"Let's Get S.M.A.R.T. About Riding"

Free Motorcycle Rider Training Grant Funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
Hosted by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) Motorcycle Officers

Motorcycle-related fatalities and motorcycle crashes, in general, are a big concern. The only way to help mitigate the problem is through awareness and training. That’s why JSO joined together with FDOT to provide this program free of cost to the citizens of Jacksonville. 

The acronym SMART stands for Safe Motorcycle and Rider Techniques. The GOAL of SMART training is: “To help students demonstrate safe motorcycle riding techniques by negotiating commonly found street riding situations in a controlled and skill oriented manner.” To accomplish our goal, SMART training is broken down into objectives that focus on the four primary areas that can be applied to any aspect of motorcycle riding. These include the proper use of head and eyes during turning, dipping the bike in order to facilitate transitioning, leaning the bike to make tighter turns, and properly manipulating the clutch, throttle, and brake, in order to properly work within the motorcycle’s grey area. The training is conducted in a closed course instructed by highly trained law enforcement motor officers using the very same techniques that place them in the top 5% of all riders. Each student receives individualized attention which positively reinforces the skills sets the course tries to improve. If the student has paid attention and applied themselves, they will leave a better rider than when they came in. By working together, we can lower the number of motorcycle-related fatalities and crashes. We look forward to seeing you at our SMART Course. Before your class, we strongly encourage you to review this area in its entirety. It is your responsibility to have read and have a clear understanding of this information before class. To apply for the class please fill out the application at the bottom of this page.

2025 Class Information

All classes are held on Saturdays. In the event of rain, classes will be rescheduled to the following day.

• January 18, 2025 
• February 1, 2025
• March 8, 2025
• March 29, 2025
• April 12, 2025
• April 26, 2025
• May 10, 2025
• May 24, 2025

Times:
Registration begins at 7 a.m. - 7:40 a.m. Safety Briefings start at 7:40 a.m. with a course walk-through, and the classes will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 2 p.m.

Location:
The classes scheduled for January 18 and February 1 are set to take place at Florida State College at Jacksonville - Downtown Campus, 101 West State Street in the parking lot at the corner of N. Laura Street and Bethel Baptist Church.

All other classes (March 8 - May 24) are scheduled to take place at the Northeast Florida Criminal Justice Center (Police Academy) located at 4715 Capper Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218

Attendance Policy

Classes start ON TIME. Individuals who are late and have not registered by 7:40 a.m. will forfeit their position in the class.

Requirements

This course is free of charge; however, every rider must register with a valid driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement and sign a waiver. A mandatory rider safety briefing will be held immediately after registration. 
 

What to Bring to the Class 

• Valid Driver’s License
• Motorcycle Endorsement
• A mechanically sound motorcycle (no leaking fluids, worn tires, etc.) with a valid registration
• Over the ankle footwear (footwear which covers the ankle bone and provides support)
• Long pants
• Long sleeve shirt or lightweight jacket
• Eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are acceptable)
• Department of Transportation approved helmet 
• Gloves
• Food and drinks are not provided by JSO. Please plan ahead as we will not break for lunch.
  • Water, Powerade, Gatorade or some other non-alcoholic beverage.
    • Participants are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids 1 to 2 hours before the start of their range session and continue to do so throughout the range session.
  • Snacks are optional, remember you will be outside on a driving pad with limited shade! 
• Sunscreen, rain gear and a change of clothing are usually good to have available.

It is the responsibility of each rider to have everything needed to attend this course. Anyone arriving without the mandatory riding equipment will not be permitted to participate. If you have registered online for the course and determine later that you will not be able to attend, please JSOSmartProgram@jaxsheriff.org to cancel or reschedule. This will allow other riders to fill those spots. By working together, we can lower the number of motorcycle-related fatalities and crashes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive a discount on insurance?
Completion of this course does not offer any discounts on insurance. However, each student will leave a better rider than when they arrived.

Will this course help me get my motorcycle endorsement?
This course is not designed to assist new riders with obtaining their motorcycle endorsement. Anyone attending must have a valid motorcycle endorsement to register. This course will teach any rider the fundamentals needed to safely operate a motorcycle.

Can I participate in the class if I am under the age of 18?
Yes, if you are under the age of 18, have a valid driver's license with motorcycle endorsement you can take the class. A parent/guardian must sign the waivers, and be present for the duration of the class.
 

Contact Information

If you have questions about this class or need to reschedule please email JSOSMARTProgram@jaxsheriff.org.
 

Registration