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- 7 topics from the New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual
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New York Motorcycle Permit Practice Test
You ride left and right circles and figure-eights on public streets. Practice with 570+ questions for the New York motorcycle knowledge test, written from the New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual.
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Sample question
New York motorcycle test
Licensing, gear and checks
You want to take two friends on your motorcycle at once. Is it allowed?
Practice Licensing, gear and checks
Licenses, Ownership, Special Rules · Preparing to Ride · Earning Your License …
- Each explanation names the manual page to read, so you study from the source.
- Road signs have their own 20-sign test, the same signs drivers learn.
Correct!
No more than one passenger is permitted.
📖 p. 3All topics ↓
Practice Licensing, gear and checks- Licensing, gear and checks
- Control and following distance
- SEE and being seen
- Avoiding crashes
- Surfaces and breakdowns
- Passengers and group riding
- Alcohol, drugs and fatigue
New York State Motorcycle Operator's ManualOnline edition (October 2026)checked This handbook is published online in sections; tap a section to open it on the official website.
How the New York motorcycle test works
The written test
New York gives motorcycle applicants the same written test as car applicants: 20 multiple-choice questions, with at least 14 right, including 2 of the 4 road sign questions. It draws on both the Motorcycle Manual and the Driver’s Manual.
Practicing on a learner permit
A rider at least 21 with a motorcycle license must stay within a quarter mile, and only that supervisor may ride as your passenger. The DMV recommends 30 hours of practice, 10 in medium to heavy traffic; under 18, wait 6 months after the permit before scheduling the road test.
Skipping the road test
If you are 16 or older with a New York license (Class A, B, C, D, DJ or E) and a motorcycle permit, a Basic RiderCourse or BRC2 License/Waiver course card from the New York program (within two years) waives the road test. Courses taken in other states don’t count.
The road test
You ride left and right circles and figure-eights on public streets. Bring a registered, inspected motorcycle plus a car or truck and a driver 21 or older to carry the examiner. A test on a three-wheeler limits your license to three-wheelers. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual Section 1
Riding in New York
Do New York motorcycle riders have to wear helmets and eye protection?
Yes. Every operator and passenger must wear an approved helmet, and operators must also wear approved eye protection, even behind a windshield. The DMV recommends goggles or a face shield and reflective material on both sides of the helmet. Section 1
Is lane splitting legal in New York?
No. Two motorcycles may ride side by side in one lane, but you may not ride beside another vehicle in the same lane, between lanes of traffic or between traffic and parked cars. Your headlight and taillight must be on whenever you ride. Section 1
How do registration and inspection work for New York motorcycles?
Motorcycles are registered for one year, and every registration ends on April 30. They need a safety inspection at least every 12 months at a licensed motorcycle inspection station; after a private sale you have 10 days from registration. No-fault insurance doesn’t cover motorcycles, but liability coverage is always required on public roads. Section 1
Can I carry a child on a motorcycle in New York?
Yes, a passenger of any age may ride if they wear an approved helmet, sit facing forward on a proper passenger seat with a foot on each peg (or ride in a sidecar), and don’t interfere with your control or view. Only one passenger is allowed, and none on a learner permit except your supervisor. Section 1
Rules from the New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual
From the Online edition (October 2026) edition.
Licensing, gear and checks
- Section 1Licenses
To ride a motorcycle in New York you need a Class M license or a Class MJ (junior) license; a rider from another state or country may ride on a valid motorcycle license from there, and riders under 18 must follow both that place's restrictions and New York's.
- Section 1Registration, Inspection, Insurance
New York registers motorcycles for one year (not two), and every motorcycle registration expires on April 30; motorcycles must be inspected at least every 12 months at a DMV-licensed motorcycle inspection station, by the dealer before delivery, or within 10 days of registration after a private sale.
- Section 1Special Rules and Required Equipment
In New York every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear an approved helmet (FMVSS 218), and operators must wear approved eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1 even with a windshield.
- Section 1Children as Passengers
In New York a child of any age may be a motorcycle passenger.
