How many questions are on the New York motorcycle knowledge test?

The New York DMV motorcycle knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 14 correctly (70%) to pass. There is also a secondary requirement: the test includes 4 road sign questions, and you must answer at least 2 of them correctly. Failing either threshold means failing the test.

What is the passing score for the New York motorcycle test?

You need a score of at least 70% to pass the New York motorcycle knowledge test — that means answering at least 14 of the 20 questions correctly. Additionally, you must correctly answer at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions on the test. Failing either threshold results in a failing score.

What is the helmet law for motorcycle riders in New York?

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §381(6) requires ALL motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a DOT-compliant helmet (FMVSS 218 standard) at all times. There are no age exemptions, no insurance-based exemptions, and no experience-based exemptions. This is one of the strictest universal helmet laws in the United States.

What license do I need to ride a motorcycle in New York?

You need a Class M motorcycle operator's license (for riders 18 and older, or 17 with a driver education certificate) or a Class MJ junior motorcycle license (for riders ages 16–17). A standard Class D car license does not permit motorcycle operation. You must first obtain a motorcycle learner permit and pass a knowledge test, then either pass a road test at a DMV office or complete an approved MSF Basic RiderCourse through the NY State Motorcycle Safety Program to waive the road test.

Is a motorcycle safety course required in New York?

No — completing a motorcycle safety course is not mandatory in New York to obtain a Class M or MJ license. However, if you already hold another class of New York driver license and complete an approved MSF Basic RiderCourse through the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program, the DMV will waive your motorcycle road test. Note: only courses completed in New York State qualify for this waiver — out-of-state course completions do not.

What are the motorcycle insurance requirements in New York?

New York requires minimum motorcycle liability insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage — known as 25/50/10. Insurance must remain active throughout the registration period. Riding without insurance can result in fines up to $1,500, license suspension, and registration revocation. Importantly, motorcycles are excluded from New York's no-fault insurance system — injured riders must sue the at-fault party directly.

Are motorcycles covered by New York's no-fault insurance system?

No. Motorcycles are specifically excluded from New York's no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system under Insurance Law §5103(a). Unlike car accident victims who automatically receive PIP benefits regardless of fault, injured motorcyclists must file a tort claim against the at-fault party. This makes uninsured motorist coverage especially important for New York motorcycle riders.

What are the restrictions on a New York motorcycle learner permit?

New York motorcycle learner permit holders must: (1) ride only during daylight hours, (2) not ride on interstate highways, (3) carry no passengers other than the supervising driver, and (4) be accompanied by a supervising driver who holds a valid motorcycle license, is at least 21 years old, and remains within one-quarter mile at all times keeping the learner in sight. Under 18 riders are also subject to all graduated licensing (GDL) restrictions.

When do New York motorcycle registrations expire?

All New York motorcycle registrations expire on April 30th every year — unlike most other New York vehicles which register for two years. Motorcycles are also required to pass a safety inspection at least once every 12 months at an official NYS Motorcycle Inspection Station.

What is the BAC limit for motorcycle riders in New York?

For riders 21 and older, the DWI limit is 0.08% BAC. New York also has a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) charge for BAC levels of 0.05%–0.07% when impairment is demonstrated. For riders under 21, the zero-tolerance limit is 0.02% BAC. New York also charges DWAI by Drugs for impairment by any substance — including prescription medications and legal recreational marijuana.

Does this New York motorcycle practice test work on mobile?

Yes. All 200+ practice questions are fully mobile-friendly. The interactive quiz works on any smartphone, tablet, or desktop browser with no app download and no sign-up required. Just tap an answer to get instant feedback and a detailed explanation of the correct answer and the relevant New York law.

Free New York Motorcycle Test Prep

New York Motorcycle Practice Test Hub

Prepare for your New York Class M or MJ motorcycle permit with six focused practice tests covering licensing, road rules, signs, operation, and rider safety.

6 focused tests
175 practice questions
Clear explanations
Official NY DMV sources

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Six ways to prepare for the New York motorcycle test

Start with general knowledge, target a weak topic, or use the 50-question comprehensive mock for a mixed review. Each focused topic test contains 25 original multiple-choice questions.

General Knowledge

Class M and MJ permit basics, controls, equipment, and the foundations of safe riding.

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Practice Test 2

A fresh question set covering roadway hazards, spacing, braking, and rider judgment.

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Road Signs

Regulatory, warning, guide and work-zone signs. The real permit test includes four sign questions and you must get at least two right.

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Traffic Laws

Right-of-way, lane use, signals, passing, supervision rules, and a rider's legal duties.

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Riding Safety

Visibility, protective gear, cornering, braking, swerving, and hazard response.

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Full Mock Test

A mixed exam-style review across licensing, signs, laws, and rider safety.

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Licensing roadmap

How to get a motorcycle licence in New York

Every New York rider starts with a learner permit, however long they have held a car licence. Use this roadmap, then confirm the requirements for your age with the NY DMV.

Pass the written test for a Class M or MJ permit

Study the NYS Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC), then pass the written test and a vision screening at a DMV office. Class M is for applicants 18 and over, or 17 with completed driver education. Class MJ covers riders aged 16 and 17. Every rider starts with a permit, however long you have held a car licence.

Practise under New York's supervision rule

A supervising rider aged 21 or older with a valid motorcycle licence must stay within a quarter of a mile of you at all times. The DMV recommends at least 30 hours of practice, with at least 10 in medium to high volume traffic. If you do not already hold another class of New York licence, complete a pre-licensing or driver education course first.

Pass the road test, or waive it with a New York course

Take the DMV road test, or present a Basic RiderCourse or BRC2-LW completion card from the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program issued within the last two years. Riders under 18 must hold the permit at least six months before scheduling the road test.

Study from the source

Official New York motorcycle resources

Practice questions help with recall, but the Motorcycle Operator's Manual and the DMV licensing pages remain the final authority on rules and requirements.

NY DMV motorcycle learner permit and licenceOpen official page

NYS Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC)Open official page

New York State Motorcycle Safety Program coursesOpen official page

Frequently asked questions

New York motorcycle permit FAQs

Is this an official New York motorcycle test?

No. These are independent educational practice tests and are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

What is the difference between a Class M and a Class MJ permit?

Class M is for applicants aged 18 or over, or 17 with a completed driver education course. Class MJ is the junior permit for riders aged 16 and 17, and it carries junior operator restrictions until the rider turns 18.

How many questions are on the New York motorcycle permit test?

The permit test has 20 multiple-choice questions and you need at least 14 correct. Four of those questions cover road signs, and you must answer at least two of the four correctly, so signs are worth practising separately.

Do I need a car licence before getting a motorcycle permit in New York?

No, but it changes the process. Every rider starts with a Class M or MJ learner permit regardless of licence history. If you do not already hold another class of New York licence, you must complete a pre-licensing or driver education course before scheduling the road test.

Can a rider course waive the New York road test?

Yes, with conditions. You need a valid New York licence, a valid Class M or MJ permit, and a Basic RiderCourse or BRC2-LW completion card from the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program issued within the past two years. A course taken in another state does not qualify.

What do I need to bring to the New York motorcycle road test?

Beyond your permit and a registered, inspected motorcycle, New York requires you to provide a registered, inspected car or truck plus a licensed driver aged 21 or older to transport the examiner during the test. Riders often arrive without this and cannot take the test.

Last reviewed September 2026. TestPracticeDMV.com is independent and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Always verify current licensing requirements before applying.

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🏍️ Motorcycle Basics

🛣️ Lane Positioning

⚠️ Road Signs & Signals

⛑️ Helmet & Safety Gear

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Frequently Asked Questions

New York Motorcycle Test — Common Questions

Everything you need to know before taking your New York DMV motorcycle knowledge test (Class M / MJ).

The New York DMV motorcycle knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 14 correctly (70%) to pass. There is also a critical secondary rule: the test includes 4 road sign questions, and you must answer at least 2 of those 4 correctly. Failing either threshold — overall score or road signs — means failing the test.

