Plenty of people love the feel of being out on the open road while riding a motorcycle. If you want to experience this thrill for yourself as an operator rather than a passenger, you must have a valid motorcycle license.
Before you can get a New York motorcycle license, you will need to meet NY motorcycle license requirements, which start with getting a New York motorcycle learner’s permit. Following the rules and regulations is important as you seek a motorcycle permit. You should also learn proper safety to avoid motor vehicle accidents.
In the event of a crash, a personal injury lawyer from Mazzu Law can provide you with the compassionate legal advocacy you need to seek compensation for your injuries. We represent victims in motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and Uber accidents.
In this informative blog post, we detail how to get a motorcycle license in NY, allowing you to take the proper legal path to motorcycle riding in the state.
The Process Of Obtaining a Valid Motorcycle License in New York
As the old saying goes, you need to learn how to crawl before you can walk, and getting your motorcycle learner permit is essentially the crawling step you must take before you get your New York motorcycle license. When you prepare to take the steps discussed below, you will need to have proof of driver age, proof of identification, and proof that you are a New York state resident.
If you are applying for a motorcycle learner permit and another class of learner permit such as Class D, which is an operator license for a car, you should apply for the Class D learner permit first. Once you have obtained that learner permit, you can then apply for the motorcycle permit.
The Type of Driver’s License Needed
As a New York state resident, New York requires you to have a valid license class to operate a motorcycle. This means you must have either a Class M or Class MJ driver’s license or a Class MJ permit. You must get the Class MJ permit before you can be issued a motorcycle license, which requires following several steps, which are discussed below.
Step-by-Step Guide for a New York Motorcycle License
If you want a NY motorcycle license, you must take the following steps to obtain this type of driver license. Even if you have a valid New York state driver license, you must get the proper license to operate a motorcycle by taking the following steps:
Prepare for the Motorcycle Learner Permit Test
Your first step will be to get ready for the motorcycle learner permit test. There are study materials you can find through the New York DMV that can help you prepare for the written test you will need to take. These written tests are available in a variety of languages, so if English is not your first language, you can take it in your native language.
You will need to have all documents required to prove you are a New York state resident. Additionally, the New York DMV recommends that you get a REAL ID as per federal requirements.
Take the Motorcycle Permit Test
Next, you can fill out your application online or you may do so at the DMV office. Even if you decide to take the motorcycle permit test at the DMV office, you can start the application online to make the process smoother.
At the DMV office, you will need to bring your identification and payment. You will also need to take the written test and pass it with at least 14 out of 20 questions answered correctly. These must include a minimum of two out of four questions that are about road signs. A passing score will result in the issuance of a temporary motorcycle license permit. Your official New York motorcycle permit will arrive by mail in roughly two weeks.
Get Ready for the Motorcycle Road Test
Once you have your motorcycle permit, you will be allowed to practice driving a motorcycle. This will help you prepare for the official motorcycle road test. However, you need to have a supervising driver who is a valid motorcycle license holder who is age 21 or older. They do not need to be from New York state, though they must be within 1/4 mile of you at all times.
Additionally, you need to abide by the general restrictions imposed for those holding motorcycle permits. Anyone with a Class MJ driver license needs to follow the rules set for drivers under the age of 18.
Before you schedule the motorcycle road test to get your driver’s license to operate a motorcycle, it is best to have at least 30 hours of practice, though ideally, you should practice even more. This can be done with or without formal instruction, and you should also have at least 10 hours of practice riding a motorcycle in moderate to heavy traffic.
The more practice you have on public streets and highways where there is high volume traffic, the better off you will be at learning the keys to motorcycle safety. Additionally, if you do not have any other type of New York State driver license, you will be required to complete a pre-licensing course or approved course for Driver Education before you will be allowed to schedule a road test.
Schedule and Take the Road Test
After practicing, you can schedule your road test, though if you are under 18, you need to wait a minimum of six months from the date your permit was issued. You should thoroughly check the list of items you will need to schedule with the DMV.
On the date of your test, make sure that you have all requested materials with you at the DMV office or you will be forced to reschedule. You will need your permit, a licensed and registered vehicle, and certifications from your completed courses, among other vital documents. Additionally, those under 18 must have a motorcycle driver of at least 21 or older with a valid license to operate the test vehicle.
If you pass the road test, you will be issued a temporary motorcycle license. Without any other class of driver license in New York, you can expect to receive your motorcycle license with your photo in about two weeks in the mail.
Those with other classes of driver licenses in New York will need to wait at least one week following the road test to apply for their motorcycle license at the DMV. This will require completing an application and adding the class to the license. When you get your new license credentials, both classes will be listed as Class DM.
Tips for Staying Safe on Your Motorcycle
Just because you have studied everything in the motorcycle manual and taken some courses does not mean you should stop driver education about staying safe. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers, and the less experience you have riding a motorcycle, the more likely you will be to become a statistic.
As you likely learned while studying for your permit and prior to the road test, all motorcyclists and their passengers must wear a DOT-approved helmet to comply with state laws. It also helps to wear other protective items such as goggles or to choose a helmet that has an eye shield. Clothing that provides extra protection to your limbs is also recommended. Bright colors or reflective materials should be chosen to help you be more visible to other motorists.
If you are involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle, you should know the steps to take to protect your legal rights. Insurance companies often blame motorcyclists even if they did not do anything to cause the crash. Move out of harm’s way, call the police to report the accident, and make sure you have a full medical evaluation.
You should also take photos and videos and speak to any witnesses who saw the accident. Some of these steps are impossible to take when you have sustained serious injuries. That is why contacting a personal injury lawyer is one of the most important steps. Schedule a free initial consultation with Mazzu Law if you have been in a motorcycle accident.