Residents of New Jersey must apply in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office to obtain a New Jersey motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsem*nt for their existing license. All applicants, including first time drivers, must pass a vision test and a knowledge test. Those wanting to add an endorsem*nt must also prove that they can operate a motorcycle safely by either taking the Basic Rider Course or taking and passing the road test.
A New Jersey motorcycle permit requires the future license holder to practice driving a motorcycle in New Jersey for a period of time before applying for a license. The permit comes with some restrictions including the inability to carry passengers, driving only during daylight hours, and a restriction to utilizing limited access highways and roads that have tolls.
What is a New Jersey motorcycle endorsem*nt?
A New Jersey motorcycle endorsem*nt is an added credential obtained by an existing driver’s license holder who wants to be able to operate a motorcycle. This endorsem*nt serves the same purpose as obtaining a separate motorcycle license. To obtain the endorsem*nt the driver must prove that they have taken and passed the Basic Rider Course or forgo the course and pass the motorcycle driving test. They must also provide the MVC with proof of their identity by passing a six point of ID verification inspection.
Motorcycle Permit Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey residents must have a valid motorcycle license, permit, or motorcycle endorsem*nt to operate a motorcycle. Drivers acquire a motorcycle learner’s permit in New Jersey after passing a vision test and knowledge test, which allows them certain driving privileges in stages, including a period of supervised driving. They can best prepare for the motorcycle written test by studying the Driver and Motorcycle Manuals of New Jersey. Afterwards drivers apply for a motorcycle examination permit which makes them eligible to take the road test.
Below are some requirements to obtain a motorcycle examination permit in New Jersey:
- Must pass A 6 points of ID verification
- Applicants under 18 years of age must bring parent or guardian consent
- Basic Rider Completion Form – For those opting to take course
- Must have passed the knowledge test with at least 80% score
- Must meet the following practice/driving requirements after receiving the learner’s permit
- Six months of practice if younger than 21
- Three months of practice if older than 21
- No driving citations during the practice time
New Jersey Motorcycle Permit Rules and Restrictions
Driving a motorcycle with a permit in New Jersey allows you to practice and refine your driving skills but it does come with certain motorcycle permit restrictions. You are only able to drive from sunrise to sunset, as an example, and you must also not carry any passengers along with you. These restrictions must be followed to avoid the possibility of losing your permit.
How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in New Jersey
You must visit a motor vehicle agency to take the vision and knowledge tests to acquire a motorcycle learners permit in New Jersey. Permits are available only at agencies that provide driver testing services. You must come prepared by bringing your 6 Points of ID verification, and if younger than 18, your parental/guardianship consent paperwork. The New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission site provides a listing of all the facilities available, hours of operation and the services they offer.
New Jersey Motorcycle License Requirements
The requirements for motorcycle license in New Jersey vary due to the age, citizenship status and whether the driver chooses to enroll in a Basic Rider Course. All drivers must meet the minimum motorcycle license age requirements which say that they must be least 17 years of age, and if under 18 must have parental or guardianship consent. Below are requirements for drivers taking the safety course and for those that opt not to:
Taking Basic Rider Course
- Obtain a motorcycle examination permit
- Must apply for a permit at a local motor vehicle agency
- Must pass the knowledge and vision tests
- Must complete Auto Permit Application (Form BA-412C), found only at a motor vehicle agency
- Must pay fee of $5 by credit card, check, money order or cash
- Practice riding a motorcycle
- Riders under age 21 must practice riding a motorcycle for at least 6 months. Riders over age 21 must practice for at least 3 months. No driving citations or suspensions can occur during that time.
- Must follow the permit driving restrictions
- Take Basic Rider Training Course
- Must register with an approved motorcycle training provider available in the MVC website
- Must take and pass the training course which consists of approximately 5 hours of classroom study and 10 hours of driving time
- Obtain course completion documents
- Must have 100% participation in course
- Obtain completion card to prove successful completion of course
- Take and pass the motorcycle driving test
- Must bring own properly insured and registered motorcycle, eye protection and helmet to the test
- Obtain probationary motorcycle license and receive probationary driving privileges
- Must ride with this license for a minimum of one year
- Receive unrestricted motorcycle license
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have completed one year of riding under probationary license
- Must pay fee of $24 by credit card, check, money order or cash
Not Taking Basic Rider Course
- Obtain a motorcycle examination permit
- Must apply for a permit at a local motor vehicle agency
- Must pass the knowledge and vision tests
- Must complete Auto Permit Application (Form BA-412C), found only at a motor vehicle agency
- Must pay fee of $5 by credit card, check, money order or cash
- Practice riding a motorcycle
- Riders under age 21 must practice riding a motorcycle for at least 6 months. Riders over age 21 must practice for at least 3 months. No driving citations or suspensions can occur during that time.
