Motorcycle License in New Jersey

Obtain a Motorcycle Permit

You must be at least 17 years of age to operate a motorcycle, and requirements for a Graduated Driver License (GDL) apply to 17-year-old applicants who do not already hold a basic driver license. If you already hold a basic driver license, you can add a motorcycle endorsement to it. Otherwise, you'll be issued a Class E motorcycle license.

To obtain a motorcycle permit and license:

• Visit any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Agency and complete the required application. Present the completed form, your current New Jersey license (if you have one), and proof of identity according to the state's six-point verification system.

• Pay a $5 to fee to receive an examination permit, Driver Manual, and Motorcycle Manual. These handbooks contain the rules and regulations you need to study for the written knowledge tests.

Once you have studied the manuals, present your permit at any Driver Testing Center to take the knowledge and vision tests. (This must be done within 90 days of receiving your permit, or the permit will expire.)

Motorcycle Examination Permit Restrictions

You are free to ride once you have your permit. You must, however, abide by the following restrictions:

• No riding on state toll roads or limited-access highways

• No riding from one half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise

• No passengers

NOTE: As of May 17, 2011 motorcycle permit holders are no longer required to have an accompanying rider.

Motorcycle License Road Test

Schedule your road test online; it must occur at least 20 days from the date your permit was validated. Note that very few road test locations offer motorcycle road tests.

If you pass a Motorcycle Safety Education Program course, your road test will be waived. Otherwise, report to the Driver Testing Center as scheduled with a registered, insured motorcycle to take the road test. You must be accompanied by a licensed motorcycle operator.

If you pass the road test, take your permit and road test slip to any MVC Agency as soon as possible. There you will be issued a four-year photo motorcycle license. A stand-alone motorcycle license costs $24, while adding a motorcycle endorsement to your existing basic driver license costs $18 in addition to the $24 you paid for your regular license.

Motorcycle Permit Graduated Driver License (GDL) Decal

All permit holders under the age of 21 must display a GDL decal on the top left corner of the motorcycle's license plate. If a decal already occupies the top left, affix the GDL sticker on a different corner.

Moped License

You need to be licensed to ride a moped (motorized bicycle) in New Jersey. You must be at least 15 years old to obtain Class F moped license, but this license not required if you already have a basic driver license, motorcycle license, or commercial driver license.

To obtain a moped permit and license:

• Visit any MVC Agency and complete an Application for Moped Permit form.

• Present the completed form and proof of ID as required under the six-point verification system.

• Pay a $5 to fee to receive an examination permit, Driver Manual, and Motorcycle Manual. There's also a Moped Manual available.

Once you have studied the manuals, present your permit at any Driver Testing Center to take the written knowledge test and the vision test. After you complete them successfully, you'll be issued a permit for practice driving during daylight hours without supervision.

You may then schedule your road test online; it must occur at least 20 days from the date your permit was validated.

Report to the Driver Testing Center as scheduled with a registered, insured moped to take the road test. Since mopeds are not permitted on some highways, it might be necessary to bring the moped in a station wagon or truck.

If you pass the road test, take the permit and road test slip to any MVC Agency as soon as possible to obtain a photo moped license for $6. Note that your moped license must be surrendered when you apply for a basic automobile license, which allows you to operate mopeds as well as cars.

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