting a regular driver’s license. In the state of Florida there are more than 570,000 registered motorcycles, 14% of which are registered in Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties.

There are many motorcycle drivers out there some of which may not even be licensed to drive. If you drive without the proper licensing or motorcycling endorsements, under Florida law you may be fined up to $500 and be jailed for up 60 days or placed under probation for six months.

Another risk of driving without a license and proper training is being involved in a motorcycle accident . According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Facts of 2010, nearly 7,500 motorcycle crashes occurred throughout the state causing more than 400 fatalities.

The Center for Disease Control states that more than 1.2 million people were injured in motorcycle-related accidents between 2001 and 2008 throughout the United States. However, in 2008 the numbers began to decline and in Florida it may have been due to newly implemented motorcycle license requirements.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle-related accident caused by another individual’s negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.

To receive a no-cost, no-obligation assessment of your claim, fill out the ‘FREE CASE REVIEW’ form to your right.

Florida License Checklist

Each state has their own criteria for becoming a licensed motorcycle rider. Drivers in Florida may have a motorcycle license only or a motorcycle endorsement on their regular driver’s license.

Motorcycle-only license requirements include:

• Be at least 16 years of age and have a learner’s license for at least one year with no traffic convictions or,
• At least 18 years of age and have a learner’s license
• Passing the Class E operator’s driver’s license test
• Complete the basic Florida Rider Training Program

Upon fulfilling all the requirements a person may go to a driver license office or tax collector office that issues licenses to acquire a license with a “motorcycles only” endorsement. You will need to provide all the necessary paperwork needed to obtain your license and pay any of the required fees.

If you wish to drive a motorcycle and already have a Class E driver’s license you will need to complete the basic Florida Rider Training Program. After passing the course you may go to a driver license office or tax collector office that issues licenses with the proper paperwork and identification card to receive a “motorcycle” endorsement on your current license.

Persons who wish to get endorsed for a three-wheel, or side-car, motorcycle will have to pass a side-car/trike motorcycle safety course along with having a class E driver’s license and will receive a “three-wheel motorcycles only” endorsement on their license.

Florida Rider Training Program

As of July 2008 any person who is interested in attaining their motorcycle license must undergo the Basic Rider Course (BRC). The 15-hour course was created using curriculum originally developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Providing drivers with basic entry-level skills this course assists future motorcyclists develop several abilities including:

• Straight-line riding
• Stopping
• Turning
• Avoiding Hazards

The course provides a hands-on learning environment providing a motorcycle for use, helmet, and handbook Students have to provide any further safety equipment needed such as gloves, sturdy footwear, and eye protection.

An experienced rider course (ERC) is also available for riders looking to refresh their skills. The course helps motorcyclists develop their hazard handling strategies by working on cornering, swerving, and more.

Contact our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

The number of peoples fatally and non-fatally injured in a motorcycle accident is still high and each day riders are in danger of being involved in an accident. If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, the victim may be entitled to making a claim against the negligent party.

With more than 180 years of combined legal experience, the knowledgeable team of lawyers at Gordon & Partners has represented many motorcycle accident injury victims. We are dedicated to representing the people and are ready to assist you with your case. We have offices located throughout the South Florida and are pleased to serve the following areas:

• Pembroke Pines
• Ft. Lauderdale
• Delray Beach
• West Palm Beach
• Palm Beach Gardens
• Stuart

…and further surrounding towns and cities. Contact us at 1 (855) 722-2552 and one of our dedicated staff members will get you connected with one our lawyers whom is best fit to handle your claim.

You may also reach us online by filling out the ‘FREE CASE REVIEW’ form at the top right hand corner of this age – it’s 100% FREE and strictly confidential.