- Must follow the permit driving restrictions
- Take and pass the motorcycle driving test
- Must bring own properly insured and registered motorcycle, eye protection and helmet to the test
- Obtain probationary license and receive probationary driving privileges
- Must ride with this license for a minimum of one year
- Receive unrestricted motorbike license
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have completed one year of riding under probationary license
- Must pay fee of $24 by credit card, check, money order or cash
Required Documents
You must bring with you to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office the following documentation in order to receive your unrestricted New Jersey motorcycle license:
- Your valid and current New Jersey driver’s license for those seeking an endorsem*nt
- 6 Point ID verification documents
- Basic Rider Course completion card
- Probationary motorcycle license
- A credit card, check, money order, or cash to cover the $24 fee.
How to Get a Motorcycle License in New Jersey
In New Jersey a MVC office is where to get a motorcycle license. An applicant must provide proof that all required steps have been taken, including the passing of courses, written and road tests, and driven their motorcycle the required time under each driving credential. The motorcycle driver must come prepared to pay the required fee of $24.
The renewal of a motorbike license in New Jersey can be done in person or may be done via mail if the driver receives a “Skip the trip” renewal package which includes instructions. After the driver completes the process he or she will receive a new photo license within 10 business days, which uses the same photo and signature on file and is good for 4 years. The fee is the same.
Getting a New Hampshire Motorcycle License as a New Resident
New residents of New Jersey may be able to transfer their motorcycle licensing credentials by visiting an MVC location within 60 days of establishing residency in the state or before their current M license expires. They must bring to the MVC their current, still valid, driver license from another state, and proof of New Jersey residency. They must also take and pass the New Jersey motorcycle written test and road test and pay the appropriate licensing fees.
Required Motorcycle Classes in Jersey
Taking and passing a motorcycle Basic Rider Course from the Motorcycle Safety Education Program is a requirement for applicants under age 18. It is also how any driver can prove that they have received the appropriate motorcycle training in New Jersey and are able to safely drive a motorcycle. This motorcycle class includes 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of actual driving time.
New Jersey DMV Motorcycle Test Details
Motorcycle drivers are required to pass a vision test, knowledge test, and a motorcycle driving test before they can receive their motorcycle license. Some drivers take a Basic Rider Course to help them pass the skills test. These tests are provided at various stages of the licensing process, with the vision and knowledge testing coming when the first time driver is applying for a motorcycle permit.
Vision Test
- Must be taken at motor vehicle agencies which provide driver testing services
- You must have 20/50 vision in both eyes, with or without the benefit of corrective lenses.
- If you fail testing you must visit your doctor and complete Form ST-14
Motorcycle Written Test
- You can best prepare for the testing by studying the NJ driver manual
- You will be asked 20 multiple choice questions
- All tests have random questions
- You must score 80% or higher to pass
Motorcycle Road Test
- Must bring your own registered and insure motorcycle, as well as helmet and proper eye protection to the exam
- Tests your driving practices and habits
- Tests your ability to handle your vehicle in all kinds of conditions
- Tests your knowledge of traffic signs, signals and the rules of the roadway
- Tests your coping mechanisms for dealing with stressful traffic
Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter in New Jersey?
A New Jersey motorcycle license is needed to drive a scooter because according to New Jersey law, a scooter falls under the classification of a motorcycle. On the other hand if you own a moped a standard license or a moped license is all that is required.
New Jersey Motorcycle License Costs
The motorcycle license cost in New Jersey depends on the type of licensing you are obtaining. How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license? Below you can see answer to that question and more.
- Motorcycle permit – $5
- Examination permit – $10
- New motorcycle license/endorsem*nt – $24
- Renewal of motorcycle license/endorsem*nt – $24
New Jersey Motorbike License Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.
Sources
- Motorcycle from state.nj.us
