By Jessica Klipa

Jun. 1, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- MANATEE -- Starting July 1, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will no longer be giving a written and riding test for motorcyclists. Instead, it will require proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course through a third-party tester.

Through Manatee Community College's basic rider course, riders can earn the qualifications for a motorcycle endorsement on their license. The course teaches street-riding skills in the classroom and on training motorcycles provided by the college.

Nationally certified by the Motorcycle Safety Found- ation, the class is administered through MCC's Center for Corporate and Community Development and is available for riders ages 16 and older.

"Our classes are packed right now," said Cindy Hunter, MCC's director of Continuing and Community Education.

On the Bradenton and Venice campuses, MCC is enrolling more students due to the state requirements and partly due to rising gas prices. More people have called in saying that they want to invest in a motorcycle or scooter to save money on fuel, Hunter said.

But John Havell, co-owner of Action Kawasaki Yamaha, said he hasn't seen too many people take drastic measures like buying a motorcycle. Yes, motorcycle sales are doing well, but customers still tend to be the recreational riders.

"Right now, it's normal people are little more conscious," he said. "It's not like this night-and- day revelation where everybody's buying a motorcycle."

MCC also will offer an upcoming four-hour scooter school, which is recognized by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

An experienced-rider course is also available for people who use their own motorcycles and provide a permit from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles or a motorcycle endorsement. The fee is $135.

While some motorists may be downsizing their vehicles, there's an increased risk to for people choosing motorcycles, said Pat McCabe, director of MCC's Traffic Safety Institute.

In the last 10 years, motorcycle fatalities have risen significantly, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Motorcycle fatalities, which account for about 10 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities, doubled between 1996 and 2005.

But motorcycle accidents aren't the only accidents raising the death tolls, McCabe said.

As of now, one out of five drivers is over 65, a statistic that will increase as the aging population continues to grow, he said.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that drivers over 65 are about twice as likely to die in car crashes as drivers 55-64. As drivers reach their 70s and 80s those odds worsen.

That's why MCC is now offering a new six-hour "mature driving" class, certified through the Florida Safety Council. The class, which helps reduce insurance rates for drivers over 55, is designed to address issues such as night driving, tailgaters, road rage, pedestrian and parking lot safety and awareness of large trucks and SUVs.

Many aging drivers must also deal with slower response times and possibly a lack of confidence.

"They don't want to give up their personal freedom, but they are just terrified getting from point A to B," McCabe said. "It would be good for anybody, but it's particularly a good refresher course for mature drivers."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0027-25674562