The NJ motorcycle permit test is a written knowledge test plus a vision test, taken through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC, nj.gov/mvc) after your 6 Points of ID check. The MVC does not publish how many questions are on the motorcycle knowledge test or the score you need. Practice sites say 50 questions with 40 correct to pass, but that is unofficial, so study the whole motorcycle section of the New Jersey Driver Manual.
NJ motorcycle permit test: the quick answer
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Agency | New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) |
| Who needs it | Anyone who wants a motorcycle endorsement on a driver license, or a motorcycle license, and is not using the rider course route |
| Minimum age | 17 for the permit, with parent or guardian consent under 18. You must be 18 for the MVC road test, and anyone under 18 must complete the Basic Rider Course |
| Test | Knowledge test and vision test. Questions come from the NJ Driver Manual and its motorcycle manual section |
| Questions and pass mark | Not published by the MVC. Third-party sites say 50 questions and 80%, which is unofficial |
| Permit fee | $5. The MVC fee page lists the motorcycle permit as valid for 90 days |
| Appointment | Knowledge tests and road tests are booked online at telegov.njportal.com/njmvc |
| Rider course route | An approved Basic Rider Course (about 5 hours of classroom and 10 hours of riding) can waive the knowledge and road tests for many NJ license holders |
From years of teaching new drivers in New Jersey, the most common surprise is that a motorcycle permit comes with real limits. On a permit you cannot ride from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, carry passengers, or use state toll roads and limited-access highways.
What's on the motorcycle permit test
Expect general road rules and signs from the NJ Driver Manual, plus rider topics from the motorcycle section. These are the motorcycle facts the manual spells out:
- Helmets: required by law for operators and passengers. An approved helmet meets the federal FMVSS 218 standard, has a chinstrap, and carries at least four square inches of reflective tape on each side. The manual says not to buy a used helmet.
- Eye protection: approved goggles or a face shield are required unless the motorcycle has a windscreen. Tinted eye protection should not be worn at night.
- Following distance: at least two seconds under ordinary conditions, and more when you carry a passenger.
- Permit limits: no night riding, no passengers, no state toll roads or limited-access highways.
- Engine size: a road test on a bike of 231cc or less limits you to motorcycles of 500cc or less (restriction 5 on your license). An approved safety course removes that limit.
- Lane position, braking, turning, swerving and being seen in traffic.
- Alcohol and riding: the manual stresses that alcohol affects you long before you are legally intoxicated.
Drivers who already have a car license tend to lose points on numbers they never needed before, like the reflective tape size and the 231cc and 500cc rule. Put those on a flash card.
Steps to your New Jersey motorcycle license
The rider course route. A permit is not required to take the Basic Rider Course, and it is required if you are under 18.
Your steps
- Take an approved Basic Rider Course: about 5 hours in the classroom and 10 hours of riding.
- Bring your completion documents and 6 Points of ID to an MVC driver testing center.
- Pass the vision test and pay the fees. With a valid NJ license, the course can waive your knowledge and road tests.
- Some applicants, including drivers still in the GDL program, may not qualify for the waivers, so ask the MVC.
What to bring
- 6 Points of ID
- Course completion documents
- Your NJ driver license
- Payment for fees
The permit and road test route. You must be 18 or older for the MVC road test.
Your steps
- Book a knowledge test appointment, bring 6 Points of ID, and pass the knowledge and vision tests.
- Pay the $5 motorcycle permit fee.
- Practice for at least 20 days, following all permit limits.
- Schedule the road test and bring a registered, insured motorcycle, a helmet and eye protection.
- Pass the road test and pay the fees to add the endorsement.
What to bring
- 6 Points of ID
- Proof of insurance for the motorcycle
- Registration for the motorcycle
- Helmet and eye protection
You get a motorcycle-only license through New Jersey's graduated licensing steps.
Your steps
- Get a motorcycle examination permit by passing the knowledge and vision tests.
- Practice for 6 months if you are under 21, or 3 months if you are 21 or older.
- Complete the Basic Rider Course (required if you are under 18), or skip it if you are 18 or older.
- Pass the road test to receive a probationary motorcycle license, held for at least one year with GDL restrictions.
- At 18 or older, after a year of probation, get your basic motorcycle license.
What to bring
- 6 Points of ID
- Parent or guardian consent if under 18
- A registered, insured motorcycle for the road test
- Payment for fees
For fees, the MVC fee page lists a motorcycle license at $24 and a combined auto and motorcycle license at $42. Check nj.gov/mvc for current amounts before your visit.
How to study for the NJ motorcycle permit test
- Use the motorcycle manual section of the NJ Driver Manual as your NJ motorcycle permit test study guide. It is free on nj.gov/mvc.
- Review the road sign and right-of-way chapters of the main Driver Manual too.
- Take NJ motorcycle permit test practice questions and write down every one you miss.
- Make flash cards for the numbers: 17, 18, 20 days, 231cc, 500cc, two seconds, four square inches.
- Book your appointment early, and bring your 6 Points of ID in originals.
10-question New Jersey motorcycle practice quiz
- What is the youngest age you can get a motorcycle permit in New Jersey? Answer: 17, with parent or guardian consent.
- How much is the motorcycle permit? Answer: $5.
- Can you ride at night on a motorcycle permit? Answer: No, not from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
- Can you carry a passenger on a permit? Answer: No.
- Can you use the Garden State Parkway or other state toll roads on a permit? Answer: No, and limited-access highways are off limits too.
- With a driver license and no course, how long must you practice before the road test? Answer: At least 20 days.
- What happens if you take the road test on a bike of 231cc or less? Answer: You are limited to motorcycles of 500cc or less, unless you complete an approved course.
- How much reflective tape must an approved helmet have? Answer: At least four square inches on each side.
- When can you ride without goggles or a face shield? Answer: Only when your motorcycle has a windscreen.
- What is the minimum following distance in ordinary conditions? Answer: Two seconds, and more with a passenger.
New Jersey motorcycle permit test FAQ
What does Reddit say about the NJ motorcycle permit test?
People searching for nj motorcycle permit test reddit usually want to know if it is hard and what to expect. It is a written test plus a vision test, no riding. Most people who struggle skipped the manual and relied on car experience, so read the motorcycle section and practice the numbers.
How many questions are on the NJ motorcycle permit test?
The MVC does not publish the number or the passing score. Third-party sites say 50 questions and 80%, which is unofficial.
How do I make an NJ motorcycle permit test appointment?
Book knowledge test and road test appointments online at telegov.njportal.com/njmvc, then bring your 6 Points of ID.
Do I need my own motorcycle for the permit test?
No. The permit test is a knowledge and vision test. You need a registered, insured motorcycle, a helmet and eye protection for the road test.
Can I skip the road test in New Jersey?
Many NJ license holders can, by completing an approved Basic Rider Course, which can waive both the knowledge and road tests. Some GDL drivers may not qualify.
Rules, forms and fees change, so check the MVC motorcycle page at nj.gov/mvc before your appointment.
