Thinking about hitting the open road on two wheels in New Jersey? Whether you’re dreaming of cruising on a motorcycle or a three-wheeled trike, understanding the licensing process is your first step. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your motorcycle license or endorsement in NJ, with a special focus on the Bike Permit Test and how it fits into your journey to becoming a licensed rider.
New Jersey requires all motorcycle operators to have a motorcycle endorsement added to their existing driver’s license or to hold a separate motorcycle license. This applies to all types of motorcycles, including standard bikes, trikes, and even low-speed motorcycles. Before you can legally ride, your motorcycle must also be properly titled, registered, and insured.
Let’s break down the specifics for different types of motorcycles:
Trikes (3-Wheel Motorcycles)
Interested in a trike? You’ll need to pursue a motorcycle endorsement, but with a restriction that specifically allows you to operate only three-wheeled motorcycles. Just like two-wheeled bikes, trikes need to be titled, registered, and insured.
Low-Speed Motorcycles
Low-speed motorcycles, which are defined as having engines smaller than 50cc or motors with 1.5 brake horsepower or less and a maximum speed of 35 mph, have some different rules. While they can’t be driven on state toll roads, limited-access highways, or roads with speed limits over 35 mph, holders of a basic auto license can operate them without needing a motorcycle endorsement or a separate motorcycle license. However, even low-speed motorcycles must be titled, registered, and insured.
The following sections will explain the processes for obtaining a motorcycle endorsement or a full motorcycle license, highlighting when a bike permit test is required. Carefully review each section to determine the steps that apply to your situation. For more detailed information, be sure to check out the Driver Manual and the Motorcycle Manual provided by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
Getting a Motorcycle Endorsement
If you already have a New Jersey driver’s license and want to add a motorcycle endorsement, you have two main paths:
- Enrolling in a Basic Rider Course (BRC) (required for those under 18).
- Applying without completing a BRC, which will require you to take a bike permit test.
1. Enroll in the Basic Rider Course (BRC)
For some riders, the fastest and most comprehensive route is to complete a Basic Rider Course. The great thing about the BRC is that it waives the need for a motorcycle permit, meaning you can skip the bike permit test altogether for the endorsement!
- Complete the Basic Rider Course: Register with a New Jersey MVC-approved motorcycle training provider. These courses typically involve about five hours of classroom instruction and ten hours of practical riding exercises.
- Receive Your Waiver and Completion Card: Upon successful completion of the BRC, the training provider will issue you a stamped waiver form and a completion card.
- Obtain Your Motorcycle Endorsement: Take your waiver form and completion card to a New Jersey MVC agency to add the motorcycle endorsement to your existing driver’s license. Remember, you must get the endorsement before you start riding your motorcycle on public roads.
- 3-Wheel BRC: If you complete a 3-wheel BRC, your endorsement will be restricted to operating 3-wheel motorcycles only.
2. Apply Without Completing the Basic Rider Course (BRC) – The Bike Permit Test Route
If you choose not to take the BRC, or if it’s not the right option for you, you’ll need to get a motorcycle examination permit and pass a bike permit test before you can proceed. This path involves a few more steps, but it’s a perfectly valid way to get your motorcycle endorsement.
- Obtain a Motorcycle Examination Permit: Visit a New Jersey MVC agency to apply for your motorcycle examination permit. This will likely involve vision and knowledge tests – this knowledge test is essentially your bike permit test. It assesses your understanding of motorcycle safety, traffic laws, and safe riding practices.
- Practice Ride: Once you have your permit, you are required to practice ride for a minimum of 20 days before taking the motorcycle road test.
- Permit Restrictions: It’s crucial to observe all motorcycle permit riding restrictions during your practice period. These restrictions include:
- No riding between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.
- No carrying passengers.
- No riding on state toll roads or limited-access highways.
- Take the Motorcycle Road Test: After your practice period, schedule a motorcycle road test appointment with the MVC.
- What to Bring for the Road Test: You’ll need to bring your own registered and insured motorcycle or trike, a helmet that meets safety standards, and eye protection.
- 3-Wheel Road Test: If you pass your road test on a trike, your motorcycle endorsement will be restricted to 3-wheel motorcycles only.