Yes — everyone. New York VTL §381(6) requires ALL motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a DOT-compliant (FMVSS 218) helmet at all times. There are no age exemptions, no insurance exemptions, and no experience exemptions. This is one of the strictest universal helmet laws in the U.S. Eye protection (ANSI Z87.1 goggles or face shield) is also required under VTL §381(7).

No. Lane splitting is illegal in New York under VTL §1252 with no exceptions as of 2026. Lane filtering (moving between stopped vehicles) is also prohibited. However, two motorcycles may legally ride side-by-side within a single lane — this is called lane sharing and is explicitly permitted. Fines for lane splitting: $88–$350+, plus 2–4 DMV points, and it can significantly reduce your ability to recover damages in any accident.

You need a Class M motorcycle license (for riders 18+, or 17 with a driver education certificate) or a Class MJ junior motorcycle license (for riders 16–17). A Class D car license alone does not permit motorcycle operation. Steps: (1) Pass a written knowledge test to get a learner permit, (2) either pass a DMV road test OR complete an approved MSF Basic RiderCourse through the NY State Motorcycle Safety Program to waive the road test.

No — a motorcycle safety course is not mandatory in New York. However, if you already hold another NY driver license, completing an approved MSF Basic RiderCourse through the NY State Motorcycle Safety Program waives your road test. Important: only NY State courses qualify — a course completed in another state does not waive the NY road test. The course completion card must be from a NY-approved provider and used within 2 years.

New York requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage (25/50/10). Insurance must remain active throughout registration — riding without it can result in fines up to $1,500, license suspension, and registration revocation. Crucially, motorcycles are excluded from NY's no-fault PIP system — injured riders must sue the at-fault party directly, making uninsured motorist coverage especially important.

No. Motorcycles are specifically excluded from New York's no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system under Insurance Law §5103(a). Unlike car accident victims who automatically receive up to $50,000 in PIP benefits regardless of fault, injured motorcyclists must sue the at-fault party to recover damages. This is a critical New York motorcycle law that is frequently tested on the knowledge exam.

NY motorcycle learner permit holders must: ride only during daylight hours, not ride on interstate highways, carry no passengers except the supervising driver, and ride with a supervising driver who holds a valid motorcycle license, is at least 21, and remains within ¼ mile at all times keeping you in sight. Riders under 18 are also subject to all New York graduated licensing (GDL) restrictions.

All New York motorcycle registrations expire on April 30th every year — unlike most NY vehicles which have 2-year registrations. Motorcycles are also required to pass a safety inspection at least once every 12 months at an official NYS Motorcycle Inspection Station (identified by a blue and orange or blue and gold sign). This annual April 30th expiration date is a frequently tested NY-specific fact.

For riders 21 and older, the DWI limit is 0.08% BAC. New York also charges DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) for BAC levels of 0.05%–0.07% when impairment is present. For riders under 21, the zero-tolerance limit is 0.02% BAC. New York also charges DWAI by Drugs for any substance impairment — including legal recreational marijuana and prescription medications that impair riding ability.

The NY test covers 8 main areas: motorcycle controls and operation (T-CLOCS, SEE/SIPDE, slow-look-press-roll), lane positioning (lane sharing vs. splitting, city riding), road signs and signals (including the 4-question road sign requirement), helmet and safety gear (VTL §381 universal helmet + ANSI Z87.1 eye protection), New York traffic laws (DWI/DWAI, no-fault exclusion, registration), hazardous conditions (NYC-specific hazards, winter, bridges), passengers and cargo, and rider fitness and responsibility.

This practice test uses 200+ questions based on the 2026 NY Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC) and New York VTL statutes. The key difference: this test provides a detailed explanation after every answer — the real DMV test does not. The real test has 20 questions on a DMV computer terminal. This is a study tool — not an official DMV product — but it covers every topic and NY-specific law that appears on the real exam.

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Free New York Motorcycle Practice Test 2026 | Class M DMV Quiz