Motorcycle: Florida Rider Training Program

Florida Rider Training Program — Motorcycle Safety Course

Experience excellence in motorcycling at Florida State College at Jacksonville

Motorcycles can provide many hours of enjoyable riding pleasure, save fuel and be easy to park. Unfortunately, many riders never learn the critical skills needed to ride safely. Professional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for real world traffic situations.

Motorcycle rider courses teach and improve activities such as:

Effective turning
Braking maneuvers
Protective apparel selection
Obstacle avoidance
Traffic strategies
Responsible attitudes

The Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP) uses curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The Basic course provides entry-level skills for a new rider, including the knowledge and skills necessary to ride safely on the streets and highways. Insurance, motorcycle, helmet and student handbook are provided for the course. Students must provide eye protection, gloves (full hand coverage), long pants, long sleeved shirt or jacket, and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear.

Effective July 1, 2008, all persons seeking the motorcycle license must successfully complete a Basic Rider Course. Schedule a course now! Upon successful completion of the course, graduates are exempt from further testing at a driver license office and may be entitled to insurance premium discounts through participating insurance companies. View FAQs from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (PDF). Note: PDF files require Adobe Reader software. Download the free Adobe Reader from Adobe’s Web site.

Fall Term Classes

Basic Rider Course

Fall classes with seats available can be viewed here.

Course	Reference Number	Dates of Class
SSC 0480U	314583	Nov. 11, 14 and 15
SSC 0480U	314591	Nov. 18, 21 and 22
SSC 0480U	314592	Dec. 2, 5 and 6
SSC 0480U	314593	Dec. 9, 12 and 13

Experienced Rider Course

Fall classes with seats available can be viewed here.

Course	Reference Number	Dates of Class
SSC 0370O	313912	Oct. 12
SSC 0370O	313913	Nov. 11

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation “Experienced Rider Course” — The ERC Suite is a one day seminar format open to riders who have successfully completed the Basic Rider Course or have sufficient riding skills and experiences to operate a motorcycle with basic proficiency. You must have the motorcycle endorsement on your license. Riders must provide their own motorcycles and show proof of insurance on the machine. Motorcycles must pass a tech inspection. Unsafe cycles will not be allowed. Class size is limited to 12 riders. Classes may be custom scheduled for groups with advance notice. Contact Jeff Garfield for more information.

Introduction to Motorcycling

Fall classes with seats available can be viewed here.

Course	Reference Number	Dates of Class
SSC 0480E	314701	Oct. 4
SSC 0480E	314702	Nov. 1
SSC 0480E	314703	Dec. 6

NEW — The “Intro to Motorcycling” — This course will explain the basics of motorcycling for potential riders. It is the perfect class for anyone contemplating learning to ride a motorcycle. Consisting of classroom and real on cycle instruction, this 4-5 hour introduction can easily be done in a day. Get a taste of riding without a big investment of time or money. Find out if riding is for you and if you have the basic skills needed to be prepared for the full license earning Basic Rider Course. Contact Jeff Garfield for more information.

New for Three Wheel Owners, Florida State College at Jacksonville is a certified training site for licensing!

Own a trike, side car rig or the new Can-Am Spyder?

You can take the STEP course on your machine for licensing at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Classes are limited to six people per class. Look for scheduled classes to start in February 2009 at our North Campus site. We are approved for three wheel training for Florida licensing with a certified instructor on staff. To find out more, e–mail communication is best for detailed information. You must also transport your machine to the North Campus training site for the Range Sessions and provide proof of insurance. We may require a tech inspection on site to ensure the vehicle is in condition to meet the course requirements. We are excited about bringing this training to North Florida.

Attention New Scooter Owners!

You can take the Basic Rider Course on your scooter for licensing. You will need to notify us prior to the start of your class that you intend to use a scooter during class (e–mail communication is preferred) . You must also transport your scooter to the North Campus training site for the Range Sessions on Saturday and Sunday and provide proof of insurance on the scooter. We may require a tech inspection on site to ensure the vehicle is in condition to meet the course requirements. We are limited to less than 500cc only. Note: Be aware you will not have experience shifting a motorcycle, as scooters have automatic transmissions, so although you will receive a “Motorcycle” license, you will only know how to ride with an automatic transmission.

