New Jersey

New Jersey Motorcycle Licensing

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MOTORCYCLE LICENSE, ENDORSEMENTS, PERMITS, TRAINING & INSURANCE IN NEW JERSEY

The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated in October 2025. For the most up-to-date information, please visit NJ MVC.

Operating a Motorcycle in New Jersey

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) manages motorcycle permits, licenses, and license endorsements.

Definition of a Motorcycle:

Under New Jersey law, motorcycles include 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. See the New Jersey Motorcycle Manual for more information.

All New Jersey residents who operate a motorcycle or trike must have either:

  • A New Jersey motorcycle driver license, or
  • A motorcycle endorsement on a valid New Jersey basic or commercial license.


Exceptions:

  1. Operators of certain enclosed three-wheeled vehicles (with a cabin, seatbelts, and automotive-style steering) do not need a motorcycle endorsement.
  2. Operators of low-speed motorcycles (less than 50cc or ≤1.5 brake horsepower with a max speed of 35 mph) may ride with only a basic driver license. These cannot be ridden on toll roads, highways, or roads with posted limits above 35 mph.

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:
    1. Operating a motorcycle from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise
    2. Carrying passengers
    3. Riding on any state toll road or limited access highway

Requirements to Operate a Motorcycle

To ride legally in New Jersey, you must:

  • Be at least 17 years old (15 for moped only; parent/guardian consent required if under 18).
  • Obtain a motorcycle permit, license, or endorsement.
  • Register your motorcycle.
  • Maintain the state’s minimum required insurance coverage.

How to Get a New Jersey Motorcycle Permit

You must first obtain a motorcycle examination permit:

  • Be at least 17 years old (parental consent required if under 18).
  • Apply at an MVC agency.
  • Pass 6 Point ID Verification.
  • Pass the MVC knowledge and vision tests.
  • Pay the $5 permit fee.


Permit Riding Restrictions

Permit holders cannot:

  • Ride from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
  • Carry passengers.
  • Ride on toll roads, limited-access highways, or interstates.

You must practice riding for at least 20 days before being eligible for a road test. Unlike in the past, an accompanying rider is no longer required.

Getting a Motorcycle License (Without a Driver License)

If you do not have a driver license, you can obtain a Class E motorcycle-only license.

Option 1: With Basic Rider Course (BRC)

  1. Obtain a permit (Step 1 above).
  2. Practice ride – at least 6 months if under 21, or 3 months if 21+.
  3. Take a Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP) Basic Rider Course with an approved provider.
  4. Complete the course (100% participation required) and receive a course completion card (not a waiver for the road test).
  5. Take the motorcycle road test at an MVC site with your own registered/insured motorcycle, helmet, and eye protection.
  6. Obtain a Probationary Class E License.
  7. Ride for at least one year with probationary restrictions.
  8. After one year (and being at least 18), obtain an unrestricted license.


Option 2: Without Basic Rider Course

  • Follow the same permit steps.
  • Practice ride for 6 months if under 21, 3 months if 21+.
  • Take the MVC road test (must be at least 18).
  • Get a probationary license, then upgrade after one year.

Getting a Motorcycle Endorsement (For Drivers with a NJ License)

If you already have a basic or commercial driver license, you need an M endorsement to operate a motorcycle.

Option 1: With Basic Rider Course

  1. Enroll in an MSEP-approved Basic Rider Course (or 3-Wheel BRC for trikes).
  2. Complete training (100% participation required) and receive a stamped waiver and course completion card.
  3. Bring completion documents to MVC, pass 6 Point ID Verification, vision test, and pay fees.
  4. Obtain your motorcycle endorsement. (Note: You must add the endorsement before riding after completing the course — a permit is not required to take the rider course).

Option 2: Without Basic Rider Course

  1. Obtain a motorcycle permit (age 17+, knowledge/vision tests, fee).
  2. Practice ride for 20 days.
  3. Take the MVC road test (must be at least 18).
  4. Pay required fees to obtain your endorsement.

Restrictions Based on Motorcycle Size

  • Riders who test on a motorcycle 231cc or less will be restricted to motorcycles 500cc or less.
  • This restriction will be noted as a “5” on the license, and the rider must carry an MVC-issued restriction card.
  • Completing the MSEP Basic Rider Course exempts you from this restriction.

Registration & Insurance

  • Annual motorcycle registration fee in New Jersey: $65.
  • To register, you need a valid insurance card and title.
  • Motorcycles must display one rear license plate.
  • While NJ no longer requires motorcycle inspections, law enforcement may still issue citations for defective equipment.


Insurance requirements are the same as for any other motor vehicle. See NJ DOBI Insurance Division for details.

Motorcycle Education & Safety

  • The NJ Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP) offers Basic Rider Courses through approved providers.
  • Instructors are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
  • Courses teach essential riding skills, safety, and road awareness.
  • Helmets and approved eye protection are mandatory by law in New Jersey.


✅ Next Step: If you’re a new rider or new to New Jersey, you now know how to get started with permits, licenses, and endorsements. And don’t forget—before you hit the road, make sure your motorcycle is properly insured. 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.

To make sure you have the right coverage at the right price, come see what Rider can do for you.

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