Motorcycles & Danger

Believe it or not, motorcycle licensing isn’t the same as a regular motor vehicle license. Since motorcyclists face increased dangers on the road, there are a few extra hoops that you have to jump through before you can receive a motorcycle endorsement.

Motorcyclists are one of the least protected groups of drivers on the roads, where the bulk of their protection comes from the clothes they wear, which includes helmets and goggles. Across the United States, there were 93,000 motorcyclists injured during 2012. During the same year, there were 491 motorcycle fatalities in Florida (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2014).

Motorcycle Only License

A motorcycle only license will authorize an individual to drive a motorcycle only. If you are under 18 years of age, you must hold a learner’s license for at least 12 months or until your 18th birthday before a Class E Motorcycle Only license can be issued. A driver will not be issued a Class E Motorcycle Only license if they have any moving traffic violations. Additionally, before any motorcycle endorsement is given, a driver must provide proof that they have completed an approved motorcycle safety course. Click here to find a motorcycle safety course near you.

The other option that a motorcyclist has for their license is known as a Motorcycle Also license. This authorizes an individual to drive both a motorcycle and a car. However, it can only be obtained after an individual has a Class E license or higher, or meets the requirements to get one. Click here to learn how to get your Class E license.

Sources:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2014). Traffic Safety Facts.  
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812035.pdf