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 endorsement — called an "M" endorsement — is separate from your regular car license. You get it by passing a written test about motorcycle safety and rules, then passing a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. The whole process takes a few weeks if you move through it steadily, though you can take the tests in any order.
New Jersey does not require you to take a formal motorcycle training course to get the endorsement, but taking one can make the riding test much easier to pass. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation and New Jersey's own Basic Rider Course both teach you the skills the test measures, and completing either one lets you skip the riding test entirely — you only take the written test.
Key Takeaways
- You need an "M" endorsement on your New Jersey driver's license to ride a motorcycle legally, which requires passing both a written test and a riding skills test.
- Taking an approved motorcycle safety course lets you skip the riding test and go straight to the written test at the Motor Vehicle Commission.
- The written test covers motorcycle-specific rules, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices; you can take it at any Motor Vehicle Commission office.
- If you skip the course and take the riding test instead, you must bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by the testing location, and you need a valid driver's license first.
- The endorsement costs $10 and is added to your existing license; you do not need to renew your whole license to get it.
Taking a motorcycle safety course to skip the riding test
The fastest and most common path is to take an approved motorcycle safety course. New Jersey recognizes courses from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and the New Jersey Basic Rider Course (BRC). Both teach you how to handle a motorcycle, how to brake and turn safely, and how to read traffic — the exact skills the state riding test measures. When you complete either course, you receive a certificate of completion.
Bring that certificate to any Motor Vehicle Commission office, and you can take the written test on the spot. You do not need to schedule it in advance. Once you pass the written test, the endorsement is added to your license when ready. The course itself usually takes two days (about 16 hours total) and costs between $200 and $300, depending on the provider. The Motor Vehicle Commission charges $10 to add the endorsement to your license.
To find an approved course near you, visit the Motor Vehicle Commission website and search for "Basic Rider Course providers" or call 609-292-6500. Courses fill up, especially in spring and summer, so register several weeks ahead if you have a specific date in mind.
Taking the written test at the Motor Vehicle Commission
The written test covers New Jersey motorcycle laws, safe riding techniques, and how to handle hazards. It has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take it at any Motor Vehicle Commission office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your valid driver's license and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can retake it if you do not pass, but you must wait one day before your next attempt. There is no fee for the test itself.
Study materials are free on the Motor Vehicle Commission website. You can read the motorcycle manual, which covers everything the test asks about, or take practice tests online. Many riders find the practice tests more useful than reading the manual straight through, because they show you which topics you need to study more.
Taking the riding skills test without a course
If you do not take a safety course, you must pass the state riding skills test to get your endorsement. This test measures whether you can control a motorcycle, brake smoothly, turn at different speeds, and avoid obstacles. It takes about 20 minutes and happens in a closed course, not on public roads.
You still need to pass the written test first. Once you pass the written test, you can schedule the riding test at the Motor Vehicle Commission office where you took the written test. The riding test costs $10. You must bring a motorcycle that is street-legal and registered in New Jersey, or use one provided by the testing location if available — call ahead to ask whether your local office has motorcycles available for testing.
You also need a valid driver's license and a helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards. The test is pass or fail; if you do not pass, you can retake it after waiting one day. Many people find the riding test harder than expected if they have not practiced, so taking a course first is a safer bet.
What happens if you already have a motorcycle license from another state
If you hold a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state and you move to New Jersey, you can transfer it without retaking either test. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of New Jersey residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) to any Motor Vehicle Commission office. The endorsement transfers to your New Jersey license, and you pay the $10 fee.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you cannot transfer the endorsement — you must take both the written and riding tests as if you were getting the endorsement for the first time. The same rule applies if your out-of-state license was suspended or revoked.
Renewing or replacing your motorcycle endorsement
Your motorcycle endorsement stays on your license for as long as your license is valid. When you renew your driver's license — every four years in New Jersey — the endorsement renews automatically at no extra cost. You do not need to retake any test.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any Motor Vehicle Commission office. The endorsement transfers to the replacement license automatically. If your license is suspended or revoked for any reason, the endorsement is suspended or revoked along with it.
New Jersey motorcycle rules you should know before you ride
Once you have your endorsement, New Jersey law requires you to wear a helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards every time you ride, regardless of your age or experience. You must also carry proof of insurance — New Jersey requires minimum liability coverage of $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. Your motorcycle must be registered with the Motor Vehicle Commission, just like a car.
Motorcycle riders are not required to take a separate written test on these rules — they are covered in the endorsement written test — but it is worth reviewing them before you start riding. The Motor Vehicle Commission website has a full list of motorcycle-specific traffic laws, including rules about lane positioning, passing, and riding in groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have a suspended or revoked driver's license?
No. You must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license to get a motorcycle endorsement. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot take either the written or riding test until your license is reinstated.
Do I need to take the written test if I complete a motorcycle safety course?
Yes. The safety course lets you skip the riding test, but you still must pass the written test at the Motor Vehicle Commission. Bring your course completion certificate to any Motor Vehicle Commission office and take the test there.
What if I fail the riding test?
You can retake it after waiting one day. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you pay the $10 fee each time. Many people find it helpful to take a few practice rides or a refresher course before trying again.
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit does not include motorcycle riding. You must have the full "M" endorsement on your license to ride a motorcycle on public roads in New Jersey.
How long does the endorsement take to show up on my license after I pass the test?
If you pass the written test at a Motor Vehicle Commission office, the endorsement is added to your license when ready. You can ride legally as soon as you leave the office. If you take the riding test, the endorsement is added the same day you pass.