Motorcycle License in New Jersey

Whether you're riding away from the Jersey Devil or cruising out to the beach, you can save time while enjoying the New Jersey scenery on the back of a motorcycle. Keep reading for information on earning your NJ motorcycle credentials.

New to New Jersey?

If you recently moved to New Jersey but already have an out-of-state motorcycle license/endorsement, you may be able to easily transfer your credentials. You'll need to visit your local NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office within 60 days of moving to New Jersey (or before your current license expires) and:

  • Surrender your current valid out-of-state license.
  • Provide proof of identification and NJ residency.
  • Pass the written and road exams IF your out-of-state motorcycle license is expired.
  • Pay the applicable NJ motorcycle permit and licensing fees (see below).

The MVC will then issue you your New Jersey motorcycle credentials, which will be valid for 4 years.

NOTE: If you're younger than 18 years old, you'll be required to complete the Motor Vehicle Commission's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program prior to getting your NJ motorcycle license.

Types of NJ Motorcycle Credentials

In New Jersey, you can choose to either apply for a:

  • Motorcycle license IF you do NOT already have a standard driver's license.
    OR
  • Motorcycle endorsement added to your current NJ driver's license.

Both types of credentials allow you to operate motorcycles and trikes on New Jersey roads.

NJ Motorcycle Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to receive a New Jersey motorcycle license or endorsement, you must:

  • Be at least 17 years old.
    • If you're younger than 18 years old, you must have your parent or legal guardian's consent to apply.
  • Earn your motorcycle permit (see below).
  • Complete a NJ Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP) Basic Rider Course (see below for details).
    • Required if you're younger than 18 years old.
  • Pass the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission's motorcycle road test.
    • Completion of a MSEP Basic Rider Course will waive the MVC's motorcycle road test for motorcycle endorsement applicants only.

New Jersey Motorcycle Permits

You'll need to be at least 17 years old to apply for a New Jersey motorcycle permit.

In order to get your motorcycle permit*, visit your local Motor Vehicle Commission office branch and:

  • Submit a motorcycle permit application (provided at the MVC).
  • Provide residency and identification documents that satisfy the Motor Vehicle Commission's requirements.
  • Take a vision screening.
  • Pass the written motorcycle knowledge test.
    • You can use the New Jersey Motorcycle Manual to prepare for the MVC's written test.
  • Pay the $5 permit fee.

You'll then receive your New Jersey motorcycle permit! You can use your permit to practice riding, and if you're under 18 years old, to enroll in the required MSEP Basic RiderCourse.

* NOTE: If you're applying for a New Jersey motorcycle endorsement and opted to enroll in the Motorcycle Safety Education Program's Basic Rider Course, you don't have to worry about first getting a motorcycle permit.

NJ Motorcycle Permit Restrictions

Even though you're probably excited to get out on the road, you should be aware of the restrictions that apply to riding a motorcycle with a NJ motorcycle permit. You are prohibited from:

  • Riding between sunset and sunrise.
  • Transporting passengers.
  • Using state toll roads or limited-access highways.

Additionally, you must hold your permit for a certain period of time before going to take the motorcycle road test. Your holding period depends on your age and license type:

  • Motorcycle license:
    • Under 21 years old: At least 6 months.
    • 21 years old and older: At least 3 months.
  • Motorcycle endorsement: At least 20 days.

Getting Your NJ License or Endorsement

Once you've practiced riding with your NJ motorcycle permit for the required amount of time, you can take the final step towards getting either your motorcycle license or endorsement.

Get Your NJ Motorcycle License

If you're younger than 18 years old, you'll need to have completed the MSEP's Basic Rider Course before scheduling your motorcycle road test. Adult applicants are not required to enroll in a motorcycle education course, though it can still help you pass the MVC's road test.

To schedule an appointment with one of the Motor Vehicle Commission's road testing sites, call (609) 292-6500. You will need to bring your own registered and insured motorcycle to the road test.

Once you've passed your motorcycle road skills exam, you can go to your local MVC office branch and submit your:

  • Validated motorcycle permit.
  • Certificate of MSEP course completion (if applicable).
  • Proof of identity and residency.
  • Payment for your $24 motorcycle license fee

You'll then receive your probationary, Class E, NJ motorcycle license! You can ride your motorcycle without supervision, but will have to stay within the parameters set around probationary New Jersey licenses.

After at least 1 years of riding with a probationary license, you'll receive your unrestricted NJ motorcycle license. Your New Jersey motorcycle license will be valid for 4 years.

Get Your NJ Motorcycle Endorsement

The process for getting your motorcycle endorsement in New Jersey differs based on whether you completed the New Jersey Motorcycle Safety Education Program's Basic RiderCourse.

Course Graduates

If you completed the MSEP's Basic RiderCourse (required for applicants younger than 18 years old), visit your local MVC office and:

  • Provide your:
  • Pass the vision test.
  • Pay the $42 motorcycle endorsement fee.

Non-RiderCourse Applicants

If you did NOT enroll in a MSEP Basic Rider Course, you'll need to have first earned and practiced riding with your motorcycle permit. Then, you can schedule a motorcycle road skills test at a Motor Vehicle Commission test site by calling (609) 292-6500. You will need to bring your own insured and registered motorcycle to the road test.

Once you've passed the motorcycle road test, you can go to your local New Jersey MVC office branch and present the following:

  • Written proof that you passed the motorcycle road test.
  • Proof of identity and New Jersey residency.
  • Payment for the motorcycle endorsement fee. Payment for the $42 motorcycle endorsement fee.

Motorcycle Education in New Jersey

In New Jersey, motorcycle education plays a large role in the motorcycle licensing process.

Enrolling in a Motorcycle Safety Education Program Basic RiderCourse will waive the Motor Vehicle Commission's written and road tests for motorcycle endorsements. Plus, it's required of ALL applicants who are younger than 18 years old.

Whether it's required of you or not, taking a MSEP course will give you the best preparation for the MVC's road test and teach you valuable skills like:

  • Braking and turning smoothly.
  • Sharing the road with other drivers.
  • Procedure in emergency situations.
  • Finding the safest route for riding.

If you'd like to learn more about MSEP motorcycle education in NJ and/or enroll in a Basic Rider Course, you can:

  • Call (609) 633-9308.
  • Check out the Motorcycle Safety Education Program's website.

Fees for NJ Motorcycle Credentials

The costs associated with getting your New Jersey motorcycle license or endorsement are as follows:

  • Motorcycle permit: $5.
  • Motorcycle (Class E) license: $24.
  • Motorcycle endorsement: $42.
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