New York motorcycle permit practice test
The New York DMV motorcycle knowledge test has 20 questions and you need 14 right. It's based on New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC). Practise New York's own motorcycle rules below, then the full motorcycle manual tests.
New York motorcycle rules
| Knowledge test | 20 questions, 14 correct to pass |
|---|---|
| Permit | Class MJ (junior) permit from age 16; Class M from 18 (17 with a driver education certificate). Supervising rider must be 21+, hold a valid motorcycle license and stay within 1/4 mile; no passenger except the supervising driver; general learner-permit restrictions apply (e.g., no driving in NYC parks, TBTA bridges/tunnels, or the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River and Taconic parkways in Westchester). Under 18 must wait 6 months from permit issue before scheduling the road test. DMV recommends 30 hours of practice, 10 in medium/heavy traffic. Applicants without another NY license must take the pre-licensing course. |
| Skills test or course | DMV road test on public streets (includes left and right circles and figure-eights); the applicant supplies a registered, inspected car and a 21+ licensed driver to carry the examiner. Road test waived for applicants 16+ with a valid NY Class A, B, C, D, DJ or E license and a Class M/MJ permit who present a NYS Motorcycle Safety Program BRC or BRC2-LW completion card issued within two years; out-of-state courses do not qualify. Testing on a three-wheeler restricts the license to three-wheelers. |
| Helmet law | Universal: all operators and passengers must wear a USDOT FMVSS 218 motorcycle helmet (manual p.2; VTL 381). DMV recommends 4 sq in of reflective material on each side. |
| Eye protection | Required for all operators even with a windshield; must meet ANSI Z87.1 (manual p.2). Prescription/made-to-order safety glasses allowed with written certification that they meet DMV standards. Goggles or face shield recommended. |
| Passengers | No more than one passenger; must have a permanent passenger seat, face forward, one leg on each side, feet on foot pegs (or ride in a sidecar). A child of any age may ride. Passengers must wear a DOT helmet. Permit holders may carry only the supervising driver. |
| Lane splitting or filtering | Not allowed: you may not ride abreast of another vehicle in the same lane, between lanes, or between traffic and parked cars; two motorcycles may ride abreast in one lane (manual p.2; VTL 1252). |
New York motorcycle law questions
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Question 1Under New York's motorcycle learner permit rules, how close must the supervising motorcyclist stay to the learner?
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D: Within 1/4 mile at all times. The supervising driver must remain within one-quarter mile of the learner at all times; they do not have to ride on the learner's motorcycle. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Licenses, page 1.
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Question 2What is the minimum age of a person who supervises a New York motorcycle learner?
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D: 21. A supervising driver must be at least 21 and hold a valid motorcycle license. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Licenses, page 1.
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Question 3Who is the only person a New York motorcycle learner permit holder may carry as a passenger?
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B: The supervising driver. Only the supervising driver may be a passenger on a learner's motorcycle. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Licenses, page 1.
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Question 4How much practice does New York DMV recommend before a motorcycle road test?
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B: At least 30 hours, with at least 10 in moderate to heavy traffic. DMV recommends at least 30 hours of practice, including at least 10 hours in moderate to heavy traffic. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Licenses, page 1.
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Question 5Which maneuvers does the New York manual say your motorcycle road test will include on public streets?
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A: Left and right circles and figure-eights. The road test includes left and right circles and figure-eights on public streets, done while staying alert for traffic. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Licenses, page 1.
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Question 6If you take your New York motorcycle road test on a three-wheeled motorcycle, what happens?
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C: Your license is restricted to three-wheelers. Taking the road test on a three-wheeler results in a license restricted to driving three-wheelers. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Licenses, page 1.
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Question 7For a New York motorcycle road test, how must the license examiner be transported?
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C: In a registered, inspected car or truck you provide, driven by a licensed driver 21 or older. You must provide a properly registered and inspected car or truck and a driver at least 21 who is licensed for it and for the motorcycle. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Licenses, page 1.
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Question 8If you already hold a New York car license and get a motorcycle license, how does your license show it?
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A: Both classes appear on one license, for example Class DM. Your current class and the motorcycle class are both listed on one license document, such as Class DM. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Licenses, page 1.
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Question 9Which course can waive the New York motorcycle road test for a qualified permit holder?
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A: A Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or BRC2-LW from an approved New York training provider. Completing an approved New York MSF Basic RiderCourse (or the BRC2-License/Waiver course) waives the road test; courses taken in other states don't qualify. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Waiver of Skills Test, page 46.
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Question 10To use a rider course completion card to waive the New York road test, what else must you hold?
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C: A valid New York driver license of another class and a motorcycle learner permit. The waiver requires a current, valid New York driver license plus a motorcycle learner permit. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Waiver of Skills Test, page 46.
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Question 11How long is the Basic RiderCourse 2 License/Waiver (BRC2-LW), and who is it aimed at?
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C: 8 hours, for riders who have had a permit for at least a year and have on-road experience. The BRC2-LW is a condensed 8-hour course on your own motorcycle for riders who have held a permit at least one year. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Waiver of Skills Test, page 46.
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Question 12How many combined hours of classroom, online and riding instruction make up the Basic RiderCourse approved by New York DMV?
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B: 18. The BRC consists of a combined 18 hours of classroom, online and on-motorcycle instruction. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): The Course, page 45.
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Question 13When do all New York motorcycle registrations expire?
