Get a Motorcycle Permit

The motorcycle permit test details depends on if you take it online or in person at a New York State DMV office (some locations require advance reservations). The motorcycle permit is valid for 1 year. The DMV motorcycle permit fees are based on the license driver class. If you need to replace or renew a lost, stolen, or damaged learner’s permit in New York, you must visit the DMV office in person.
Both Class D and M permit tests are given in 16, languages: English, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Chinese, French, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Polish, Russian and Spanish.

Study Resources
1. Driver’s Manual (generally 15 questions are sourced from here)
2. Motorcycle Manual (generally 5 questions are sourced from here)
3. Driver’s Manual In Other Languages
4. Motorcycle Permit Practice Test
5. Road Signs You Must Know

Taking the Test
The motorcycle permit test must be taken at a DMV location (but not at a DMV Express) or online at home and pick up the document at the same time that you receive the motorcycle license.
Online Permit Test: you must allow the DMV to access your webcam. After you pass the online motorcycle permit test, schedule a time to pick up the motorcycle permit at the DMV, after your motorcycle course date. This means that you can make 1 trip to the DMV and pick-up your motorcycle permit and redeem the DMV Road Test Waiver card for the M license.
The online exam consists of 50 questions, and to pass the test you must correctly answer:
  • 80% of the overall questions
  • 50% of the questions relating to road signs
  • 60% of the motorcycle questions
To pass the online test, submit an application and take the test online, at home, and visit the DMV afterwards to complete your application. The required documentation:
  • Form (MV-44) for a Motorcycle Permit
  • Proof of identification (a valid NYS Driver’s License, NYS MC Permit, or NYS Non-Driver ID card-all with photo.
  • Payment (minimum charge is $20 if possess a D class license).

Motorcycle Permit Renewal
Standard class D or M learner permit holders cannot be renewed. To obtain another motorcycle permit after yours has expired, you must visit a local DMV office in person to retake the written test. Get your Learner Permit.

However, we have heard exceptions, but you must call the DMV directly at 1 (800)-698-2931 to see if it applies.
  • To renew a 1-year permit, you must submit your expired permit or 6 points of ID at a DMV office. You may be able to renew your 1-year permit for an additional year.
  • If the student has already renewed their permit once, they must retake the entire exam and pay the same fee.

DMV Regulations
No matter what age you are, if you hold a motorcycle learner permit, you may not drive unless accompanied by a supervising driver age 21 or older who has a valid license to operate the vehicle you are driving. For example, only a person with a motorcycle license may supervise a person learning to drive a motorcycle. If you have a motorcycle learner permit (Class M, MJ or Limited MJ), your supervising driver must: exercise “general supervision” of you while you operate the motorcycle, and remain within one-quarter mile of you, keeping you in sight at all times

The only passenger who can ride with you on the motorcycle is your supervising driver. If you operate a moped with any valid class of learner permit, the same passenger rules apply.
  • on any street within a park in New York City
  • on any bridge or tunnel under the jurisdiction of the Tri-borough Bridge and Tunnel Authority
  • on the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County
  • in a DMV road test area