How Old Do I Have To Be To Ride A Motorcycle In New Jersey?

Motorcycle Permit Requirements in NJ

Getting out on the open road with your hands on the throttle is more than working summer jobs and saving up for the motorcycle of your dreams. You need to obtain a permit or a license before you can drive it. Every state has unique rules and regulations, including age restrictions. New Jersey is no different when it comes to obtaining a motorcycle permit, license, or endorsement. 

Motorcycle Permit Requirements in NJ

In order to receive an NJ motorcycle permit, you have to be at least 17 years old and come with a parent or legal guardian’s consent when you apply. You will also need 6 Points of ID, such as a birth certificate, passport, school ID, utility or phone bill. The cost of a permit is $5. 

You have to practice riding. If you’re under 18 years old, you will be required to enroll in the MSEP Basic RiderCourse

When applying for a motorcycle permit in New Jersey, it is important to have all the necessary documents and identification ready. Along with being at least 17 years old, you will need to have a parent or legal guardian’s consent and provide 6 Points of ID, such as a birth certificate, passport, school ID, and utility or phone bill. The cost of a permit is $5.

It is also important to note that in order to receive a permit, you must practice riding. If you are under 18 years old, you will be required to enroll in the Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP) Basic RiderCourse. This is a comprehensive course that provides riders with the knowledge and skills they need to safely operate a motorcycle.

If you are older than 18 years old and have already obtained your driver’s license, you will need to apply for a permit first and then take the knowledge and vision tests. After passing these tests, you can schedule your road test, which must take place within 20 days of completing the knowledge and vision portions of your application.

For those who do not have a driver’s license, the age requirement for obtaining a motorcycle license changes. If you are younger than 21 years old, you must practice for 6 months on the permit before taking the road test. If you are older than 21 years old, you must practice for 3 months on the permit before taking the road test.

In addition to obtaining a motorcycle license, you may also be interested in obtaining an endorsement. To receive an endorsement, you must practice for 20 days if you are 18 years or older. Both license and endorsement applications require 6 Points of ID and proof of insurance.

Motorcycle License/Endorsement Requirements in NJ

If you are older than 18 years old and have already obtained your driver’s license, you will need to apply for a permit first. After that, you can sign up to take your knowledge and vision tests. Upon passing these tests, you can schedule your road test, which must take place within 20 days after completion of the knowledge and vision parts of your application. 

If you don’t have a driver’s license, the age requirement for your motorcycle license changes. You must practice for 6 months upon receiving the permit if you are younger than 21 years old. If you’re older than 21 years old, you need to practice on the permit for 3 months. 

To receive endorsement, you can practice for 20 days, if you are 18 years or older. 

Both license and endorsement applications require 6 Points of ID, such as utility or phone bills, passports, a driver’s license or other form of identification. Proof of insurance, is also required. 

In order to apply for a motorcycle license or endorsement in NJ, you must have a valid driver’s license or apply for a permit first. The process for obtaining a motorcycle license or endorsement includes taking a knowledge and vision test, as well as passing a road test. The road test must be scheduled within 20 days of passing the knowledge and vision tests.

If you do not have a driver’s license, the age requirement for obtaining a motorcycle license or endorsement changes. If you are younger than 21 years old, you must practice riding on a permit for 6 months before applying for a license or endorsement. If you are 21 years or older, you must practice riding on a permit for 3 months before applying for a license or endorsement.

To receive an endorsement, you must be 18 years or older and practice riding for 20 days. Both the license and endorsement applications require 6 Points of ID, such as utility or phone bills, passports, a driver’s license or other forms of identification. Proof of insurance is also required. It’s recommended to check the latest rules and regulations from the state’s official website as the rules can change over time.

Application Considerations

Something to consider would be enrolling in a Basic Rider Course, because it will waive some requirements—especially if you are 18 years old and up and have previously obtained a driver’s license. You won’t need to worry about getting a permit. 

Adult applicants (those 21 years and older) do not have to enroll in a motorcycle education course, but it will speed up the process and make passing the road test much easier. 

Conclusion

In short, if you want to get a motorcycle permit in NJ, you have to be at least 17 years old. If you want to get a license, you can be 18 years old and up. 21 years old or older will give you less time with the permit, and if you decide to enroll in the education course, you can get your license or endorsement even faster. 

Want more about riding tips or more information about riding motorcycles? Check out my YouTube channel and hit that subscribe button.

In addition to the age requirements and ID requirements mentioned in the article, it’s important to note that all motorcycle riders in New Jersey are required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle. The helmet must meet the standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and should fit properly and securely on the rider’s head.

It’s also important to note that all motorcycles operated in New Jersey must be registered and have a valid license plate. This includes both new and used motorcycles, as well as those brought into the state from out of state.

Another important consideration for motorcycle riders in New Jersey is insurance. Just like with cars, it is required for all motorcycle riders to have liability insurance coverage. This coverage will protect the rider in the event that they are found to be at fault in an accident and will help cover any costs associated with the accident such as medical expenses or damages to the other party’s property.

Lastly, when it comes to riding a motorcycle on the road, it’s important to remember that motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, so riders need to take extra precautions when riding. This includes using hand signals, staying visible, and being aware of other vehicles on the road. Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers.

In conclusion, obtaining a motorcycle permit, license, or endorsement in New Jersey requires meeting certain age, ID, and training requirements. It is also important to wear a DOT-approved helmet, have your motorcycle registered and insured, and always be aware of your surroundings while riding. Enrolling in a Basic Rider Course can also help waive some requirements and make passing the road test much easier.

Recommended Reading

Scroll to top