Before you can get a motorcycle license in New York, you need to take a Basic Rider Course (BRC) orpass a road test. Motorcycle license applicants without a standard New York State driver's license are also required to take a driver’s education class.
New York State is a great place to ride a motorcycle. The state’s scenic mountain highways, lakeside drives, and oceanfront parkways are perfect for long, relaxing trips. And if you need to traverse the busy NYC metro area, a motorcycle can help you get through annoying traffic jams a little quicker.
Want to get a motorcycle license in New York—and some cheaper car insurance
while you’re at it? Here to talk you through the process you need to follow with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is Jerry
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Start earning nowDo you need a license to operate a motorcycle in New York?
Yes. To operate a motorcycle, scooter, or moped in New York you must be at least 16 years old and have a class M or DM driver’s license. The class M license is a standalone license that allows you to operate a motorcycle, while the class DM license allows you to operate either a passenger vehicle or a motorcycle.
How to add a motorcycle classification to your New York driver’s license
Title 5
of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws allows you to upgrade a regular class D driver’s license if you have a motorcycle learner’s permit by either:Passing the motorcycle road test, or
The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is a special motorcycle training course that teaches new drivers basic safety strategies and crash-avoidance techniques. If you already have a New York State driver’s license and choose to take one of these courses, the motorcycle road test is not required.
Instead, just present your course completion card along with proof of identity and the $12.50 fee to amend your driver’s license. When you fill out the application
, make sure to check the Change Type box at the top, and write“add class M” in the box next to Other Change. Once your application is processed, you will receive your new class DM driver’s license in the mail. 4.717k Ratings 5M+Drivers Joined
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How to get a motorcycle-only license in New York
If you don’t have a valid New York driver’s license, but want to ride a motorcycle, moped, or scooter, you can apply for a license to operate a motorized bike. Here’s how to get a class M driver’s license.
First, bring your required documents
to the DMV and pass a written knowledge exam to get your motorcycle learner’s permit. You can take the test as soon as you are 16 years old, but applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. A motorcycle learner’s permit follows the same restrictions
as a regular learner’s permit and allows you to practice driving under the supervision of someone who is at least 21 years old and holds a class M license or a class DM license. The motorcycle road test is required for applicants who do not already have a New York State driver's license. Before you can schedule your motorcycle road test, you must complete a pre-licensing course or take standard driver’s education. The DMV also recommends enrolling in a Basic Rider Course (BRC) to learn about motorcycle safety.
Once you pay the licensing fee
and pass the motorcycle road test, your new class M driver’s license will be mailed to you within two weeks. How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in New York
Just like you need car insurance to drive a car, New York State requires motorcycle drivers to carry motorcycle insurance
. Thankfully, it’s usually cheaper than car insurance
, but if you already own a passenger vehicle or two, it can certainly raise your overall insurance costs. Keep your costs as low as possible with a little help from Jerry
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