- Section 2Unfamiliar Vehicle
No matter how experienced you are, ride extra carefully on a new or unfamiliar motorcycle: in New York's manual, more than half of all crashes happen on motorcycles the operator has ridden for less than six months. If you borrow one, make sure it is insured.
- Section 5Knowledge And Skill
To earn a motorcycle license you pass a knowledge test (based on the manual's road rules and safe practices) and an on-cycle skill test, in traffic or an off-street area.
Avoiding crashes
- Section 3Horn
In an emergency, sound your horn loud and long and be ready to stop or swerve. A motorcycle's horn isn't as loud as a car's, so use it but don't rely on it; other strategies, like having time and space to maneuver, may be needed along with it.
- Section 3Animals
Do what you safely can to avoid hitting an animal, but in traffic stay in your lane: hitting something small is less dangerous to you than hitting something big, like a car.
Passengers and group riding
- Section 3Equipment
To carry a passenger you need a seat big enough for both of you without crowding (you shouldn't sit farther forward than usual), footrests for the passenger, since firm footing keeps them from falling and pulling you off, and the same protective gear for the passenger as for the operator.
- Section 3Keep the Group Small
Keep a riding group small: small groups are easier and safer for drivers to get around, aren't split as easily by traffic or red lights, and riders won't always be hurrying to catch up.
Alcohol, drugs and fatigue
- Section 4Alcohol and the Law
In New York a rider with a BAC of .08% or more is legally intoxicated, whatever they look or act like; a breath or urine test usually decides, and your insurer may refuse to pay injury or medical costs from a crash while you rode under the influence.
- Section 4Consequences of Conviction
New York's penalties: DWI or .08% BAC means at least a 6-month revocation (at least 1 year if within 10 years of an earlier alcohol or drug violation).
New York motorcycle license questions and answers
9 questionsThe knowledge test
How many questions are on the New York motorcycle permit test?
20 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least 14 right, including at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions: the same written test as for a car license. It is offered in 20 languages at DMV offices.
What does this New York motorcycle practice test cover?
The DMV’s online Motorcycle Manual (the newer version of the MV-21MC print edition): New York’s license, registration and equipment rules, preparing to ride, riding skills and strategy, dangerous surfaces, passengers and groups, alcohol and fatigue, and rider courses. Because the written test also uses the Driver’s Manual, practice the New York car permit test and road signs too. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual Section 1
What score do I need to pass the New York motorcycle permit test?
You need 14 of the 20 questions right (70%). Always confirm the current test with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Compare every state
How many questions can I miss on the New York motorcycle permit test?
You can miss up to 6 of the 20 questions: you need 14 right (70%) to pass.
Getting your license
How old do you have to be for a New York motorcycle license?
16 for a junior motorcycle license (Class MJ), which carries New York’s junior driver limits on where, when and with whom you ride. The full Class M license is for riders 18 and older, or 17 with a driver education certificate.
Do I need a car license before a New York motorcycle license?
No, but if you don’t already hold another New York license you must finish a pre-licensing course or driver education before scheduling the road test, and the rider course waiver needs an existing New York license. If you want a car permit too, apply for that one first.
Can I skip the New York motorcycle road test with a course?
Yes, if you are 16 or older, hold a valid New York license (Class A, B, C, D, DJ or E) and a motorcycle learner permit, and present a Basic RiderCourse or BRC2 License/Waiver card issued by the New York program within two years. A course taken in another state doesn’t qualify.
What happens after I pass the New York motorcycle road test?
The examiner gives you a temporary license. With no other New York license, your photo license comes by mail in about 2 weeks. If you already have a license, wait at least 7 days, then add Class M (or MJ) at a DMV office; both classes then appear on one card, such as Class DM, with your current expiration date.
How much does a New York motorcycle permit and license cost?
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lists the current fees for the motorcycle permit, tests and license on its official fee page.
Sources: NY DMV: Get a motorcycle learner permit and license · NY DMV: Driver’s Manual, Chapter 1 (license classes and the written test) · New York DMV: Driver License and Learner Permit Fees and Refunds