Types of Motorcycle Licenses in New York City

Getting the right motorcycle license is essential for any rider wishing to legally navigate New York City's busy streets.
Knowing the different types of licenses available can help ensure you meet all legal requirements. Each type of license has specific criteria that riders must fulfill.
This guide will clearly explain these requirements and how to obtain your motorcycle license in NYC. At Davidoff Law, we understand that obtaining an NY motorcycle license is complicated; however, you must have a valid motorcycle license to ride in New York City.
Learn more about obtaining a New York State driver license below. Contact us for a free case review if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident.
Table of Contents
Overview of Motorcycle Licensing in New York
Riding a motorcycle without a valid driver's license is illegal in New York City and can result in significant penalties. The state offers different classes of motorcycle licenses, each with specific privileges and requirements.
These licenses are essential for ensuring all riders have the necessary training and skills to safely operate a motorcycle.
By understanding the licensing process, riders can make informed decisions about the type of license that best fits their needs.
Requirements for Obtaining a Motorcycle License
Written Test.
Before getting a motorcycle license, you must pass a written test that covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe riding practices. The test ensures that all riders have a basic awareness of the rules of the road.
Vision Test.
A vision test is mandatory to ensure all motorcycle license applicants can see well enough to ride safely. If you need glasses or contacts to pass the test, you must wear them while riding.
Motorcycle Road Test.
After passing the written and vision tests, you must demonstrate your riding ability through a road test. This test evaluates your skills in actual traffic conditions.
Motorcycle Permit.
Holding a motorcycle permit is a prerequisite before taking the road test in New York. The permit allows you to practice riding under certain restrictions.
Proof of Identity and Age.
Applicants must provide acceptable proof of identity and age. This can include a valid driver's license, passport, or other state-approved identification.
Age Requirements for Motorcycle Licenses
To apply for a motorcycle license in New York, you must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you must also have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian. The minimum age assures that riders have sufficient maturity and judgment to handle a motorcycle. Riders under 21 must complete a motorcycle safety course before receiving their full motorcycle license.
Motorcycle Safety Courses and Testing Options
Enrolling in a motorcycle safety course is highly recommended and sometimes required for younger riders. These courses teach fundamental riding skills and safety techniques. Many riders find that completing a course boosts their confidence and may reduce their insurance rates.
After completing a safety course, riders must pass a skills test known as the motorcycle road test. This test is a vital step in obtaining your motorcycle license. It assesses your ability to handle a motorcycle in various traffic situations, ensuring you can ride safely.
Class M Motorcycle License

A Class M motorcycle license allows you to operate a motorcycle or moped on public roads in New York. This license is necessary for any rider who wishes to drive legally and safely.
To get a Class M license, you must pass written and road tests assessing your knowledge and proficiency in motorcycle operation.
Eligibility and Requirements for a Class M License
- Completion of written test: You must pass a written test based on the New York State Motorcycle Manual. The test covers traffic laws, safety rules, and best practices for riding.
- Passing the road test: The road test evaluates your ability to operate a motorcycle under various traffic conditions. Successfully passing this test is critical to obtaining a Class M license.
- Age and identity verification: Applicants must verify their age and identity through acceptable documents such as a birth certificate or current driver's license.
- Residency requirement: You must prove your residency in New York to qualify for a Class M license. This ensures that all licensed riders are legal residents of the state.
- Payment of fees: There are fees associated with obtaining a Class M license. These fees cover the cost of processing your application and the issuance of your license.
Motorcycle Safety Course Completion for License Eligibility
Completing a motorcycle safety course is beneficial for obtaining a Class M license. These courses provide essential education and training that can help prevent accidents and injuries on the road.
Completing a safety course may also waive the road test requirement, depending on your age and other factors.
Class MJ Motorcycle License (Junior License)
The Class MJ driver's license, or junior license, is designed for younger riders aged 16 and 17. This license has specific restrictions to ensure the safety of inexperienced riders.
It's a critical step for teens who wish to ride a motorcycle before obtaining a full license. A class MJ driver license could be suitable for some individuals.
Age Restrictions for a Class MJ License
Riders must be at least 16 years old but under 18 to qualify for a Class MJ license. Applicants must have a parent or guardian's consent and complete a driver education course. This requirement helps ensure young riders are prepared and responsible enough to handle a motorcycle.
Restrictions on Riding Hours and Locations
Class MJ license holders are restricted in when and where they can ride. They are not allowed to ride after dark or on any of the major highways in New York. These restrictions help protect young riders from high-risk situations while they gain experience.
How To Transition From a Junior License to a Full License
- Reach the Age of 18: Once you turn 18, you are eligible to upgrade from a Class MJ to a Class M license.
- Complete a Driver Education Course: This course must include both classroom instruction and hands-on riding experience.
- Submit an Application for Upgrade: You can apply at your local DMV office to upgrade your junior license to a full license.
- Pass a Vision Test: Ensure your vision meets the required standards for a full motorcycle license.
- Pay the Required Fee: Upgrading to a full license requires a fee, which covers the cost of processing and issuing the new license.
Temporary Motorcycle Learner’s Permit

