New York Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The third step, according to the DMV, is to schedule and take a motorcycle test.
- 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.
Hurt In A Motorcycle Accident? Call William Mattar.
The motorcycle accident attorneys at William Mattar Law Offices 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.
