Motorcycle Permit Information
Overview
The Class M permit allows you to ride a motorcycle/scooter under the supervision of a licensed rider that is at least 21 years old. The licensed rider must always remain within ¼ mile of you and can be either in a car or on a motorcycle. MC Permit holders cannot ride with a passenger. For any other inquiries, visit this page.
Background on Getting a Permit
The motorcycle permit test details depends on if you take it online or in person at a DMV office. Some locations require that a reservation to be made in advance by scheduling with the local DMV office. The motorcycle permit is valid for one year and may be renewed once without retaking the test. 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.
Taking the Test
To pass the online test, submit an application and take the test online, at home, and visit the DMV to complete your application. https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/get-motorcycle-license
Study Resources
1. Driver’s Manual (generally 15 questions are sourced from here)
2. Motorcycle Manual (generally 5 questions are sourced from here)
3. Motorcycle Permit Practice Test
In order to take the Online Permit Test, you must have a webcam enabled, and you must allow the DMV to access the webcam. If you do not have a webcam connected or you do not allow webcam access, you will not be able to begin your permit test online.
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 written test in person, you must get at least 14 of the 20 multiple-choice questions correct. Of the 14 correct answers, at least 2 of them have be on the topic of road signs (there are 4 questions about road signs on the test). Additionally, if you are applying for a motorcycle permit, you must get at least 3 out of the 5 motorcycle questions correct.
Picking Up Motorcycle Permit
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” endorsement.
Attention Moped Riders!
The Limited-use Motorcycle requirements to operate a moped are like those for motorcycles. You must have a driver license and register your moped to drive it on streets and highways. Please note that here are exceptions to these requirements listed in this table on the DMV page.
The DMV classifies a moped as a Class A, Class B or Class C limited use motorcycle according to its top speed. Only a certified model of limited use motorcycle can get a registration in New York State (and only the manufacturer can certify a moped). If the vehicle goes over 30 MPH, it is Class A and must be operated with a motorcycle license (regardless of engine size).
