Small Group and Private Motorcycle / Scooter Training

So....you want to ride a motorcycle or scooter?  The street is no place to learn.  We are dedicated to offering you a safe and enjoyable learning experience.  We have small group and private instruction options that will help you learn at your pace and comfort level.

It's the law..... to receive a Florida Motorcycle Endorsement, you must take a recognized Safety Course that includes both written and practical evaluations, that are administered by State Certified Instructors.  A motorcycle endorsement is required for riding a scooter with an engine size over 50cc.

Upon successful completion of the Basic Rider Course, you will be issued an MSF Completion Card and you will be registered in the Florida Department of Motor Vehicle database as having completed the requirements for a Florida Motorcycle Endorsement.

We offer classes in two locations in Manatee County.  The classroom and instructional range facilities are located at Palmetto High School,1200 17th Street West in Palmetto and at Manatee Technical Institute, 5603 34th Street West in Bradenton

Jim & Theresa Kapper are certified as RiderCoaches by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Florida Rider Training Program.  They have more than 10 years combined experience helping people learn to ride safely and responsibly.

The cost for the Basic Rider Course is $175.

Private instruction or groups smaller than 4, please call (941) 794-8701 or e-mail jimkapper@juno.com for special pricing.

Cash, check, money order or PayPal accepted.

Your registration receipt and program packet are mailed when payment is received (allow 7 to 10 days for personal checks to clear).  Rider Handbook (text) is included and must be brought to class. 

The first question most people ask is, "What do I need for the class?"

Here is a brief list to help you....

1. A valid Florida Driver License. 

2.  Proper clothing including a long sleeve shirt or jacket, long pants, over the ankle footwear (high top shoes or boots), eye protection, full finger gloves and a DOT approved helmet (we have some to loan).

3. About 15 - 20 hours of time where you can be involved and have fun learning to ride.

Your registration fee covers the classroom materials, the motorcycle and an MSF / FRTP certified RiderCoach to assist in your learning.  You are allowed to use your own scooter for the class if you prefer.  Please make arrangements before the class begins.

If you have more questions about the program, take an interactive tour of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course. To take the tour, click on the link below.

The Basic Rider Course is a 15 hour program with approximately 5 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of range activities.  A typical schedule for the weekend program is as follows:

Thursday evening (6pm to 8pm) classroom, covering Unit I - Course Introduction, Unit II - Introduction to Motorcycling and Unit III - Preparing to Ride.

Saturday morning (7:30am to Noon), Level I range activities.  Saturday afternoon (1pm to 4pm), classroom, covering Unit IV - Street Strategies with written evaluation.

Sunday morning (7:30am to Noon), Level II range activities, with riding evaluation.  Sunday afternoon, course Wrap-Up.

For additional course information, dates the class is offered and available openings, call (941) 794-8701 or e-mail