To ride a motorcycle legally in New York State you need a Class M or Class MJ driver license, or a motorcycle learner permit while you practice. If you want to drive a motorcycle in New York State, you must comply with licensing requirements. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) a New York State resident must have a Class M or Class MJ driver license or learner permit to drive a motorcycle. In order to obtain a motorcycle license in New York, a New York State resident must first obtain a motorcycle learner permit.
According to the DMV, in order to qualify for a Class M driver license, a New York State resident must be age 18 or over, or age 17 with a driver education. In order to qualify for a Class MJ driver license, the New York State resident must be age 16-17 with a driver education.
Steps to Getting a Motorcycle License in New York
In order to get a Class M or Class MJ driver license, allowing the New York State resident to drive a motorcycle, the DMV sets forth a four-step process.
1. The first step requires the applicant, among other things, to apply for a motorcycle permit at a DMV office, which requires the applicant to study the NY State Motorcycle Operator’s Manual (MV-21MC) in preparation for a written test.
2. The second step is to prepare for the motorcycle road test. The DMV recommends that the applicant have at least 30 hours of practice on a motorcycle before the test. The DMV also recommends that the applicant have at least 10 hours of practice in medium to high volume traffic and consider taking the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider course or instruction from a commercial driving school. According to the DMV, when practicing driving with a motorcycle learner permit, the individual must be supervised by a driver age 21 or older who has a valid motorcycle license from any state; the supervising motorcyclist driver must be within a quarter mile of the applicant at all times; the applicant must obey the general restrictions for permit holders; and if the applicant has a Class MJ permit, he or she must follow the restrictions and requirements for drivers under age 18.
3. The third step, according to the DMV, is to schedule and take a motorcycle test.
4. The fourth and final step – receive your NY Motorcycle license. According to the DMV, if the applicant already has another class of New York State driver license, he or she will receive the motorcycle license with photo about two weeks after the applicant passes the road test. If the applicant does not have another class of New York State driver license, he or she will have to wait at least seven days to apply for the motorcycle license at a DMV office, and be sure to complete certain paperwork. The DMV office will issue a temporary license with photo, and the applicant will receive the new license by mail in about two weeks.
If you are looking to obtain a motorcycle license, the DMV website is a great resource, especially because the requirements can change if there is a change in the law. You should do your own independent research as well. Operating a motorcycle without a proper license or permit can result in a steep fine and even jail time.
How the Basic Rider Course Affects the Road Test
The New York State Motorcycle Safety Program offers the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse at training sites across New York State. According to the program, the course concludes with a knowledge test and a riding skills evaluation, and the course completion card waives the need to take a DMV skills test. In practice, that means many riders who pass the course do not have to schedule a separate DMV road test. The course also helps new riders build the supervised practice hours the DMV recommends before the test. You can learn more about available courses on our Motorcycle Rider Education page.
Riding With a Permit, in Plain Language
The permit stage comes with strict conditions. Here is what they mean day to day.
- You may practice on public roads with a motorcycle learner permit, but you may not ride alone.
- Your supervising rider must be age 21 or older and hold a valid motorcycle license from any state.
- Your supervising rider must stay within a quarter mile of you at all times.
- The general restrictions for learner permit holders still apply, including limits on where you may drive.
- Class MJ permit holders must also follow the rules for drivers under age 18.
The New York State Helmet Requirement
Licensing is only one part of riding legally in New York State. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 381(6), it is unlawful to operate or ride on a motorcycle without a protective helmet that meets federal motor vehicle safety standard 571.218. The requirement applies to operators and passengers alike, at every stage from the first permit ride onward. You should review the exact language of the rule if you want to ride in new York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a motorcycle license for a moped?
It depends on the moped. New York State registers mopeds as limited use motorcycles in three classes based on top speed. The fastest class requires a Class M or Class MJ license or permit, while the lower speed classes may be operated with another class of driver license. Our post on whether you need a motorcycle license for a moped walks through each class. You should investigate the applicable law before riding.
Is lane splitting legal in New York?
No. Riding between lanes of moving or stopped traffic is not legal in New York State. Our guide to lane splitting laws in New York covers what riders and drivers need to know.
Hurt In A Motorcycle Accident? Call William Mattar.
The motorcycle accident attorneys at William Mattar are prepared to help you after a motorcycle accident. If you were injured, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (844) 444-4444. The firm has recovered more than $8 million in motorcycle cases, with a largest recovery of $1.5 million, and there is no fee unless your case recovers money.
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