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D: April 30. Motorcycles are registered for one year rather than two, and all motorcycle registrations expire on April 30. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Registration, Inspection, Insurance, page 2.
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Question 14How often must a motorcycle be inspected in New York?
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D: At least once every 12 months. Motorcycles must be inspected at least once every 12 months at a DMV-licensed motorcycle inspection station. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Registration, Inspection, Insurance, page 2.
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Question 15After buying a motorcycle in a private sale in New York, how long do you have to get it inspected?
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B: 10 days from the date of registration. You are given 10 days from the date of registration to have a privately purchased motorcycle inspected. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Registration, Inspection, Insurance, page 2.
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Question 16How are motorcycles treated under New York's no-fault insurance provisions?
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A: They are not included in no-fault coverage. Motorcycles are not included in the no-fault insurance provisions that cover other motor vehicles, so riders should check their own coverage. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Registration, Inspection, Insurance, page 2.
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Question 17What is different about cancelling liability insurance on a New York motorcycle compared with a car?
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D: You don't have to turn in the license plate. Liability insurance on a motorcycle may be ended without turning in the plate, which makes returning to the road after winter storage easier. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Registration, Inspection, Insurance, page 2.
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Question 18May you ride a motorcycle on a New York public highway with no liability insurance during a short trip?
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D: No, never. Under no circumstances may a motorcycle be operated on public highways without liability coverage, including out-of-state motorcycles. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Registration, Inspection, Insurance, page 2.
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Question 19Who must wear an approved motorcycle helmet in New York?
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C: All operators and all passengers. All motorcycle operators and passengers must wear helmets meeting USDOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 2.
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Question 20How much reflective material does New York DMV recommend on each side of a motorcycle helmet?
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A: At least four square inches. DMV recommends at least four square inches of reflective material on both sides of the helmet to improve visibility. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 2.
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Question 21In New York, if your motorcycle has an approved windshield, must you still wear eye protection?
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D: Yes, approved eye protection is required even with a windshield. All motorcycle operators must wear approved eye protection even if the motorcycle has a windshield. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 2.
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Question 22What eye protection does New York DMV recommend for full protection?
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D: Approved goggles or a face shield. Approved safety glasses meeting ANSI Z87.1 may be used, but DMV recommends approved goggles or a face shield for full protection. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 2.
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Question 23When must a motorcycle's headlight and rear light be on in New York?
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C: At all times when operating on the road. The headlight and rear light must be on at all times while you operate on the road. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 2.
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Question 24Which of these is legal for motorcyclists in New York?
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B: Two motorcycles riding side by side in one lane. Motorcyclists may use a full lane and may ride two abreast in a single lane, but not abreast of another vehicle, between lanes, or between traffic and parked cars. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 2.
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Question 25Is lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) allowed in New York?
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A: No. The manual says you can not ride between lanes or abreast of another vehicle in the same lane. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 2.
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Question 26What is the minimum age for a child to ride as a motorcycle passenger in New York?
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C: There is no minimum age. A child of any age can be a motorcycle passenger, provided the passenger rules (helmet, seat, footpegs) are met. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Children As Passengers, page 3.
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Question 27How must a New York motorcycle passenger who is not in a sidecar sit?
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B: Facing forward, one leg on each side, each foot on a foot peg. A passenger must sit facing forward with one leg on each side of the motorcycle and each foot on a foot peg, unless in a sidecar. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Children As Passengers, page 3.
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Question 28How many passengers may a motorcycle carry in New York (not counting a sidecar)?
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B: One. A rear passenger seat is required if a passenger is carried, and no more than one passenger is permitted. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 3.
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Question 29On a New York motorcycle, how high may the handlebars be?
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A: No higher than the operator's shoulder height. Required equipment includes handlebars no higher than the shoulder height of the operator. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 3.
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Question 30Which required-equipment rule applies to mirrors on a New York motorcycle?
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D: At least one handlebar-mounted mirror is required; two are recommended. A motorcycle must have at least one mirror mounted on a handlebar, though mirrors on both handlebars are recommended. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 3.
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Question 31Which muffler is allowed on a motorcycle in New York?
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B: A suitable muffler without cutouts or removable baffles. A suitable muffler is required; cutouts and mufflers with removable baffles are prohibited. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 3.
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Question 32On which New York motorcycles are brakes required on both wheels?
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B: 1971 and newer motorcycles. On 1971 and newer motorcycles, brakes are required on both wheels. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Special Rules and Required Equipment, page 3.
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Question 33What is the minimum age for a New York Class MJ (junior motorcycle) license?
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A: 16. Class MJ has a minimum age of 16; Class M is 18, or 17 with a driver education certificate. (NYS Driver's Manual, Chapter 1.) New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Driver's Manual, Chapter 1: Types of Licenses, page 7.
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Question 34In New York, a motorcycle operator with what BAC is legally intoxicated?
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D: 0.08% or above. In New York State, a driver with a BAC of .08 percent or above is legally intoxicated. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Alcohol and the Law, page 38.
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Question 35What BAC range for riders under 21 falls under New York's Zero Tolerance Law?
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C: 0.02% to 0.07%. The Zero Tolerance Law covers drivers under 21 with a BAC of .02% to .07%; a first violation brings a 6-month suspension. New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC): Consequences of Conviction, page 38.
Answer every question to see your score.
Full motorcycle practice tests
300 questions on riding skills and safety from the Motorcycle Operator Manual, which most states use.
Manual: New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC). Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, checked 2026-10-27.