How to Get a New Jersey Motorcycle License

You must pass a safety training course and potentially a road test before you can get a New Jersey motorcycle license or endorsement.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
If you want to ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you can take a Basic Rider Course to obtain a motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. You’ll have to take a road test if you skip the course or if you apply for a motorcycle license without first having a driver’s license.
If you already hold a New Jersey driver’s license, obtaining a motorcycle endorsement is very easy—so long as you choose to complete a Basic Rider Course. Otherwise, there are a few more steps to get riding, but the process is straightforward.
Jerry
, the trustworthy super app that makes car insurance shopping easy, is here with what you need to know about getting a motorcycle license in New Jersey. We’ll even show you how to save on
New Jersey insurance costs
, as well.

Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in New Jersey?

Yes, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to operate a motorcycle in New Jersey. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you’ll need to get a motorcycle license to ride in New Jersey.
You must be at least 17 years of age to legally operate a motorcycle in New Jersey. If you are from out of state but hold a valid motorcycle license, or you have a motorcycle endorsement on a valid driver’s license, those qualifications will be honored in New Jersey.
icon
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now

How to add a motorcycle endorsement to your New Jersey driver’s license

If you’re already a licensed driver in the state of New Jersey, you’ll need to add a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license to ride in the Garden State. 
The process is simple: enroll in a Basic Rider Course (required for applicants under 18) and present proof of course completion along with your
6 Points of ID
at a driver training center to apply for your motorcycle endorsement.
You’ll have to pass a vision test, as well, but once you do that, there are no other requirements. Even the road test is waived, so long as you complete the Basic Rider Course. There is a $24 fee to add a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license.

Skipping New Jersey’s Basic Rider Course

Taking a Basic Rider Course (BRC) in New Jersey makes getting a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license much easier—but it is not required. If you opt to not take the BRC, the process to get a motorcycle endorsement is a bit more involved.
First, you’ll need to obtain a motorcycle examination permit. To do so, you’ll need to bring 6 Points of ID to a motor vehicle commission office and submit an application. You’ll also need to complete and pass a knowledge and vision test, which costs $5.
At that point, you’ll have to accrue at least 20 days of practice riding while observing all motorcycle permit riding restrictions, which include:
  • Not riding more than a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise
  • Not carrying any passengers
  • Not riding on state toll roads or any limited access highways
Then, you’ll need to take a motorcycle road test. You’ll have to bring your own motorcycle, helmet, and eye protection. The motorcycle must be registered and insured. After passing your road test, you’ll get a motorcycle endorsement added to your driver’s license after paying the required $24 fee.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

How to get a motorcycle-only license in New Jersey

Even without a driver’s license, you can still get a motorcycle license in New Jersey. If you are under 21 years of age, you’re required to have at least 6 months of practice riding before applying for your motorcycle license. If you’re over 21 years of age, you’ll be required to have at least 3 months of practice riding with no suspensions on your record.
It is then recommended you complete a Basic Rider Course. You’ll also need to register with an approved motorcycle trainer and complete at least 5 hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of riding exercises. Once you pass, you’ll be presented with a completion card.
Take your proof of completed motorcycle training to the
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
along with 6 Points of ID, and apply to take your road test. You’ll need to bring your own motorcycle, along with a helmet and eye protection, and your ride must be registered and insured.

Getting a New Jersey motorcycle-only license without the Basic Rider Course

It isn’t a requirement to take the Basic Rider Course in New Jersey to get a motorcycle-only license, but the process gets a bit more involved if you skip this step.
You’ll need to pass knowledge and vision tests before applying for a motorcycle permit ($5). Then, you’ll need at least 3 months of practice riding if you’re over 21 years old, and at least 6 months of practice riding if under 21 years of age. 
At this point, you’ll be allowed to take your road test. If you pass, you’ll be issued a probationary motorcycle license that lasts for one year, which comes with restrictions. Once the probationary license is up, you’ll be able to get your unrestricted motorcycle license.

How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in New Jersey

If you’re set to ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you’ll have to buy motorcycle insurance—the state requires it. Luckily,
motorcycle insurance is usually cheaper than car insurance
.
Still, most New Jersey riders also drive a car, so you’ll want to save as much as you can if you’re insuring both a motorcycle and a car. When hunting for affordable insurance, the
Jerry
app can help you find the best deals.
Sign-up on the app takes just 45 seconds, and then Jerry gets to work comparing quotes from more than 50 top insurers. Once you pick your new policy, Jerry signs you up and cancels your old insurance for you. Best of all? The average Jerry user saves more than $800 per year on
car insurance
!
rating reverse-full
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”

FAQs

Yes, you’ll be required to take a road test, along with a knowledge and vision test to get a motorcycle license in New Jersey. The only way your road and knowledge tests can be waived is if you already have a valid driver’s license and are applying to add a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license.
According to New Jersey statutes 39:3-10, you can be fined $500 and serve jail time if you’re pulled over for riding a motorcycle without a license.
No—you are required to carry liability insurance to operate a motorcycle in New Jersey.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings