In New Jersey, you can add a motorcycle endorsement to your existing driver’s license. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you can still acquire a motorcycle license, but the process is a bit longer and more involved. Completing the Basic Rider Course (BRC) offered by the state can help you with either scenario. The course will show you the essentials needed to complete the requirements for a motorcycle license in NJ.
With all of this in mind, we are here to guide you on how to get bike license in NJ with step by step guides.
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New Jersey Motorcycle License Requirements
Getting a motorcycle license in New Jersey requires completing several steps and can be a bit complicated.
If you have a New Jersey driver’s license, you must meet specific requirements.
- Complete the Basic Rider Course (BRC) from approved motorcycle schools in NJ or apply for a motorcycle permit.
- Practice riding for at least 20 days following permit restrictions if you skip the BRC class.
- Complete a motorcycle skills test, which is waived if you complete the BRC class.
- Pass the motorcycle knowledge test, which is also waived if you complete the BRC class.
- Pass a vision exam.
- Pay a motorcycle license endorsement fee.
- Be at least 17 years old for a probationary license.
- Have 6 points of ID.
If you do not have a driver’s license, the following NJ motorcycle requirements apply:
- Obtain a motorcycle permit.
- Pass a knowledge test.
- Pass a vision test.
- Practice riding with a permit for at least 6 months if you are below 21 years or 3 months if you are above 21 years.
- Completion of the Basic Riding Course (BRC) is not mandatory, but failure to do so may result in license restrictions.
- Pass the road test.
- Pay the required fees to obtain a Probationary Motorcycle License.
- Complete 1 year of probationary riding before applying for an unrestricted license and paying an additional fee.
- Have 6 points of ID.
The minimum age for a motorcycle license in NJ is 17 for a probationary license. To get an unrestricted license, you must be at least 18. 17-year-olds are required to complete the BRC class before obtaining a NJ motorcycle license or endorsement.
The rules for getting a motorcycle license in NJ can be complicated. The steps you need to take depend on whether you have a driver’s license and need an endorsement or want a standalone motorcycle license. Taking a New Jersey motorcycle license class or not can change the process.
How to Get bike License in NJ –Skip Written & Road Tests with NJ Motorcycle Classes
In New Jersey, completing motorcycle classes is not required to get a license or permit, but it’s a good idea. If you already have a driver’s license, there are many benefits to taking a basic rider course.
This eliminates the need for a road test, written test, and motorcycle permit. Additionally, it may qualify you for motorcycle insurance discounts.
Here are the basic steps to getting your motorcycle license in New Jersey with a Basic Rider Course. By taking this course, you can simplify the process and enjoy the added benefits that come with it.
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#1. Complete an Approved Basic Rider Course (BRC)
The fastest way to get an NJ MVC motorcycle license is to attend approved motorcycle classes. There are many accredited motorcycle schools in NJ, and fees vary by provider.
Most providers let you borrow a DOT-approved helmet for the course, but it’s a good idea to bring your own. You must wear shoes that cover the ankles, full-fingered gloves, eye protection, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
The course lasts 18 hours over three days, including online, classroom, and hands-on instruction. The lowest cost is $325, and some providers offer discounts for students, first responders, military members, and family members. The largest provider is Rider Education of NJ with five locations. Their Basic Rider Course (BRC) costs $335 or $99 for the 3-wheel course, which qualifies for a special endorsement. Before attending the course, you must complete the course.
You can learn more about taking motorcycle safety courses in New Jersey with a list of providers.
#2. Complete a Vision Test & Get a Motorcycle Endorsement
Once you have your certificate from passing the safety course, you can submit your application for a motorcycle endorsement in NJ. You must complete a vision test at an MVC center that offers driver testing.
Once you’ve passed the vision test and received your BRC certificate of completion, you can add a motorcycle endorsement to your license with no further requirements. There is a $24 fee.
Additional Steps if You Do Not Have a Driver’s License
Getting a motorcycle license in New Jersey requires completing several steps and can be a bit complicated.
#1. Pass a Knowledge & Vision Test to Obtain a Motorcycle Permit
To get your NJ motorcycle permit, you need to start by submitting an application using Form BA-412C. You can apply for this permit at the NJ MVC by paying a $5 fee. The first step is to pass both a vision test and a knowledge test.
The New Jersey written test can be taken at an MVC driver testing center. Make sure to schedule your NJ motorcycle license appointment to take the test. You can click here to make your MVC knowledge test appointment.
