Last Updated on: 14th April 2023, 03:40 pm
There are more than 330,000 registered motorcycles in New Jersey. Are you ready to join them and hit the open road along Skyline Drive and the Hudson River? Getting a motorcycle license in New Jersey is a straightforward process, especially if you are willing to complete a rider training course first.
Here’s how to get a NJ motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsem*nt in NJ with step-by-step guides.
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New Jersey Motorcycle License Requirements
Getting a motorcycle license in New Jersey is a somewhat involved process that involves several steps.
If you have a New Jersey driver’s license, you must meet these requirements:
- Complete the Basic Rider Course (BRC) from approved motorcycle schools in NJ OR apply for a motorcycle permit
- Practice riding for at least 20 days following permit restrictions *only required if you skip the BRC class
- Complete a motorcycle skills test *waived if you complete the BRC class
- Pass the motorcycle knowledge test *waived if you complete the BRC class
- Pass a vision exam
- Pay a motorcycle license endorsem*nt fee
- Be at least 17 years old (for a probationary license)
- Have 6 points of ID
If you do not have a driver’s license, the following NJ motorcycle license requirements apply:
- Obtain a NJ motorcycle permit
- Pass a knowledge test
- Pass a vision test
- Practice riding with a permit for at least 6 months if under 21 or 3 months if over 21
- Complete the Basic Riding Course (BRC) *not required but failure to complete the course can result in license restrictions
- Pass the NJ motorcycle road test
- Pay required fees to obtain a Probationary Motorcycle License
- Complete 1 year of probationary riding before applying for an unrestricted motorcycle license and paying an additional fee
- Have 6 points of ID
The minimum age for a motorcycle license in NJ is 17, but only a probationary license. An unrestricted license requires you to be at least 18. Note that 17-year-olds are required to complete the BRC class before obtaining a NJ motorcycle license or endorsem*nt.
The rules around getting a motorcycle license in NJ are a bit complicated. The steps you need to take depend on whether you already have a driver’s license and need an endorsem*nt or want a standalone motorcycle license. Whether or not you complete a New Jersey motorcycle license class also affects the process.
How to Get a Motorcycle License in New Jersey –Skip Written & Road Tests with NJ Motorcycle Classes
New Jersey does not require completing motorcycle classes to get a license or permit, but doing so is definitely a good idea! If you already have a driver’s license, completing a Basic Rider Course comes with several benefits:
- Waives the road test requirement
- Waives the written test requirement
- Waives the need for a motorcycle permit
- May qualify you for motorcycle insurance discounts!
Here are the basic steps to getting your motorcycle license in New Jersey with a Basic Rider Course.
#1. Complete an Approved Basic Rider Course (BRC)
The fastest way to get a NJ MVC motorcycle license is by completing approved NJ motorcycle classes. There are many approved motorcycle schools in NJ with fees that range by provider. Most providers let you borrow a DOT-approved helmet for the course but it’s a good idea to bring your own. You must wear shoes that cover the ankles, full-fingered gloves, eye protection, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
The course is about 18 hours over three days with online, classroom, and hands-on instruction. The lowest cost is $325 and some providers offer discounts for students, first responders, military members, and family members.
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The largest provider is Rider Education of NJ with five locations. Their Basic Rider Course (BRC) is $335 or $99 for the 3-wheel course which qualifies for a special endorsem*nt. Before attending the course, you must complete the eCourse.
You can learn more about taking motorcycle safety courses in New Jersey here with a list of providers.
#2. Complete a Vision Test & Get a Motorcycle Endorsem*nt
Once you have your certificate from successfully passing the safety course, you can submit your application for a motorcycle endorsem*nt in NJ. You will need to complete a vision test at an MVC location that offers driver testing.
As long as you pass the vision test and have your BRC completion certificate, you can add your motorcycle endorsem*nt to your license without additional requirements. There is a $24 fee.
Additional Steps if You Do Not Have a Driver’s License
Don’t have a driver’s license? You’ll need to complete extra steps to get a NJ motorcycle license instead of an endorsem*nt.
#1. Pass a Knowledge & Vision Test to Obtain a Motorcycle Permit
The first step is submitting a NJ motorcycle permit application (Form BA-412C). You can apply for a motorcycle permit at a NJ MVC by paying a $5 fee.
To get a motorcycle permit, you must pass a vision test and knowledge test first.
The New Jersey motorcycle written test can be taken at an MVC driver testing center. You will need to make a NJ motorcycle license appointment to take your test. You can click here to make an MVC knowledge test appointment.
