Straight answers to the most common questions about passing the DMV motorcycle knowledge exam.
The New York motorcycle knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions. Four of them cover road signs, and you must answer at least two of those four correctly.
You need at least 14 of the 20 questions correct — 70%. That total must also include at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions; missing three or more sign questions fails you even if your overall score is 14 or higher.
No. It is a separate test for a Class M or MJ license. New York's motorcycle written test is based on both the Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC) and the regular Driver's Manual, so study both.
You must first hold a Class M or MJ motorcycle learner permit, then pass the motorcycle road test — or have it waived by an approved rider course. The license is not issued without the permit first.
An approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse waives the motorcycle road test only — you still must pass the written knowledge test. You must also already hold a valid Class M or MJ learner permit before you take the course.
A driver who holds a valid motorcycle license and is at least 21 years old. They must keep you in sight and stay within one-quarter mile of you the entire time you ride.
No. On a learner permit the only person who may ride with you is your supervising driver. You can carry other passengers only after you earn a full motorcycle license.
Permit holders may not ride on streets inside New York City parks, on Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority bridges and tunnels, on the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or Taconic State parkways, or in DMV road-test areas.
The fee for a Class M or MJ license — or to add Class M/MJ to a license you already hold — ranges from $21 to $120. The exact amount depends on your age and whether you already have a New York license, and the DMV calculates it when you apply.
You must show proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of New York State residence. New York DMV form ID-44 lists exactly which documents are accepted.
Yes. The New York DMV gives the motorcycle knowledge test in 20 languages.
No. The motorcycle knowledge test is taken in person at a New York DMV office.
Yes. After passing the written knowledge test you take an on-cycle road test that includes left and right circles and figure-eights on public streets — unless an approved Basic RiderCourse waives it.
New York recommends at least 30 hours of riding practice before the road test, with at least 10 of those hours in moderate to heavy traffic.
Every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear a USDOT-approved (FMVSS 218) helmet, at every age. Operators must also wear approved eye protection — even when the motorcycle has a windshield.
Yes. New York law requires a motorcycle's headlight and rear light to be on at all times whenever you ride on the road.
Yes. Motorcyclists may use a full lane and may ride two abreast — two motorcycles side by side — in a single lane. You may not ride abreast of another vehicle in the same lane or ride between lanes of traffic.
A child of any age may ride, but only on a motorcycle built to carry more than one person. The passenger must sit on a permanent seat, wear a DOT-approved helmet, and keep a foot on each foot peg. Only one passenger is allowed.
A motorcycle must pass a DMV safety inspection at least once every 12 months. Motorcycles are registered for one year — not two — and every motorcycle registration expires on April 30.
The New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC) is free to read or download from the New York DMV website. The knowledge-test questions come from it and from the regular Driver's Manual.
Source: Test details are confirmed on the official agency page. Confirmed on the official page. Special rule: you must answer at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions correctly to pass.