Obtaining a motorcycle license in New Jersey involves a few key steps, whether you’re adding a motorcycle endorsement to your existing driver’s license or getting a motorcycle license as a standalone permit. This guide will walk you through the process to ensure you’re fully prepared for your Bike License Exam and riding legally in NJ.
First, it’s important to understand what constitutes a motorcycle in New Jersey. According to the state, a motorcycle includes motorbikes, bicycles, tricycles (or trikes) with attached motors. Operating any of these on public roads requires either a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license or a separate motorcycle license. Additionally, all motorcycles must be titled, registered, and insured.
Understanding Trike and Low-Speed Motorcycle Regulations
Trikes (3-Wheel Motorcycles): If you plan to operate a trike, you’ll need to apply for a motorcycle endorsement. However, your license will be restricted to operating 3-wheel motorcycles only. Like all motorcycles, trikes must be titled, registered, and insured.
Low-Speed Motorcycles: These are motorcycles with engines smaller than 50cc or motors producing 1.5 brake horsepower or less, with a maximum speed of 35 mph on a flat surface. It’s crucial to note that low-speed motorcycles are restricted from state toll roads, limited-access highways, and any public road with a speed limit exceeding 35 mph. While they still need to be titled, registered, and insured, holders of a basic auto license can operate a low-speed motorcycle without needing a motorcycle endorsement or a separate motorcycle license.
Obtaining a Motorcycle Endorsement
If you already have a New Jersey driver’s license and want to ride a motorcycle (other than a low-speed model), you’ll need to add a motorcycle endorsement. There are two primary paths to achieve this:
1. Completing the Basic Rider Course (BRC)
This is a recommended route, especially for new riders, and is mandatory for individuals under 18.
- Enroll in a BRC: You don’t need a motorcycle permit to enroll in this course.
- Register with an Approved Provider: Find a list of approved motorcycle training providers in New Jersey.
- Attend the Course: The BRC typically includes 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 the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to add the motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license. This must be done before you operate a motorcycle on public roads.
- 3-Wheel BRC and Endorsement: Completing a 3-wheel BRC will result in a motorcycle endorsement specifically restricted to 3-wheel motorcycles.
2. Applying Without Completing the Basic Rider Course
If you choose not to take the BRC, you can still obtain a motorcycle endorsement by following these steps:
- Obtain a Motorcycle Examination Permit: Apply for a motorcycle permit at an MVC agency. This involves passing vision and knowledge tests.
- Practice Riding: A mandatory minimum of 20 days of practice riding is required with a motorcycle permit.
- Observe Permit Restrictions: When practicing with a permit, you are prohibited from operating a motorcycle between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, carrying passengers, and riding on state toll roads or limited-access highways.
- Take the Motorcycle Road Test: Schedule your motorcycle road test appointment online through the NJ MVC website.
- Bring Necessary Items to the Road Test: You must bring your own registered and insured motorcycle or trike, along with a helmet and eye protection for the exam.
- Road Test on a Trike: Passing the road test on a trike will result in a motorcycle endorsement restricted to 3-wheel motorcycles.
- Obtain Your Motorcycle Endorsement: After successfully passing the road test, visit the MVC to add the motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license.
Obtaining a Motorcycle License (Without a Driver’s License)
If you don’t currently have a driver’s license but want to operate a motorcycle, you’ll need to obtain a motorcycle license. Similar to the endorsement process, there are two options:
1. Enrolling in the Basic Rider Course (BRC)
- Obtain a Motorcycle Permit First: All applicants without a driver’s license must first obtain a motorcycle permit before taking the BRC or road test.
- Practice Ride with a Permit:
- If you are under 21, you must complete a minimum of six months of practice riding with your permit.
- If you are 21 or older, the mandatory minimum practice period is three months, free of suspensions or postponements.
- Complete the Basic Rider Course: Register with an approved motorcycle training provider and complete the BRC, including classroom and riding sessions. Upon graduation, you’ll receive a completion card.
- Take the Motorcycle Road Test: Schedule your road test appointment and bring the required motorcycle, gear, and documentation. Completing a 3-wheel BRC and passing the road test on a trike will result in a restricted motorcycle license.
- Obtain a Probationary Motorcycle License (Class E): After passing the road test, pay the required fees at the MVC. You will receive a Probationary Motorcycle License (Class E). Probationary licenses come with specific restrictions, including a mandatory minimum one-year probationary riding period and adherence to Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) restrictions.
- Obtain an Unrestricted Motorcycle License: After completing one year of probationary riding and being at least 18 years old, and ensuring all fees are paid, you can obtain an unrestricted Motorcycle License.
2. Applying Without Completing the Basic Rider Course (BRC)
- Follow the steps outlined above for obtaining a motorcycle license through the BRC route, but skip the Basic Rider Course itself. You will still need to obtain a motorcycle permit, fulfill the practice riding requirements, and pass the motorcycle road test.
Special Note on Motorcycle Restrictions
It’s important to be aware of a specific restriction based on the motorcycle used for the road test. As of January 1, 2013, if you take your road test on a motorcycle 231cc or less, your motorcycle endorsement or Class E motorcycle-only license will be restricted to motorcycles 500cc or less. This restriction (“5”) will be noted on your license, and you’ll be required to carry an MVC-issued restriction card while riding.
However, this restriction does not apply if you successfully complete a Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP) course. Furthermore, if you take your road test on a motorcycle over 231cc, there will be no cc restriction on your license.
Titling and Registering Your Motorcycle
All certified motorcycles in New Jersey must be titled and registered within the state 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, visit a motor vehicle agency and bring the necessary documentation, including proof of ownership and insurance.
Registering a Dirt Bike
Dirt bikes, designed solely for off-road use and not compliant with on-road safety and emissions standards, have specific registration rules. Dirt bikes cannot exceed 600cc. While they can be registered, their use is restricted in state parks and forests, although some exceptions may apply in designated areas of state forests in Southern New Jersey. Contact the Division of Parks and Forestry for detailed information on permitted areas.
Motorcycle Self-Inspection
Since August 1, 2010, motorcycles in New Jersey are no longer required to undergo mandatory state inspections. However, it remains the rider’s responsibility to ensure their motorcycle is mechanically sound and operating safely. Law enforcement can still issue citations for equipment violations or failure to maintain proper repairs.
By understanding these requirements and carefully preparing for your bike license exam, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying motorcycle riding in New Jersey legally and safely.