Ready to study for the New Jersey written test? Here are some resources.
- NJ MVC Motorcycle Handbook
- Sample knowledge test from the NJ MVC
- Free NJ motorcycle license study guide with a practice test and hints
#2. Practice Riding
Once you have your motorcycle permit, you’ll need to practice riding and follow all NJ motorcycle permit rules. You cannot carry passengers, ride on state toll roads like the NJ Turnpike, or ride at night.
If you are over 21, you must practice riding for 3 months and not get any driving suspensions or citations. If you are under 21, you must practice for at least 6 months.
#3. Pass a Basic Rider Course (BRC)
With the above requirements completed, you’re ready to take a safety course. See above to learn more about NJ motorcycle classes or click here to see course providers and locations.
#4. Pass a Motorcycle Road Test
If you do not have a driver’s license, you must pass the NJ MVC motorcycle test to get a probationary license. Passing the BRC does not waive this requirement.
Once you’ve practiced riding with your NJ motorcycle permit for the required amount of time AND completed a Basic Rider Training Course, you can apply for a probationary motorcycle license.
To do this, you must first pass a motorcycle skills test at an MVC test site. You can schedule your road test at a driver testing center or online between Monday and Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.
Click here to schedule an NJ MVC motorcycle test.
You can also see all 14 New Jersey MVC locations that offer motorcycle road tests.
You must bring your own motorcycle that is registered and insured to the road test along with a helmet and eye protection.
#5. Obtain a NJ Probationary Motorcycle License
After passing your road test, you can pay the $24 fee for a Class E probationary motorcycle license. You must have a probationary license for one year and follow graduated driver’s license restrictions including not riding between 11 pm and 5 am.
#6. Obtain an Unrestricted Motorcycle License
Once you have had a probationary license for at least one year, you can receive an unrestricted NJ motorcycle license. There is a $24 fee to turn in your probationary license for a full license. You do not need to pass additional exams.
Click here to upgrade a probationary NJ license online.
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How to Get a NJ Motorcycle License Without Attending Motorcycle School
Don’t want to attend rider safety classes? You can still get a motorcycle endorsem*nt or license but with additional steps. Here’s how to get a New Jersey motorcycle license without classes. These steps are simplified; you can see the above steps for more detail.
If you have a driver’s license:
- Pass a knowledge and vision test
- Get a motorcycle permit
- Practice ride for at least 20 days
- Pass a motorcycle road test
- Get a motorcycle endorsem*nt after paying the fee
If you do not have a driver’s license:
- Pass a knowledge and vision test
- Get a motorcycle permit
- Practice ride for at least 3 months (if over 21) or 6 months (if under 21)
- Pass a motorcycle road test
- Get a probationary motorcycle license and ride for at least 1 year with restrictions
- Get an unrestricted motorcycle license after paying the required fee
Motorcycle License vs Motorcycle Endorsem*nt in NJ
Curious about the difference between an endorsem*nt and license? A motorcycle endorsem*nt is an extra credential added to your New Jersey driver’s license that allows you to legally operate a motorcycle.
A NJ motorcycle license serves the same purpose, but it is for riders who do not have a driver’s license. A New Jersey motorcycle license (not endorsem*nt) cannot be used to operate a motor vehicle, only a motorcycle.
New Jersey Motorcycle License FAQ
How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license in New Jersey?
The basic NJ motorcycle endorsem*nt or license fee is $24. You may need to pay for a motorcycle permit ($5), a probationary license ($24), and a BRC class (average $350).
How old do you need to be to get a motorcycle license in New Jersey?
You must be at least 18 to get an unrestricted motorcycle license in New Jersey. 17-year-olds can qualify for a probationary license after completing a safety course.
How long is a NJ motorcycle permit good for?
A $5 motorcycle permit in New Jersey is good for 90 days.
How long do you need a NJ motorcycle permit before getting a license?
If you are required to get a motorcycle permit, you must wait at least 20 days to take a road test to get a motorcycle endorsem*nt if you have a license.
Do I need to take a road test to get a NJ motorcycle license?
No, you can get a waiver for the road test if you complete a Basic Rider Course and have a driver’s license. This allows you to get a motorcycle endorsem*nt without the skill test.
With a freshly printed NJ motorcycle license in hand, you’re ready to start exploring the scenic byways of New Jersey and beyond! When you’re ready for a rally, long-haul ride, or even buying a new bike, Federal Motorcycle Transport has you covered with professional motorcycle shipping that opens up a world of new possibilities.
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