To prepare for the New Jersey written test, use available resources like the NJ MVC Motorcycle Handbook, a sample knowledge test from the NJ MVC, and a free NJ motorcycle license study guide with practice test and hints. These tools will help you study effectively and increase your chances of passing the test on your first try.
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#2. Practice Riding
Once you have your motorcycle permit, you need to practice riding while following all NJ motorcycle permit rules. You are not allowed to carry passengers, ride on state toll roads such as the NJ Turnpike, or ride at night. If you are over 21, you must practice riding for 3 months without any driving suspensions or citations. If you are under 21, you need to practice for 6 months.
#3. Pass a Basic Rider Course (BRC)
Once you have met the initial requirements and practiced riding, you’re ready to take the safety course. The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is crucial for new riders. In NJ, there are several motorcycle classes you can enroll in. You can see a list of approved course providers and their locations by clicking here. This course will help you become a safer rider and meet all the necessary steps to get your bike license in New Jersey.
#4. Pass a Motorcycle Road Test
To get a probationary license in New Jersey, you need to pass the NJ MVC motorcycle test. If you don’t have a driver’s license, this step is essential. Even passing the BRC will not waive this requirement. After practicing riding with your NJ motorcycle permit for the required time and completing a Basic Rider Training Course, you can apply for a probationary motorcycle license.
Next, you must pass a motorcycle skills test at an MVC test site. You can book your road test at a Driver Testing Center between 8am and 4pm or online Monday to Friday. Click here to schedule your NJ MVC motorcycle test. 14 New Jersey MVC locations offer motorcycle road tests. Remember to bring your motorcycle, which must be registered and insured, along with a helmet and eye protection.
Once you have successfully passed the test, you are closer to getting your license. This step ensures that you are prepared for the road and meet all the safety requirements set by the state.
#5. Obtain a NJ Probationary Motorcycle License
After passing the road test, you must pay a $24 fee to obtain a Class E probationary motorcycle license. You must hold this probationary license for one year and follow the graduated driver’s license restrictions, which include not riding between 11 pm and 5 am.
#6. Obtain an Unrestricted Motorcycle License
Once you have a probationary license for one year, you can upgrade to an unrestricted NJ motorcycle license. To do this, you need to turn in your probationary license and pay a $24 fee. You do not need to pass any additional exams to get your full license.
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How to Get bike License in NJ Without Attending Motorcycle School
Not interested in attending rider safety classes? You can still get a motorcycle endorsement or license, but it requires a few extra steps. Here’s how to get a New Jersey motorcycle license with no classes. These steps are simplified. See previous sections for more details.
If you have a driver’s license:
- Pass a knowledge and vision test
- Get a motorcycle permit
- Practice riding for at least 20 days
- Pass the motorcycle road test
- Get a motorcycle endorsement by paying the fee
If you do not have a driver’s license:
- Pass a knowledge and vision test
- Get a motorcycle permit
- Practice riding for at least 3 months if over 21 or 6 months if under 21
- Pass the motorcycle road test
- Get a probationary motorcycle license
- Ride for 1 year with restrictions
- Get an unrestricted motorcycle license by paying the required fee
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Motorcycle License vs Motorcycle Endorsement in NJ
To get an unrestricted motorcycle license, you need to pay the required fee. A motorcycle endorsement is an additional document added to your New Jersey driver’s license, allowing you to legally operate a motorcycle. In contrast, the NJ motorcycle license is for riders who do not have a driver’s license. This license only allows driving a motorcycle, not any other motor vehicle.
FAQs
How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license in New Jersey?
The basic NJ motorcycle endorsement or license fee is $24. You may need to pay for a motorcycle permit which costs $5. Additionally, a probationary license also costs $24. If you decide to take a BRC class, the average cost is about $350.
How old do you need to be to get a motorcycle license in New Jersey?
To get an unrestricted motorcycle license in New Jersey, you must be at least 18 years old. Seventeen-year-olds may be eligible for a probationary license after completing a safety course.
How long is a NJ motorcycle permit good for?
In New Jersey, a motorcycle permit costs $5 and is good for 90 days. This gives you ample time to practice and prepare for your road test.
How long do you need a NJ motorcycle permit before getting a license?
If you are required to get a motorcycle permit, you must wait at least 20 days before you can take the road test to get your motorcycle endorsement on your license. This waiting period ensures you have enough practice time to be ready for the test.
Do I need to take a road test to get a NJ motorcycle license?
No, you do not need to take a road test to get an NJ motorcycle license if you complete the Basic Rider Course. This waiver allows you to add a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license without the need for a skill test.
