New York requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, not a standalone license
A motorcycle license in New York is technically an endorsement added to your existing driver's license — it is not a separate document. You cannot ride a motorcycle legally on public roads with only a regular car license, even if you own the motorcycle outright. The state issues this endorsement through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after you pass both a written test and a riding skills test, or after you complete an approved motorcycle safety course.
The endorsement appears on your license as the letter "M" in the class section. You keep your regular driving privileges and add motorcycle riding authority to the same card. If you do not yet have a New York driver's license, you must obtain one before you can add the motorcycle endorsement.
Key Takeaways
- New York adds a motorcycle endorsement (the letter "M") to your existing driver's license; you cannot ride legally without it.
- You can skip the DMV riding test by completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course or an approved New York course, which also waives the written test.
- If you take the DMV route without a course, you must pass a written test at any DMV office and a riding skills test at a DMV testing facility with your own motorcycle.
- The MSF course takes two days, costs between $200 and $350, and includes a loaner motorcycle, helmet, and protective gear.
- You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in New York.
The two paths: MSF course or DMV testing
New York gives you two routes to the motorcycle endorsement. The first and faster route is to complete an approved motorcycle safety course, usually the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course. This course is two days long, covers both classroom and hands-on riding, and upon completion, you receive a certificate that you bring to the DMV. The DMV then adds the endorsement to your license without requiring you to take any additional test.
The second route is to test directly with the DMV. You take a written test at any DMV office, then schedule a separate riding skills test at a DMV testing facility. You must bring your own motorcycle to the riding test, and it must be street-legal and registered in New York. This route takes longer because you must schedule two separate appointments and you bear the cost of owning or borrowing a motorcycle for the test.
Most riders choose the MSF course because it includes a loaner motorcycle, helmet, and protective gear; teaches you to ride safely before you test; and eliminates both the written and riding tests at the DMV. The course also costs less than buying or renting a motorcycle for the DMV test.
Finding and completing an MSF course in New York
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation lists all approved course providers on its website at msf-usa.org. You can search by state and zip code to find courses near you. New York also approves other motorcycle safety courses beyond the MSF; the DMV website lists all approved providers under "Motorcycle Safety Course Providers." Course schedules vary by location, with most offering weekend sessions, some weekday sessions, and a few evening options.
Courses typically cost between $200 and $350 depending on the provider and location. The price includes classroom instruction, use of a motorcycle and helmet for the riding portion, and protective gear such as gloves and a jacket. You do not need to own a motorcycle or have any riding experience before you enroll. Most courses accept walk-in registrations, but calling ahead to confirm availability is wise, especially during spring and summer when demand is highest.
When you complete the course, the instructor gives you a certificate of completion on the spot or within a few days. You then bring this certificate to any DMV office along with your driver's license and proof of identity. The DMV adds the endorsement to your license when ready, usually while you wait.
Taking the DMV written test for the motorcycle endorsement
If you choose not to take a safety course, you must pass the DMV written test first. The test covers New York motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. You can take the test at any DMV office during regular business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary. The test is 20 questions, and you must answer at least 14 correctly to pass.
The DMV provides a free study guide called the "Motorcycle Manual" on its website. You can read it online or request a printed copy at any DMV office. The manual covers everything on the test, including helmet laws, lane positioning, braking, turning, and what to do in emergency situations. Most people study the manual for a few hours before taking the test.
The test costs $10. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost. You do not need to bring your motorcycle to the written test — only your driver's license and proof of identity.
Scheduling and passing the DMV riding skills test
After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the riding skills test. You must call the DMV at 1-844-DMV-TAGS (1-844-368-8247) to book a test date. Testing facilities are located at select DMV offices across the state; not every office offers riding tests, so the DMV will tell you which location serves your area and when appointments are available.
You must bring your own motorcycle to the test, and it must be registered and insured in New York. The motorcycle must be street-legal, meaning it has working lights, mirrors, horn, and brakes. The examiner will inspect the motorcycle before the test begins. You also must wear a helmet and eye protection; the DMV does not provide these.
The riding test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers such as starting, stopping, turning, and swerving. You ride in a closed course, not on public roads. You must pass the test on your first attempt to add the endorsement; if you fail, you can retake it after paying another $10 fee and scheduling a new appointment.
Age requirements and restrictions for new motorcycle riders
You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in New York. If you are 16 or 17, you can ride a motorcycle only during daylight hours and cannot carry passengers. These restrictions lift when you turn 18. If you are under 18, you also must complete a motorcycle safety course — the DMV test-only route is not available to you.
New York does not issue a separate "learner's permit" for motorcycles the way it does for cars. Once you pass the test or complete the course, you receive the full endorsement with no intermediate step. However, new riders are strongly encouraged to practice in a parking lot or quiet area before riding on busy streets, even though the law does not require it.
What happens after you receive the endorsement
Once the DMV adds the "M" endorsement to your license, you can legally ride a motorcycle on New York public roads. Your license remains valid for the same renewal period as your regular driver's license — typically eight years. When you renew your driver's license, the motorcycle endorsement renews automatically at no additional cost, and you do not need to retake any test.
If your license is suspended or revoked for any reason, the motorcycle endorsement is suspended or revoked along with it. If you move out of New York, you can transfer your endorsement to your new state's license, though the process varies by state. Contact your new state's DMV for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a regular New York driver's license?
No. Riding a motorcycle without the "M" endorsement is illegal in New York, even if you own the motorcycle. You can be ticketed, fined, and have your license suspended. You must have the endorsement on your license before you ride on any public road.
How long does it take to get the endorsement after I complete an MSF course?
You can bring your course certificate to the DMV when ready after completing the course, and the endorsement is added to your license the same day while you wait. The entire process takes less than an hour at the DMV office.
What if I fail the DMV riding test?
You can retake the test after paying another $10 fee and scheduling a new appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people practice more between attempts and pass on the second or third try.
Do I need to own a motorcycle before I take the MSF course?
No. The MSF course provides a loaner motorcycle for the entire two-day course. You do not need any riding experience or motorcycle ownership before you enroll.
Will my motorcycle endorsement transfer if I move to another state?
Most states recognize the New York motorcycle endorsement and will transfer it to your new state's license, but the process and requirements vary. Contact your new state's DMV to confirm what documents you need to bring and whether you must retake any test.