If youwant to learn to ride, start out by reading this a few times:
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/handbooks/Motorcycles/
Then, get refreshed on a bicycle. Then, if you can, ride a friends manual 4 wheeler. That helped me get used to a hand clutch with the stability of 4 wheels under me. Then if you have a friend who's willing to let you ride their beater (small cc) do that. I personally refreshed my biking skills on my friends little XR-50 (child's dirtbike, or a very fun adult toy). Then take the MSF course. They will teach you just about everything you need to know. The cheapest one is at Armwood high school. It's $175, everywhere else is atleast $225. Just go there on a tuesday evening, go into the counselors office i believe, and there will be a lady there to sign you up. Armwood is just off I-4. You take the Thonosasous (sp?) exit. Don't let the gay class discourage you, the riding course is enjoyable. And don't worry about it either, everyone in my class passed, with most having no experiance at all. I of coarse did the best with 100% on both the written and skills test. Sign up as soon as possible though since there is a waiting list. Riding illegal sucks while waiting to take the course, wait, i never did that.....
And the MSF course is a must, I thought I knew everything and i still learned a little. Oh, and as far as skipping the Basic course and going to advanced, well the advanced is like the basic, except you do it on your own bike. They teach you a little bit more advanced things too. I'd take it, but my exhaust is illegal and i...ugh....don't have proof of insurance. The instructors said it was required to do the advanced course. Oh, if you're under 21, there's no way to get out of taking the beginners course. They won't even let you get a permit. Damn, i just looked at your profile, graduating too? Where do you go? PM me.