New laws for motorcycle licenses take effect July 1

New laws for motorcycle licenses take effect July 1

Basic Rider Course now required for all motorcycle endorsement

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles wants to remind future motorcyclists of a change in Florida law effective July 1, 2008. Beginning July 1, new motorcyclists must successfully complete the Basic Rider Course through the Florida Rider Trainer Program before they can have the motorcycle endorsement added to their driver license, per section 322.12(5)(a), Florida Statutes.

"Before July 1, 2008, anyone over the age of 21 could take and pass the knowledge test and skills test and get a motorcycle endorsement," said Director of the Division of Driver Licenses Sandra Lambert. "After July 1 of this year, everyone will have to take the class and pass the test, no matter their age. Future motorcyclists will be able to find a Basic Rider Course sponsor or teacher on our website at http://motorcycles.hsmv.state.fl.us/ . Upon successful completion, the sponsor will transmit the results electronically to the department and inform the customer to apply at the nearest driver license office for the endorsement." Customers can also call (850) 488-3286 and locate a sponsor nearest to them.

The Department’s Florida Rider Training Program has a wealth of information on motorcycle safety and proper licensure. For more information, check out www.flhsmv.gov . Also information on where to find approved sponsors who teach the course can be found here.