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How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Florida

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

You can apply for a motorcycle permit and license or endorsement at any DHS&MV (Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) office in Florida. In order to apply for a motorcycle license you must first apply for a motorcycle permit.

New Applicants Over 18

Listed below are the requirements to obtain a permit:

  1. Complete application form- original must be submitted in person; no photocopies.
  2. Have your picture taken.
  3. Give a thumb print.
  4. Pay an application fee.
  5. Pass the vision test.
  6. Pass the signs and traffic laws examination (similar to a class E operator's license). See practice tests for more information on the written exam.
  7. Book an appointment to write your examination by calling (850) 617-2000 OR please see your local DHS&MV office for hours and locations.

New Applicants between 16 and 18

In addition to the above requirements, applicants under 18 must:
  1. Provide a parent/guardian signature on the form.
  2. Present proof that you have finished driver's education and driver training OR present your Florida driver's license. Please see Driver's Education and Driving Schools for additional details.
  3. Provide proof of birth date and legal status documentation.
  4. Present your proof of legal presence.
  5. Present your social security number.

Instruction Permit (Learner's Permit)

Once you complete the aforementioned prerequisites, you will be given a restricted class E license. This permit will allow you to practice driving a motorcycle.

Instruction Permit Restrictions

With your instruction permit you are not permitted to:
  • Drive on the highway.
  • Drive during after sunset for the first three months and after 10pm thereafter.
  • Ride with any passengers.

Applying for a Motorcycle License

Under 18

  1. If you are between 16 and 17 you must have had your permit for at least one year with no violations.
  2. Complete the Department's Florida Rider Training course. For more information on this course please see motorcycle training course. This basic rider course is now mandatory (regardless of age) for anyone applying for a motorcycle license or endorsement in Florida.
  3. Present the course certificate to your local DHS&MV office to obtain your license or endorsement. A provision is being made for the test results to be transferred electronically for this purpose.

Over 18

  1. Complete a motorcycle driver training course offered by the Florida DHS&MV. For more information on this course please see motorcycle training course. This basic rider course is now mandatory (regardless of age) for anyone applying for a motorcycle license or endorsement in Florida.
  2. Present the course certificate to your local DHS&MV office to obtain your license or endorsement. A provision is being made for the test results to be transferred electronically for this purpose.

Fees

A Class E license costs $27 first time and $20 for renewal and is valid for eight years (for drivers below 80). The endorsements fee is $7. A retest costs $5 (written) and $10 (skills).

Additional Information