Motorcycles don’t just cut down on effort but also on the time you spend getting to and from certain places, especially on crowded streets, like those of NY.
How to get a motorcycle license in NY, though? That’s what we’re here to answer today. Fortunately, obtaining it is a fairly straightforward chain of steps that don’t require incredible resources.
Step One: Class D
A Class D is the standard driving license for a vehicle. Before you go about getting a motorcycle license, you first have to have your Class D license and present it with the rest of the requirements you’ll need to fulfill.
If you don’t have one, you’ll need to undertake and pass a written plus drivers’ license exam. Next, you’ll have to complete a drivers’ education course to acquire your learner’s permit.
Lastly, you’ll schedule a road test and bring along a licensed adult and an extra vehicle to the exam, regardless of what kind of license you’re applying for. When you pass it, you’ll get a temporary Class D license, and your final license will be mailed to you within two weeks.
Step Two: Learner’s Permit
Just like the Class D License, you need to be eligible for a learner’s permit first, also called a Class M for motorcyclists or a class MJ for junior motorcyclists. There are two simple things you need to do to obtain it.
First, you have to go to the DMV and take a written test consisting of 20 MCQ questions regarding the road rules and safety precautions. You can prepare yourself for this test through the NY State Motorcycle Operators Manual.
The second thing you need to do is show up at the DMV with your filled application for a driver’s license, picture ID, and $10 permit fees.
P.S: If you want to acquire two different learner’s permits, go for the non-motorcycle one first, then the motorcycle one.
It’s quite known that in all states, a learner’s permit has certain restrictions to it, which include that you can only drive in daylight and under the supervision of another experienced licensed motorcyclist. It’s also completely forbidden to carry passengers.
Step Three: The License
To upgrade from your learner’s permit to a license, also known as a combined Class D or M/MJ license, you’ll either have to take a motorcycle road test or complete a certified safety course.
Nonetheless, it’s not that simple. Before you’re eligible for the motorcycle road test, DMV recommends that you practice for at least 30 hours, ten of which should be in heavy traffic, followed by a motorcycle safety course.
That could either be done by taking a regulated motorcycle driving course from any certified facility, such as the New York Motorcyclist Safety Program, which is recognized and trusted by the DMV or a commercial driving school.
On the other hand, if you have proof that you’ve completed a course, your road test will be waived by the DMV.
Yet, if you decide to take the test, you’ll have to email the DMV or call them to schedule an appointment for your road test. Make sure that your motorcycle is working perfectly as it’ll be inspected and registered by the DMV. Also, don’t forget that you’ll have to bring a licensed adult to ride alongside you and the examiner, plus an additional vehicle.
Congratulations! Once you’ve passed the road test, the examiner gives you a temporary motorcycle license. You’ll receive the final one with your photo by mail around 2 weeks later.
Other-State-Issued Licenses
If you’re visiting New York and already have a motorcycle license issued by a different state, you can drive your motorcycle around New York; no problem whatsoever.
On the other hand, if you’ve recently moved to New York and you have your valid motorcycle license from your previous state, you can exchange it for a New York motorcycle license through the DMV.
Final Thoughts
This is the end of our straightforward mini-guide for how to get a motorcycle license in New York. As you can see, it’s quite simple, and the procedures are very similar to getting a standard license. The rates of issued motorcycle licenses are on the rise, all due to their practicality in such a crowded place like New York!