No Seats Available?

Students sometimes register for a class but do not pay by the payment due date. These students will be dropped from the class and create openings for additional students. Check a class for available seats on the Thursday before it is scheduled to start or consider being a “standby.” Standby works like this: if there is a last minute opening in a class, standby students will be offered the spot in that class in the order that they signed up as a standby. Contact Jeff Garfield to be placed on the standby list.

How to Register

Current and returning students can register online for course number and title SSC 0480U - Motorcycle: Florida Rider Training Program (Basic). After you register, please update your personal information in Connections. A current phone number and e-mail address (if you have one) help ensure you will be notified if there is a modification to your selected course. Payment for each class is due one week before the class starts, so remember to pay your fee quickly to retain your seat.

Not a student? You can apply online.

For more information, contact Jeff Garfield at 904.766.6684.

What Students Have to Say About the Class

“I had the pleasure of taking the Motorcycle Safety Course at your North Campus. The instructors, Dick Shrum and Vince Seibold, were very knowledgeable, professional and helpful. They made a challenging and extremely interactive program run smoothly and successfully. These gentleman showed extraordinary patience and understanding for individuals who were challenged by the course. Keep up the great work!”

Sincerely, Scott Hodges
Principal, Yulee Elementary School in Nassau County
“I recently took a motorcycle safety class and wanted to offer some feedback. This was my first experience riding a motorcycle and I have learned a great deal in three days. I want to take a moment and commend your instructors for doing such a wonderful job. I think I may have been the worst student in the class; however, they were very patient and caring with their instruction. Most of the maneuvers that we had to do were challenging (for me) but rewarding. I will surely recommend this class to anyone who is looking to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Kudos to Jeff, Butch and Vince for doing a great job and putting up with me for three days!!! Again, I want to let you all know what a fabulous job you all are doing. Please continue to show patience and offer the students words of encouragement.”
Kimberly Armstrong
Duval County Public Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to take the course?
- Motorcycle gloves, full finger, leather preferred
- Over the ankle shoes or boots
- Sturdy pants
- Long sleeve shirt and/or jacket
- Eye protection such as plastic sunglasses
- Note: If you have a ¾ or full coverage helmet, please bring your own. We do have some loaner helmets.
Do I need or use my own motorcycle? We provide the cycles for the Basic Course.
What kind of bikes do you use? All training cycle have full size frames although they may be 250-125cc displacement machines.
How much is the class? The course is $215. You can apply online. Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change by action of the College’s District Board of Trustees. Current tuition and fees will be posted at the time of registration.
Where is the course offered? At the Florida State College at Jacksonville North Campus, 4501 Capper Road. (Directions and map)
How long is the course? Three (3) class meetings. A Wednesday night from 6-10 p.m., and all day Saturday and Sunday (7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. both days).
Are we riding every class? No, only on the Saturday and Sunday. Wednesday night is in the classroom. There is a second in-class session on Saturday after the riding session, and on Sunday after the riding session we will have evaluations and class closure.
How many students are in a class? Your class has only twelve (12) students.
What happens if I cannot finish the class? You have 60 days to complete the course once you enroll, providing space is available in another class within that period. If you cannot complete in that time, you must re-enroll and pay again.
What if I fail an evaluation? You will have an opportunity to retest one time. You cannot retest on that same day.
Do I get my license at the end of the class? Upon successful completion of the course your information will be transmitted to the DHSMV data base. After three days, you may go to any DMV office and apply for the motorcycle endorsement. We have the option of also providing you with a completion card which may be used for other purposes such as possible reduced insurance rates. The completion card is not used for licensing if issued after July 1, 2008.
How long has Florida State College at Jacksonville offered the program? Since 1981 — 2009 is our 28th year offering quality rider training to our North Florida First Coast area!

View FAQs from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (PDF). Note: PDF files require Adobe Reader software. Download the free Adobe Reader from Adobe’s Web site.

Useful Links*

*These Web sites are not affiliated with Florida State College at Jacksonville and no endorsement is implied.