A temporary motorcycle learner’s permit allows new riders to practice riding under certain conditions before obtaining a full license. This permit is crucial for gaining real-world experience in a controlled and legal manner. To ride legally in New York, you must first obtain this permit, which lays the foundation for safe riding practices.
Requirements for Obtaining a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit
- Pass the written permit test: The permit test covers road rules and motorcycle safety principles. You must pass this test to demonstrate your theoretical knowledge of motorcycle riding.
- Meet age requirements: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit in New York. If under 18, parental consent is required.
- Provide identification and proof of age: Valid identification and proof of age are necessary to apply for a permit. This can include a birth certificate and a social security card.
- Complete a pre-licensing course: This course provides essential information about traffic laws and safe riding techniques. It's a prerequisite before you can take the road test.
- Pay the application fee: There is a fee associated with applying for a motorcycle learner's permit. This payment covers the administrative costs of processing your application.
Riding Restrictions With a Learner’s Permit
- Supervised riding only: When you have a learner's permit, you must ride under the supervision of a licensed motorcycle rider. This ensures safety and provides guidance.
- No passengers allowed: Learner’s permit holders are not allowed to carry passengers. This restriction helps the learner focus on controlling the motorcycle and learning without distractions.
- Daylight riding only: Riding is restricted to daylight hours. Night riding is prohibited to reduce the risk of accidents while learning.
- No highway riding: Learner’s permit holders are not permitted to ride on highways. This restriction is intended to keep novice riders in safer, less complex traffic environments.
- Wearing helmets and protective gear: All permit holders must wear DOT-approved helmets and appropriate protective gear. This is paramount for safety and is legally required in New York.
Steps to Convert a Temporary Motorcycle License to a Full License
- Complete the required hours of supervised riding: Record your riding hours as proof of experience. This is essential for progressing to the next stage.
- Pass the motorcycle road test: Schedule and pass the road test to demonstrate your ability to safely operate a motorcycle in traffic.
- Submit your road test documentation: Provide the DMV with your road test results and any other required documents.
- Pay the license upgrade fee: There is a fee to upgrade from a learner’s permit to a full motorcycle license.
- Receive your full motorcycle license: Once all requirements are met and approved, you will receive your full motorcycle license, allowing you unrestricted riding privileges.
How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in NYC

- Gather required documents: Start by collecting all relevant documents, including proof of identity, New York residency, and any existing driver licenses.
- Complete a motorcycle safety course: Although optional, completing a safety course can enhance your skills and may waive some testing requirements.
- Pass the written test: Visit your local DMV office to take and pass the motorcycle written test.
- Apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit: Use your passing written test score to apply for a learner’s permit.
- Practice riding: Utilize your learner’s permit to gain experience under the specified restrictions.
- Schedule and pass the road test: Once you're ready, schedule your road test and aim to pass it to prove your riding capabilities.
- Receive your motorcycle license: After passing the road test, finalize your application to receive your official New York motorcycle license.
How We Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident
If you've been hurt in a motorcycle crash, securing legal representation is important. Our law firm specializes in motorcycle crash cases and understands the complexities involved. We can help you navigate the legal process, from filing claims to negotiating settlements.
We aim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for injuries and losses. This includes a potential traumatic brain injury. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to tackle the challenges of your case.
We provide personalized attention to each client, ensuring your rights are safeguarded throughout all legal proceedings. With our guidance, you can prioritize your recovery while we handle the legal details.
Rely on Our Manhattan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer. Call For a Free Case Review

Partnering with the right motorcycle accident lawyer can change the outcome of your case. At Davidoff Law, our Manhattan motorcycle accident lawyer is committed to defending the rights of motorcycle riders.
Contact us today for a free case review to discuss your options and how we can assist you. We are committed to providing the support and legal expertise needed to effectively navigate your recovery and legal challenges.