What do Riders Think? Evaluating Motorcycle Rider Training from the Perspective of Newly-Endorsed Motorcyclists in Florida

In 2008, Florida became one of the first states to require individuals to complete a motorcycle training course to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. The purpose of this study was to gain feedback from students that have recently received a motorcycle endorsement through Florida’s rider training program. 

Data was collected as part of a larger survey commissioned by the Florida Department of Transportation.  Surveys (n = 864) were distributed at nine Florida training programs and 398 responses were obtained.  The majority of participants rated the course “excellent” (78.9%) and the average motorcycle-related self-efficacy score after the course was 5.63 out of 7.  Participants’ self-reported riding competencies significantly increased across six domains (i.e. general riding, crash avoidance, dangerous road conditions, effects of alcohol, protective gear, visibility to drivers) after the course. Students rated their knowledge of the effects of alcohol before having taken the course highly (5.04 out of 6) though, and this domain showed the smallest increase (0.64 points).  Conversely, students rated their crash avoidance skills before the course poorly (2.10 out of 6) and this domain showed the largest increase (2.77 points).     

Students find the current Florida training program effective overall, however results indicate that the course is more effective at increasing students’ perceived competencies in domains in which they self-report lower proficiency prior to taking the course such as crash avoidance skills. Additional research should objectively validate students’ self-appraisals and ensure training content reflects students’ learning needs.