Florida Motorcycle Handbook 2008

Order your own copy of this handbook

4. Earning your License

• 4.1. Knowledge Test
• 4.2. On-Cycle Skill Test

Listen to this chapter: Listen

On-Cycle Skill Test

Basic vehicle control and crash-avoidance skills are included in on-cycle tests to determine your ability to handle normal and hazardous traffic situations.

You may be tested for your ability to:

• Know your motorcycle and your riding limits.
• Accelerate, brake and turn safely.
• See, be seen and communicate with others.
• Adjust speed and position to the traffic situation.
• Stop, turn and swerve quickly.
• Make critical decisions and carry them out.

Examiners may score on factors related to safety such as:

• Selecting safe speeds to perform maneuvers.
• Choosing the correct path and staying within boundaries.
• Completing normal and quick stops.
• Completing normal and quick turns or swerves.

The Alternate Most skill test consists of seven exercises that measure your ability to perform basic vehicle-control & hazard-response skills. Most of the exercises involve speeds of about 15 mph. You will be scored on time & distance standards, as well as path & foot-down violations. The test may be ended for point accumulation, falling or dropping the motorcycle, committing an unsafe act, or failure to understand or follow instructions. You may stop the test at any time. However, you must complete the entire test to pass it.

The seven exercise required on the Alternate Most skill test are listed below: The graphic on page 26 is a daiagram of the Alternate Most Skill Test. The diagram is numbered wtih the location which each exercise is performed.

Run #1: Stalls, Sharp Turn, Normal Stop
1. Stalls
2. Sharp Turn
3. Normal Stop

Run #2: Cone Weave, U-Turn
4. Cone Weave
5. U-Turn

Run #3: Quick Stop
6. Quick Stop

Run #4: Obstacle Swerve
7. Obstacle Swerve

To receive a motorcycle license with full privileges, most states require that maneuvers be performed as designed

On-cycle skill tests are not designed for sidecars or three-wheel vehicles. Those vehicles maneuver differently than a two-wheeled motorcycle. Depending on the state, a driver examiner may follow you on a car test-route. Restrictions (sidecar, three-wheeled vehicle) may be added until completion of a two-wheel cycle test.

Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Program

Through the miracle of transplantation, many people are living healthy, productive lives. However, the need for donated organs and tissues continues to outpace the supply. Right now, there are thousands who would be helped if more of us became organ and tissue donors. Organ and tissue donations provide each of us with a special opportunity to help others.

Donation of vital organs and tissues can save lives where no other hope is available. Heart, liver, lung and kidney transplants save lives everyday. Additionally, bone, skin and cornea transplants often restore sight and save burn victims.

How Can You Help?

1. Indicate your desire to donate organs and tissues on your Florida driver license or identification card.
2. Tell your nearest relative or legal guardian.
3. Donate a minimum of $1 to fund organ and tissue donor education.
4. ALL OF THE ABOVE

Voluntary Contributions

When you are applying for a driver license or identification card you may voluntarily contribute to the following special trust funds:

Election Campaign - $5 minimum to be transferred to the Election Campaign Financing Trust Fund.

Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Education and Procurement Trust Fund - $1 minimum for organ and tissue donor education and for maintaining the organ and tissue donor registry.

Florida Council of the Blind - $1 minimum to the Florida Council of the Blind.

Prevent Blindness of Florida - $1 minimum to prevent blindness and preserve the sight of the residents of the State of Florida.

Hearing Research Institute - $2 minimum for infant hearing screening in Florida.

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International - $1 minimum contribution.

Children’s Hearing Help Fund - $1 minimum contribution.

Florida Rider Training Program Course Sponsors

The Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP) uses curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. FRTP Course providers offer a 15-hour MSF Basic RiderCourseTM (BRC), which provides an introduction to the fundamentals of safe, responsible motorcycling. This includes the knowledge and skills necessary to ride safely on the streets and highways.

The BRC provides basic entry-level skills for a new rider. BRC RiderCoachesTM coach riders to develop the physical skills of a basic control that include straight line riding, stopping, turning/shifting, and then move on to more advanced skills like stopping quickly, cornering, and swerving. Insurance, motorcycle, helmet and student handbook are provided for the course. Students must provide eye protection, gloves (full hand coverage), pants, long sleeved shirt or jacket, and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear.

Completion of this course is required for anyone under 21 years old who applies for a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle only license. The course is voluntary for anyone 21 and older. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are exempt from further testing at a driver license office and may be entitled to insurance premium discounts through participating insurance companies.

Many FRTP course providers also offer MSF Experienced RiderCourse TM Suite. This is a one-day rider course for motorcyclist 21 and older who want to add the motorcycle endorsement to their driver license. Other ERC one-day courses are available for experienced riders who have a motorcycle endorsement but want to refresh or enhance their skills. These courses cover riding strategies to handle traffic hazards and works on developing cornering, braking, and swerving skills. ERC Suite participants provide their own motorcycle, proof of insurance, and protective riding equipment.

Effective July 1, 2008, all applicants for motorcycle endorsements must show proof of completion of the motorcycle safety course

This is a list of the course providers: