TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

New Motorcycle Riders Need To Pass Course

ADVERTISEMENT

By Joe  Seelig | Highlands Today

Published: July 3, 2008

SEBRING — With more riders hitting the long, lonesome highway, those who want a ticket to ride and don't already have a motorcycle endorsement now have to successfully complete a "Basic Rider Course" before being allowed to ride on public roads.

As of July 1, motorcyclists are required to pass the course through the Florida Rider Trainer Program.
"If you've got a motorcycle endorsement, you're grandfathered in," said Avon Park Police Chief Matt Doughney.

Before July 1, anyone over the age of 21 could take and pass the knowledge test and skills test and get a motorcycle endorsement, said Sandra Lambert, director of the Division of Driver Licenses.
"After July 1, everyone will have to take the class and pass the test, no matter their age," Lambert said.

Future motorcyclists will be able to find a Basic Rider Course sponsor or teacher on Division of Driver Licenses' Web site at http://motorcycles.hsmv.state.fl.us/.

"Upon successful completion, the sponsor will transmit the results electronically to the department and inform the customer to apply at the nearest driver's license office for the endorsement," she said.
Bill Monts-De-Oca is the owner of two Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealerships in Lake Wales and Lakeland.

"I think it's a good idea for everyone to take a class," Monts-De-Oca said. "I take one myself periodically, and I've been riding since 1964. I'm 58 now, so that gives you an idea."

He was 14 years old when he started riding, if you're doing the math.
The new law includes motor-scooters 50 cubic centimeters and up, he said.

"Many new riders, not enthusiasts, don't have the desire or ability to pass the class and there is not a special scooter class," he added.

His stores are charging $250 for the Basic Riders Class, but Harley-Davidson's course is longer and more intensive, he said.

"The test is part of the course," he said. "It's a pass-or-fail test."

Diana Dickerson is the program manager for the Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge Program. Harley-Davidson does not offer courses for riders requiring modified equipment or ride motor-tricycles or scooters.

"For 49 cubic centimeters or lower, no motorcycle license is required," she said.

The 25-hour Basic Riders course she offers runs four days, starting Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Our riders edge course is 10 hours longer (than those courses offered elsewhere)," she said.

Locally, the course is being offered at Sebring High School, through Motorcycle Rider Instruction Inc. (MRI), a Miami-based company, according to the state's Web site.
Course fees may vary from sponsor to sponsor.

MRI offers private lessons to obtain a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Completion Certificate or an abbreviated program to enhance riding skills, according to its Web site.
MRI can also be contacted by e-mail at MRIRide@aol.com .

In Polk County, the course is offered in four locations: Ridge Harley-Davidson/Buell in Lake Wales at 863-734-0050 or on the Web at http://www.hdlakeland.com; Harley-Davidson/Buell of Lakeland, by calling 863-802-1971 or Harley-Davidson at http://www.ridersedge.com; also Motorcycle Riders Association in Lakeland at 863-683-4322 with a Web site at http://www.motorcycletrainingfl.com; and Motorcycle Safety Training of Polk County Inc. in Winter Haven at 863-676-2469 with a Website at http://www.Learn2ridenow.com .

No courses are offered in Hardee County or DeSoto counties, according to the state's Web site.
The motor vehicle department stated in a press release that consumers can also call 850-488-3286 and locate a sponsor nearest them.

Riding a motorcycle in Florida without an endorsement may result in impoundment of the motorcycle and arrest.

Joe Seelig can be reached at 863-386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT