What you need to do to ride a motorcycle legally in New Jersey
In New Jersey, you cannot ride a motorcycle on public roads without a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. This is a separate credential from a regular car license — you must pass both a written test and a riding skills test specific to motorcycles. The state does not issue a standalone motorcycle license; instead, the endorsement attaches to your existing driver's license or gets added when you first get licensed.
The process takes at least a few weeks from start to finish, because the written test and the riding test are scheduled separately. You can take the written test at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office, but the riding test is only offered at certain locations and on specific days.
Key Takeaways
- You need a motorcycle endorsement on your New Jersey driver's license, which requires passing both a written test and a hands-on riding test.
- The written test covers motorcycle-specific rules and safety; you can take it at any MVC office after scheduling online or by phone.
- The riding test is administered only at select MVC locations on set days, and you must bring your own motorcycle or a borrowed one that meets state requirements.
- You can skip the riding test if you complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which also teaches you to ride safely.
- The entire process costs under $100 in fees, but does not include the cost of a motorcycle, gear, or a safety course.
The written test: what it covers and how to prepare
The New Jersey motorcycle written test has 50 questions and covers topics specific to riding a motorcycle: how to handle a bike in different weather, what to do if your brakes fail, how to position yourself on the road, and the rules that explore only to motorcycles. You need a score of at least 80 percent to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages.
You can study using the New Jersey Motorcycle Manual, which is free and available on the MVC website. The manual is short — about 20 pages — and covers everything the test asks about. Many people read it once, then take practice tests online to find the topics they need to review again. The MVC does not publish official practice tests, but third-party sites offer questions based on the real test.
To schedule the written test, go to the MVC website and book an appointment at the office nearest you, or call the MVC at 609-292-6500. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (a passport or birth certificate), and proof of New Jersey residency (a utility bill or lease). If you already have a New Jersey driver's license, bring that too.
The riding skills test: what happens on the day
The riding test takes place in a closed course — not on public roads — and lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. An examiner watches you perform a series of maneuvers: starting the bike, riding in a figure-eight pattern, stopping quickly, and swerving to avoid an obstacle. The test is designed to show that you can control the motorcycle and react to hazards, not to show that you are an informed rider.
You must bring a motorcycle that meets New Jersey requirements: it must be street-legal, registered, and insured. If you do not own a motorcycle, you can borrow one from a friend or rent one from a motorcycle school. Some schools rent bikes specifically for the test. The bike must have working lights, mirrors, brakes, and a horn. The examiner will check these before you start.
You also must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet, eye protection, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, and closed-toe shoes. Sandals, shorts, or a t-shirt will disqualify you before you even start. Bring your own gear or borrow it; the MVC does not provide it.
Riding tests are offered only at a few MVC locations and only on certain days. You must schedule in advance by calling 609-292-6500 or booking online. Wait times for the riding test are often several weeks, so schedule as soon as you pass the written test.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course: an alternative to the riding test
If you complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course, you do not have to take the riding test. You still must pass the written test, but the MSF course certificate counts as proof that you can ride safely. This is often faster than waiting for a riding test appointment, and you learn to ride in a controlled environment with an instructor present.
MSF courses are offered by private schools throughout New Jersey. A Basic Rider Course is usually two or three days long, costs between $150 and $250, and includes classroom time and hands-on riding. The school provides motorcycles for the course, so you do not need to own or borrow one. You do need to bring a helmet and protective gear, though some schools rent these for a small fee.
After you finish the course, the school gives you a certificate. Bring this certificate to the MVC along with your passing written test score, and the endorsement will be added to your license. You do not need to take a separate riding test.
Adding the endorsement to your license
Once you pass both the written test and the riding test (or submit your MSF certificate), you go back to an MVC office to have the endorsement added to your license. Bring your test passing score, your riding test pass notice or MSF certificate, your driver's license, and proof of residency. The fee to add the endorsement is $10.
The MVC will issue you a new license with the motorcycle endorsement printed on it. This usually happens on the same day, though in busy offices it may take a few hours. Your old license is no longer valid once the new one is issued.
Costs and timeline
The written test costs $10. The riding test costs $10. Adding the endorsement to your license costs $10. If you take an MSF course instead of the riding test, the course costs $150 to $250 depending on the school, but you skip the $10 riding test fee. Total cost through the state is $30 if you take the riding test, or $20 plus course fees if you take the MSF route.
The timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule appointments. The written test can usually be scheduled within a week or two. The riding test or MSF course may take several weeks to schedule, depending on demand. Once you pass both, adding the endorsement takes a few hours to a few days.
What happens if you fail
If you fail the written test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can schedule another test as soon as you are ready. Each attempt costs $10.
If you fail the riding test, you can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment. There is no fee for the retake itself, but you do have to pay the $10 test fee again. Many people fail the first time because they are nervous or because they have not practiced enough. Taking an MSF course before attempting the riding test can help you pass on the first try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a regular driver's license before I can get a motorcycle endorsement?
No. You can get a motorcycle endorsement on a learner's permit or a full driver's license. If you do not have either, you must first pass the written test for a regular driver's license and get your learner's permit. Then you can pursue the motorcycle endorsement.
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit and the motorcycle endorsement?
A learner's permit with a motorcycle endorsement lets you ride, but only during daylight hours and only if you are supervised by a licensed motorcycle rider. To ride alone or at night, you need a full driver's license with the motorcycle endorsement.
What if I took my motorcycle test in another state — do I need to retake it in New Jersey?
If you have a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state and you move to New Jersey, you can transfer it without retaking the test. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of New Jersey residency to an MVC office. The fee to add the endorsement to your New Jersey license is $10.
Can I take the riding test on a motorcycle with an automatic transmission?
Yes. New Jersey does not restrict the riding test to manual or automatic motorcycles. You can take the test on whichever type you plan to ride. If you take the test on an automatic, your endorsement is valid for both automatic and manual bikes.
What if I cannot afford an MSF course or do not have access to a motorcycle for the riding test?
Some MSF courses offer discounts or payment plans. You can also rent a motorcycle from a school that offers both training and test bikes. Call local motorcycle schools to ask about rental rates and course costs. The MVC office can provide a list of approved schools in your area.