Enjoying the scenery while you’re driving a motorcycle is better and more engaging than when you’re in a car. On your motorcycle, you can watch the beautiful Paterson Great Falls and Troy Meadows without suffering from the confinement of your car.
But, to do this, you must first have your motorcycle driving license. So, let’s have a look on how you can legally enjoy New Jersey on your motorcycle.
What’s The Definition of a Motorcycle in New Jersey?
According to the law in New Jersey, a motorcycle is any vehicle with a motor either attached or not. It includes motorcycles, motorbikes, autocycles, and all motor-operated bicycle or tricycle types except the motorized bicycles. Also, the vehicle must be designed with a seat or a saddle for the driver.
Rules Regarding Low-speed Motorcycles in New Jersey
If you already have a basic license, you can drive a low-speed motorcycle with it. Low-speed motorcycles are those vehicles of less than 50cc and have a motor that does not exceed 1.5 brake horsepower. Their maximum speed shouldn’t exceed the 35 miles per hour limit. Therefore, you shouldn’t drive such motorcycles on roads with a posted speed limit higher than 35mph.
Steps of Adding a Motorcycle Endorsement to Your Basic License
There are two ways through which you can do so: either by applying to a Basic Rider Course or not. In the following lines, I’ll walk you through the steps you must follow in both scenarios.
1. By Applying to a Basic Rider Course
First of all, you must register for the course with an approved organization that offers motorcycle training. After finishing the course, which demands full participation, you’ll receive a stamped waiver form and a completion card, which you should submit to the testing center.
After completing all the above requirements, you should apply for a motorcycle permit. Note that applicants should be at least 17 years old. If an applicant is under 18 years old, they must bring along their parent or guardian consent to apply for the permit. And of course, applicants need to pay the required fees and pass the vision test.
2. Without Applying to a Basic Rider Course
In case you go for this approach, you must know that your motorcycle permit is required first, and you can’t take the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) if you’re under 18 years old.
You must first apply for the permit at the local motor vehicle agency, then pass MVC’s vision and knowledge test. Also, pay the required fees and set the date of your test.
You shall then practice your driving skills for at least 20 days while paying attention to the motorcycle permit riding restrictions.
Now, it’s time to take your test at the MVC test site. Applicants are required to bring their insured and registered motorcycle, eye protection, and helmet.
After passing the test, you shall pay the required fees and receive your motorcycle endorsement.
Steps of Getting a Motorcycle License If You Don’t Have a Driver License
In case you don’t have a driver’s license, you can get one for your motorcycle either with or without joining a Basic Rider Course. Let’s see how to do this.
1. With a Basic Driver Course
Before joining the course, you must have a motorcycle permit, and you can apply for it at a local agency for motorcycles. Also, note that this applies to applicants who are at least 17 years old.
Applicants under 21 years are asked to practice their driving skills for six months, and those over 21 shall practice for three months. All applicants must abide by the rules and restrictions of the permit.
You can now join the Basic Rider Course. Upon completion, you’ll only receive a course completion card and no road test waiver. After this, you’ll be requested to take the MVC test, and when you pass, you’ll get a Class-E probationary motorcycle license.
To receive an unrestricted motorcycle license, applicants must be at least 18 years old and should drive for at least a year with their probationary license while following its restrictions.
2. Without a Basic Rider Course
If you don’t want to enroll in a Basic Rider Course, you should first apply for a permit. Then, after passing the MVC’s vision tests, you must ride your motorcycles for six or three months if you’re under or above 21 years old, respectively.
You should now be ready to take your motorcycle road test at the MVC road site to receive your probationary license. And after practicing for at least one year and paying the required fee, you can receive the unrestricted license.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a motorcycle license or getting an endorsement on your valid basic one is pretty easy in New Jersey. Follow the above steps, and enjoy the scenery!