New Jersey Motorcycle Licensing
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Motorcycle License, Motorcycle License Endorsements, Permits, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated as of 1/25/21. For the most up to date information, please visit https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/
Operating a Motorcycle in New Jersey
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) manages motorcycle permit, license and license endorsement requirements. According to the New Jersey Driver Manual, the classification of motorcycles includes motorcycles, autocycles, motor bikes, bicycles with a motor attached, and all other motor operated vehicles of the bicycle or tricycle (trike) type, but not motorized bicycles. Every New Jersey resident who operates a motorcycle or trike must have a New Jersey motorcycle driver’s license or a motorcycle endorsement on an existing New Jersey basic or commercial license. Exceptions may apply; see manual for details.
To operate a motorcycle legally in New Jersey, all riders must:
- Be at least 17 years of age (15 for moped only)
- Obtain a motorcycle permit, license or endorsement
- Maintain vehicle registration
- Retain New Jersey minimum required insurance coverage
All riders, regardless of age, must first obtain a motorcycle permit before earning a license or license endorsement. A motorcycle permit gives riders the opportunity to develop their riding skills before pursuing a license or license endorsement.
Riders with a New Jersey’s driver’s license are not required to obtain a separate motorcycle license or endorsement for “low-speed” motorcycles; these vehicles are classified as “mopeds” with a maximum speed of not more than 25 miles per hour, have an engine size greater than 50 cubic centimeters (cc), or have a 1.5 brake horsepower motor or less.
New Jersey Motorcycle Permit Process
All applicants will be required to obtain a motorcycle permit to operate a motorcycle. To obtain a motorcycle permit in New Jersey, all applicants will need to:
Step 1
- Must be at least 17 years old; parent/guardian consent required under age 18
- Apply for a permit at MVC
- Pass 6 point ID verification
- Pass MVC’s knowledge and vision tests
- Pay permit fee
Step 2 – Practice Ride
- Under 21 – practice ride for at least 6 months
- Over 21 – practice ride for at least 3 months without any suspensions or postponements
- Observe motorcycle permit riding restrictions:
- Operating a motorcycle from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise
- Carrying passengers
- Riding on any state toll road or limited access highway
Getting a New Jersey Motorcycle License
There are two ways to earn a motorcycle license in New Jersey without possessing a regular license:
- Complete the Basic Rider Course (requirement for riders under 18)
- Apply for license without enrolling in the Basic Rider Course
Step 3 – IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD – Take Basic Rider Course with an Approved Motorcycle Training Provider and get course completion card. Steps 2 and 3 can be interchanged.
Step 4 – Take Motorcycle Road Test at MVC Test Site – bring your own registered and insured motorcycle, helmet and eye protection.
Step 5 – Get Class E Probationary Motorcycle License
- Must be 18
- Must pass road test Pay required fees
Step 6 – Probationary Riding Privileges
- Ride for at least one year
- Observe Graduated Driver’s License restrictions
Getting a New Jersey Motorcycle Endorsement
A rider with a New Jersey driver’s license must obtain a license endorsement to operate a motorcycle (or trike) legally on public roads in the Garden State. There are two ways a motorcycle endorsement can be obtained for riders who have a regular New Jersey driver’s license:
- Enroll in the Basic Rider Course – requirement for riders under age 18
- Apply with the MVC without completing the Basic Rider Course
All riders are required to obtain a motorcycle permit.
Take Basic Riding Course
Step 1 – Take Basic Rider Course
- Enroll with an approved motorcycle training provider
- Take and complete training course
- Receive stamped waiver form and a completion card
Step 2 – Get Motorcycle Endorsement
- Bring course completion documents to a MVC driving test center
- Apply for a permit at MVC
- Pass 6 point ID verification
- Pass MVC’s vision tests
- Pay permit fee
Apply Without Taking Basic Riding Course
Step 1 – Obtain motorcycle permit – see Step 1 under Motorcycle Permit Process.
Step 2 – Practice Ride
- Practice ride for at least 20 days
- Observe motorcycle permit riding restrictions:
- Operating a motorcycle from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise
- Carrying passengers
- Riding on any state toll road or limited access highway
Step 3 – Take Motorcycle Road Test at MVC Test Site
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Bring your own registered and insured motorcycle, helmet and eye protection
Step 4 – Get Motorcycle Endorsement – pay required fee
Important Note: Anyone who takes the road test at MVC on a motorcycle that is 231cc or less is restricted to riding a 500cc or less motorcycle. If the road skills test is completed on a motor operated tricycle, otherwise known as a “trike,” then the license endorsement will be limited to operating a 3-wheeled motorcycle (trike) only. Riders who are restricted will be required to carry an MVC-issued restriction card while operating the motorcycle.
Motorcycle Education in New Jersey
It is strongly encouraged that all motorcyclists sign up for a motorcycle safety course. The MVC provides motorcycle permit, license and endorsement applicants with safety course information and locations throughout the state. Each instructor is certified through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
New Jersey Motorcycle Permit, License and Endorsement Fees
The MVC regulates the fee schedule for the motorcycle permit, license and license endorsement.
To find out the required fees to obtain New Jersey motorcycle permits, licenses and endorsements, visit https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/license/licfees.htm.
If you’re riding a motorcycle, you will have the same requirements regarding registration, licensing and insurance as all other drivers in New Jersey. For information about New Jersey insurance requirements, visit the https://www.nj.gov/dobi/division_insurance/index.htm.
By now, you should have a good idea about how to proceed in obtaining a New Jersey motorcycle license. If you are a new resident in New Jersey, or you are a new rider and you’re shopping for motorcycle insurance, click here to get a quote in minutes.
Disclaimer: The materials available at this web site are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should review the links within this article, or contact the relevant state agency, for complete and current information.
The NJ MVC requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in New Jersey, make sure your coverage meets the state’s requirements.
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