What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the FLHSMV office — start to finish.
Florida does not issue a separate motorcycle-only learner's permit. Instead, your route to riding legally runs through the Basic RiderCourse (BRC): every new motorcyclist must complete it, and the BRC replaces any motorcycle written and skills test.
If you already hold a Florida Class E driver license, you complete the BRC and then add a motorcycle endorsement. If you do not hold a Class E license, you take the Motorcycle Only License path — pass the Class E knowledge test and vision and hearing screening, complete the BRC, and receive a license valid for motorcycles only. Always confirm current fees and accepted documents on flhsmv.gov before you go.
You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Florida. Applicants under 18 must have held a learner's license for at least one year with no traffic convictions, and need a parent or guardian signature.
If you already have a Florida Class E driver license, you are set for the endorsement path. If not, you take the Motorcycle Only path: complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course, pass the Class E knowledge test — 50 questions, 40 correct (80%) to pass — and pass the vision and hearing screening.
Sign up for the BRC through a Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP) authorized sponsor. The course pairs classroom instruction with on-cycle riding; training motorcycles and helmets are normally provided. The FLHSMV motorcycle rider-education page lists authorized sponsors statewide.
Finish the classroom and riding sessions and pass the course's knowledge and on-cycle skills evaluation. There is no separate written or road test at a driver license office — passing the BRC satisfies both. You receive a course completion card.
Within one year of completing the BRC, visit a Florida driver license or county tax collector office with your completion card and current license. Pay the $7 motorcycle endorsement fee. Miss the one-year window and the completion card and waiver become invalid, and you must retake the course.
Operators and passengers under 21 must wear a DOT-compliant helmet; every rider of any age must wear approved eye protection. Keep your headlight on, and continue practicing the safe-riding habits the BRC teaches.
Check the official FLHSMV page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Source: Test details are confirmed on the official agency page. Florida has TWO paths: (1) add a motorcycle endorsement to an existing Class E license — the BRC replaces any written test; (2) a Motorcycle Only license — the applicant must also pass the standard Class E knowledge test, 50 questions, 40 correct (80%) to pass. Either way the BRC is mandatory.