What you need to ride a motorcycle in New Jersey
New Jersey requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license if you want to ride any motorcycle, moped, or motorized bicycle on public roads. You cannot straightforward use your regular car license. The endorsement is called an M endorsement, and you get it by passing a written test, a vision test, and a riding skills test.
The process takes place at your local Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. You do not have to own a motorcycle before you test — you can borrow one or use one provided by a riding school. Most people complete the whole process in one to three visits, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and whether you pass on your first attempt.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey requires an M endorsement on your driver's license to ride any motorcycle, and you must pass a written test, vision screening, and riding skills test to get it.
- You can take the riding skills test through the MVC's own test or by completing an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, which waives the MVC riding test.
- The written test covers New Jersey motorcycle laws and safe riding practices, and you can study using the free MVC Motorcycle Manual.
- You must bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of New Jersey residency to your MVC appointment.
- The M endorsement costs $20 and is added to your existing license; you do not receive a new license card unless you also renew your driver's license.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test covers New Jersey motorcycle laws, road signs, safe riding techniques, and how to handle your motorcycle in different conditions. Questions ask about things like proper helmet use, lane positioning, braking in wet weather, and what to do if your brakes fail.
You can study for free using the New Jersey Motorcycle Manual, which the MVC publishes and makes available on its website. The manual is the source material for every question on the test. Many people read through it once, then take practice tests online or use study apps to drill the areas where they feel less confident. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
You take the written test at an MVC office on a computer. You get your results when ready after you finish. If you pass, you move forward to schedule your vision screening and riding test. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.
The vision screening
The vision screening is brief and happens at the MVC office. An examiner checks your eyesight to make sure you can see well enough to ride safely. You need to be able to read a chart from a certain distance and pass a peripheral vision check. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can wear them during the test.
If you do not pass the vision screening, you will be told what the issue is and given information about what to do next. In most cases, you can get glasses or contacts and come back to retake it. There is no fee to retake the vision screening.
The riding skills test: MVC route or motorcycle safety course
You have two paths to complete the riding skills requirement. The first is to take the MVC Motorcycle Skills Test at a testing facility. The second is to complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which waives the MVC riding test entirely.
The MVC riding test takes about 20 minutes and is performed on a closed course at an MVC facility. An examiner watches you perform specific maneuvers — starting the bike, riding in a straight line, making turns, braking, and swerving to avoid an obstacle. You must bring a motorcycle that is street-legal and registered in New Jersey, or you can use a motorcycle provided by an approved testing facility. The test costs $20.
The MSF course is a classroom and hands-on training program run by private riding schools throughout New Jersey. The course typically takes two to three days and includes both classroom instruction and time riding on a closed course. When you finish, the school gives you a completion certificate, which you bring to the MVC. The MVC accepts this certificate in place of the riding test. MSF courses cost between $200 and $400 depending on the school and course length, but many people find the training worth the cost because you learn from an instructor and practice in a controlled environment before taking any test.
Documents you need to bring
When you go to the MVC office, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return), and proof of New Jersey residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days). If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign your process.
If you are taking the MVC riding test, bring your motorcycle or arrange ahead of time to use one at the testing facility. Make sure your motorcycle has a valid registration and inspection. If you are taking an MSF course, bring your course completion certificate to the MVC when you are ready to add the endorsement.
The timeline and cost
The written test can be scheduled within days of your first MVC visit. The vision screening usually happens the same day as the written test or shortly after. The riding test or MSF course can be scheduled after you pass the written test, though availability varies by location and season. In total, most people complete the process within two to four weeks if they pass all tests on the first attempt.
The total cost through the MVC route is $20 for the endorsement plus $20 for the riding test, for a total of $40. If you choose the MSF course route, you pay the course fee (typically $200 to $400) plus the $20 endorsement fee. The endorsement itself does not require a new license card — it is added to your existing license. You only receive a new card if you renew your driver's license for other reasons.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass all three components — written test, vision screening, and riding test or MSF course — the MVC adds the M endorsement to your license. You can ride a motorcycle on New Jersey roads when ready. Your license will show the M endorsement, though you do not receive a new physical card unless you renew your driver's license for another reason.
The M endorsement remains on your license as long as your driver's license is valid. If your license expires and you renew it, the endorsement carries over automatically. You do not have to retake any tests to keep it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the MSF course instead of the MVC riding test?
Yes. An approved MSF course in New Jersey satisfies the riding skills requirement, and you bring your completion certificate to the MVC instead of taking the MVC test. The course takes longer and costs more, but many riders prefer it because you receive professional instruction on a closed course before you ride on public roads.
Do I need to own a motorcycle to take the test?
No. You can borrow a motorcycle from someone else, or some MVC testing facilities allow you to use a motorcycle they provide. The motorcycle must be street-legal and registered in New Jersey. If you take an MSF course, the school provides motorcycles for training.
What if I fail the riding test?
You can retake it. There is no waiting period, and you can schedule another test as soon as the next available appointment at your MVC office. Each attempt costs $20. Many people pass on the second or third try after practicing specific maneuvers they struggled with.
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to ride a moped or motorized bicycle?
Yes. New Jersey requires an M endorsement for any motorized two-wheeled vehicle you ride on public roads, including mopeds and motorized bicycles. The same written test, vision screening, and riding test explore.
What if I already have a motorcycle endorsement from another state?
If you move to New Jersey with a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state, contact your local MVC office to ask about transfer options. Some states have reciprocal agreements with New Jersey, but requirements vary. You may be able to transfer your endorsement without retesting, or you may need to pass New Jersey's tests.