How To Get a New York Motorcycle License

You must pass a motorcycle road test or take the Basic Rider Course (BRC) before you can get a New York motorcycle license.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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. 
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Do 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:
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.
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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
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. All you have to do is download the app, answer a few simple questions, and we’ll scan coverage options and rates from more than 55 of the nation’s top insurance companies. Then, you’ll get a list of personalized quotes in less than a minute, so you can choose the plan that works best for you. 
Tap your preferred policy and let Jerry handle the rest—from filling out forms and making phone calls, to helping you cancel your old coverage.
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FAQs

To get a motorcycle driver’s license in New York, you need to get a motorcycle learner’s permit and pass a motorcycle road test. If you already have a standard New York driver’s license, you can have the motorcycle road test waived by enrolling in a Basic Rider Course (BRC).
Driving a motorcycle in New York without a license is considered a serious misdemeanor and can result in heavy fines and up to 15 days in jail.
No.
Motorcycle insurance
is required by law to drive a motorcycle in New York State.
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