Operating a motorcycle in the Garden State offers a unique sense of freedom and adventure. However, before you hit the open roads, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements set by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC), often referred to as the DMV. This guide focuses on navigating the process of obtaining a motorcycle permit, a crucial step towards getting your motorcycle endorsement or license, and includes details about the Dmv Bike Permit Test.
Understanding Motorcycle Endorsements and Licenses in NJ
In New Jersey, any vehicle with a motor, including motorcycles, motorbikes, and trikes (three-wheeled motorcycles), requires specific licensing. Residents operating a motorcycle must have a motorcycle endorsement added to their existing driver’s license or obtain a separate motorcycle license. Furthermore, all motorcycles, including trikes and low-speed motorcycles (those under 50cc with a maximum speed of 35 mph), must be titled, registered, and insured. Low-speed motorcycles have restrictions on where they can be driven, specifically not on state toll roads, limited-access highways, or roads with speed limits exceeding 35 mph. Importantly, basic auto license holders can operate low-speed motorcycles without a motorcycle endorsement or separate motorcycle license.
For standard motorcycles and trikes, the path to legal operation involves either getting a motorcycle endorsement on your current driver’s license or obtaining a motorcycle-only license. Both paths may require obtaining a motorcycle permit and passing a DMV bike permit test, depending on your chosen route.
Obtaining a Motorcycle Endorsement: Adding to Your Driver’s License
If you already possess a New Jersey driver’s license and wish to ride a motorcycle, you’ll need to add a motorcycle endorsement. There are two primary methods to achieve this: enrolling in a Basic Rider Course (BRC) or applying directly without completing the course.
Option 1: Enroll in the Basic Rider Course (BRC)
For individuals seeking a streamlined approach, especially those under 18 (for whom it’s mandatory), the BRC is an excellent option. Notably, a motorcycle permit is not required to enroll in the BRC.
Steps:
- Complete the Basic Rider Course: Register with a NJ MVC-approved motorcycle training provider. The course typically includes about five hours of classroom instruction and ten hours of practical riding exercises.
- Receive Waiver and Completion Card: Upon successful graduation from the BRC, the training provider will issue a stamped waiver form and a completion card.
- Obtain Motorcycle Endorsement: Present your waiver form and completion card at an NJ MVC licensing center to add the motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license. Remember, you must add the endorsement before legally operating a motorcycle. For those completing a 3-wheel BRC, the endorsement will be restricted to 3-wheel motorcycles only.
Option 2: Apply Without Completing the Basic Rider Course
This route involves obtaining a motorcycle examination permit, which necessitates passing the DMV bike permit test, followed by a road test.
Steps:
- Obtain a Motorcycle Examination Permit (and Pass the DMV Bike Permit Test): Visit an NJ MVC licensing center to apply for a motorcycle examination permit. This will involve passing a written knowledge test, often referred to as the DMV bike permit test, which assesses your understanding of motorcycle operation, safety rules, and traffic laws.
- Practice Ride: After obtaining your permit, a mandatory minimum 20-day practice riding period is required. During this period, ensure you adhere to all motorcycle permit riding restrictions. These restrictions include: no operating a motorcycle between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise; no carrying passengers; and no riding on state toll roads or limited-access highways.
- Take the Motorcycle Road Test: Schedule a road test appointment online. On the day of your test, bring your own registered and insured motorcycle or trike, along with a helmet and eye protection. Passing the road test on a trike will result in a motorcycle endorsement restricted to 3-wheel motorcycles.
- Obtain a Motorcycle Endorsement: Upon successfully passing the road test, visit an NJ MVC licensing center to get your motorcycle endorsement.
Obtaining a Motorcycle License: For Those Without a Driver’s License
For individuals who do not currently hold a driver’s license and wish to operate a motorcycle, a motorcycle-only license is required. Similar to endorsements, you can choose to enroll in a BRC or apply directly, but obtaining a motorcycle permit is mandatory for all license applicants. This means everyone pursuing a motorcycle license must pass the DMV bike permit test.
Option 1: Enroll in the Basic Riding Course (BRC) for License Seekers
Steps:
- Obtain a Motorcycle Permit (and Pass the DMV Bike Permit Test): Apply for a motorcycle permit at an NJ MVC licensing center and successfully pass the DMV bike permit test.
- Practice Ride: If you are under 21, you must complete a minimum six-month practice riding period. If you are 21 or older, a minimum three-month practice period is required (without any license suspensions or postponements, especially relevant for first-time licensees under the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program).
- Complete the Basic Rider Course: Register with an approved BRC provider, attend the course, and receive a completion card upon graduation.
- Take the Motorcycle Road Test: Schedule your road test appointment and bring the necessary motorcycle, helmet, and eye protection.
- Obtain a Probationary Motorcycle License (Class E): After passing the road test, pay the required fees at the MVC. Probationary licenses come with certain restrictions, including a minimum one-year probationary riding period and adherence to all 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.
Option 2: Apply Without Completing the Basic Rider Course for License Seekers
The process for obtaining a motorcycle license without the BRC is virtually identical to Option 1 above, except you skip the Basic Rider Course. This means you still need to obtain a motorcycle permit (and pass the DMV bike permit test), fulfill the practice riding requirements, and pass the motorcycle road test.
Special Note: Motorcycle Restrictions
It’s important to be aware of a special restriction implemented on January 1, 2013. If you take your motorcycle road test at the MVC on a motorcycle 231cc or less, your motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle-only license (Class E) will be restricted to operating 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 is waived if you successfully complete a Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP) course, regardless of the motorcycle size used for the road test. Taking your road test on a motorcycle over 231cc removes this restriction.
Titling and Registering Your Motorcycle
All motorcycles in New Jersey must be titled and registered with the NJ 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 necessary documentation to a motor vehicle agency.
Registering a Dirt Bike
Dirt bikes, designed for off-road use and not compliant with on-road safety and emissions standards, also have specific regulations. While limited to 600cc, dirt bikes cannot be used in state parks and forests, except in designated areas within Lebanon, Bass River, and Brendan T. Byrne State Forests in Southern New Jersey. Contact the Division of Parks and Forestry at (800) 843-6420 for details. See registration information for dirt bike registration specifics.
Motorcycle Self-Inspection
Since August 1, 2010, New Jersey no longer requires mandatory motorcycle inspections. However, motorcycle operators are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are mechanically sound and safe. Law enforcement can still issue citations for equipment violations or failures to maintain proper repairs.
Related Links
- Approved MC/AC Manufacturers
- Motorcycle Manual
- Basic Rider Course- approved providers
- NJRideSafe
- HelmetCheck.org -Motorcycle Industry Council
- Motorcycle program hints
This guide aims to clarify the steps involved in obtaining a motorcycle endorsement or license in New Jersey, with a focus on the DMV bike permit test. Always refer to the official NJ MVC website for the most up-to-date information and regulations. Ride safe!
