Florida Motorcycle Handbook 2008

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Introduction

• Intro
• Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP)
• Laws
• Helmet and Eye Protection Requirements

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Effective July1, 2008 all applicants for a motorcycle endorsement will be required to complete a basic motorcycle safety education course prior to being issued a motorcycle endorsement or "Motorcycle Only" License. Until July 1st, the basic motorcycle safety education course will only be required by persons under 21 years old. The course will be voluntary for individuals 21 and older. Successful completion of the class will waive state tests. A list of course sponsors can be found on page 27 of this handbook.

Rider course providers (Sponsors) offer the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) sponsored Basic RiderCourse (BRC) and Experienced Rider Course Suites (ERC). The BRC provides the basic entry-level skills for new riders to begin practicing and developing the mental and motor skills important for safe street operation. The BRC has approximately five-hours of classroom instruction and 10-hours of on-cycle instruction. Both sessions are facilitated by experienced motorcyclists trained as Rider Coaches by the FRTP to assist your learning. To enroll in the BRC, a person must possess at least a valid Learners License in order to have knowledge of Florida Traffic laws and road rules; however, the actual motorcycle endorsement may not be obtained with a regular operator (Class E) license until age 16 per s. 322.05(1) F.S. The person must also be able to have sufficient balance or capability to operate a bicycle.

Sponsors provide motorcycles less than 500cc for the BRC, usually 125cc to 250cc, helmets, and course handbooks for the BRC. Students must provide gloves, full hand coverage, shatterproof eye protection, unless the helmet has a face shield, long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, over the ankle shoes or boots and rain gear for light rain - non dangerous conditions. A call or email to the Sponsor of your choice can clarify many issues regarding equipment, fees, method of payment and scheduling. Many sponsors allow sign-up and payment via a website. Refer to the FRTP web site at http://www.motorcycles.hsmv.state.fl.us and click on the "course locations" heading for sponsor locations by county.

THE ERC SUITE COURSES are for those already endorsed for riding skill enhancement with course completion cards issued for insurance reduction or other purposes. However, one is a six-hour ERC Suite course with knowledge and skills test approved by the MSF for license endorsement. Persons 21 and older only in Florida may present a completion card from this course for motorcycle endorsement.

NOTE: All ERC Suite courses require the participant to furnish their own street legal motorcycle with valid tag and registration and proof of liability insurance coverage, or one borrowed with proof of permission; the participant must also furnish a helmet, shatterproof eye protection and similar protective riding gear as outlined for the BRC. See FRTP website above for sponsor locations or call the FRTP 850-488-3286 for an automated guided listing.

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