- Obtain Your Motorcycle Endorsement: After successfully passing the road test, visit an MVC agency to get your motorcycle endorsement added to your driver’s license.
Getting a Motorcycle License (Without an Existing Driver’s License)
If you don’t currently have a driver’s license and want to get a motorcycle license, the process is similar, but obtaining a motorcycle permit and passing a bike permit test is mandatory for all applicants in this case, regardless of whether you take the BRC or not.
There are still two pathways to getting a motorcycle license:
- Enrolling in the Basic Rider Course (BRC).
- Applying without completing a BRC.
1. Enroll in the Basic Rider Course (BRC)
Even if you take the BRC to get a motorcycle license, you’ll still need to get a motorcycle permit and pass the bike permit test first if you don’t already have a driver’s license. The BRC in this case helps you prepare for the road test and can sometimes shorten the waiting period.
- Obtain a Motorcycle Examination Permit and Pass the Bike Permit Test: This is your first step. Visit an MVC agency, apply for a motorcycle permit, and pass the required knowledge test (the bike permit test) and vision test.
- Practice Ride: Permit holders seeking a motorcycle license have mandatory practice riding periods:
- If you are under 21: Minimum six months of practice riding.
- If you are over 21: Minimum three months of practice riding (this applies to first-time license applicants under the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program).
- Complete the Basic Rider Course: Register with an approved training provider, attend the classroom and riding sessions, and receive your completion card.
- Take the Motorcycle Road Test: Schedule your road test appointment and bring the required motorcycle, gear, and documentation.
- Probationary Motorcycle License (Class E): After passing the road test, pay the required fees at the MVC. You’ll receive a Probationary Motorcycle License (Class E). This license comes with probationary riding privileges, including a mandatory minimum one-year probationary period and all Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) restrictions.
- Unrestricted Motorcycle License: After successfully completing one year of probationary riding and being at least 18 years old, you can obtain an unrestricted Motorcycle License, provided all fees are paid.
2. Apply Without Completing the Basic Rider Course (BRC) – Permit and Road Test are Key
This path is essentially the same as the BRC route for obtaining a motorcycle license, but without the BRC. You will still need to get your motorcycle permit, pass the bike permit test, fulfill the practice riding requirements, and pass the motorcycle road test.
- Follow the procedure outlined in 1) immediately above, with the exception of completing the Basic Rider Course.
SPECIAL NOTE: As of January 1, 2013, there are motorcycle size restrictions based on the bike you use for your road test at the MVC. If you take your road test on a motorcycle that is 231cc or less, your motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle-only license will be restricted to motorcycles 500cc or less (restriction “5” will be noted on your license, and you’ll need to carry an MVC-issued restriction card). However, if you take your road test on a bike larger than 231cc, there will be no size restriction. Importantly, completing a Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP) course exempts you from this bike size restriction, regardless of the size of bike you use for the road test.
Regarding license photos, the MVC requires a full-face photo from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin. If you need to wear a head covering for medical or religious reasons, please inform the MVC staff at the camera station.
Titling and Registering Your Motorcycle
All motorcycles in New Jersey must be titled and registered with the MVC and meet safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and emissions standards from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
To title and register your motorcycle, bring the following documentation to a motor vehicle agency. (The original article unfortunately does not specify what documentation is needed here).
Registering a Dirt Bike
Dirt bikes, designed for off-road use and not meeting on-road safety and emissions standards, have specific regulations. In NJ, dirt bikes cannot exceed 600cc. For registration details, see registration information. Note that dirt bikes are generally prohibited in New Jersey state parks and forests, except in designated areas within Lebanon, Bass River, and Brendan T. Byrne State Forests. Contact the Division of Parks and Forestry at (800) 843-6420 for more details on off-road riding locations.
Motorcycle Self-Inspection
Since August 1, 2010, New Jersey no longer requires mandatory motorcycle inspections. However, as a rider, you are responsible for ensuring your motorcycle is mechanically sound and operating safely. Law enforcement can still issue citations for equipment violations or failure to maintain your motorcycle in proper working order.
Related Links for Further Information
- Approved MC/AC Manufacturers
- Motorcycle Manual
- Basic Rider Course- approved providers (NJRideSafe)
- HelmetCheck.org – Motorcycle Industry Council
- Motorcycle program hints
