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100+ Free NY Motorcycle Permit Test Practice Questions

Pass your New York DMV Motorcycle Permit Knowledge Test (Class M/MJ) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Question 1
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When you are being passed by another vehicle on a multilane road, where in your lane should you ride?

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NY Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

20

Multiple-Choice Questions

New York DMV

70% (14/20)

Passing Score (incl. 2 of 4 road signs)

New York DMV

$21–$120

Class M/MJ License Fee Range

New York DMV 2026

VTL 381

Universal DOT Helmet & Eye Protection Required

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law

VTL 1252

Lane Sharing Between Vehicles Prohibited

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law

MSF BRC / BRC2-LW

Completes Road Test Waiver

New York State Motorcycle Safety Program

The New York DMV motorcycle permit knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions, and applicants must answer at least 14 correctly (70%) — including at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions — to pass. The Class M/MJ license fee runs $21–$120 depending on age and current license status. The same test is used for the adult Class M and the junior Class MJ (ages 16–17). New York rules tested include the universal DOT helmet law under VTL 381, mandatory ANSI Z87.1 eye protection, the prohibition on lane sharing (VTL 1252), the daytime headlight-on rule, and the 0.02% zero-tolerance BAC limit for riders under 21. Completing an approved MSF Basic Rider Course through the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program waives the DMV road test.

Sample NY Motorcycle Permit Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NY Motorcycle Permit Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which New York license class is required to operate a full-sized two-wheel motorcycle on public roads?
A.Class D
B.Class M
C.Class E
D.Class DJ
Explanation: A New York Class M license authorizes operation of any two-wheel motorcycle on public roads. Adults age 18 and older apply for a Class M; riders age 16–17 receive a Class MJ (junior) instead but take the same knowledge test.
2How many questions are on the New York DMV motorcycle knowledge test?
A.20 questions
B.25 questions
C.30 questions
D.46 questions
Explanation: The New York motorcycle knowledge test contains 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from the New York Motorcycle Manual (MV-21MC). Four of the 20 are road sign questions, and you must answer at least two of those correctly in addition to meeting the overall passing score.
3What is the passing score on the New York motorcycle permit knowledge test?
A.60% (12 of 20 correct)
B.70% (14 of 20 correct, including 2 of 4 road sign questions)
C.80% (16 of 20 correct)
D.85% (17 of 20 correct)
Explanation: Applicants must answer at least 14 of 20 questions correctly, a 70% score, AND must correctly answer at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions. Failing either threshold means you must reschedule the test.
4What is the minimum age to apply for a New York motorcycle learner permit?
A.14 years old
B.15 years old
C.16 years old
D.18 years old
Explanation: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a New York motorcycle learner permit. Applicants age 16–17 receive a Class MJ (junior) permit/license and remain subject to under-18 driving restrictions.
5Completing an approved MSF Basic Rider Course (BRC) in New York gives a permit holder what benefit?
A.It waives the helmet requirement
B.It waives the DMV motorcycle road test
C.It removes the need for a learner permit
D.It exempts the rider from insurance
Explanation: Successfully completing an MSF Basic Rider Course (BRC) or Basic Rider Course 2 License Waiver (BRC2-LW) through the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP) waives the DMV road test. You must present your course completion card within two years of completion and the course must have been taken in New York.
6Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 381, who must wear a U.S. DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet?
A.Only riders under age 18
B.Only riders under age 21
C.Every operator and passenger of any age
D.Only the operator, not the passenger
Explanation: New York VTL 381 requires every motorcycle operator AND passenger of any age to wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. New York is a universal helmet state — the law applies on all roads to all riders.
7What standard must motorcycle eye protection meet in New York?
A.ANSI Z87.1 goggles or face shield approved by the Commissioner
B.DOT FMVSS 218
C.ISO 9001 eyewear
D.Any tinted sunglasses
Explanation: Under VTL 381, every motorcycle operator must wear goggles or a face shield of a type approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The approved standard is ANSI Z87.1. A motorcycle windshield does not by itself satisfy the eye-protection requirement.
8Is lane sharing or lane splitting between cars legal in New York?
A.Yes, when traffic is stopped
B.Yes, anywhere on the highway
C.No, it is prohibited under VTL 1252
D.Only legal in New York City
Explanation: New York VTL 1252 prohibits riding between lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles. Two motorcycles may ride side by side in a single lane only if both riders consent. Lane splitting between cars is illegal everywhere in New York.
9What is the adult BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) limit in New York for operating a motorcycle?
A.0.05%
B.0.08%
C.0.10%
D.0.15%
Explanation: New York's adult DWI threshold is 0.08% BAC for drivers and motorcyclists 21 and older. At 0.18% BAC the offense becomes Aggravated DWI, and BAC between 0.05% and 0.07% can still support a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) charge.
10Under New York's Zero Tolerance Law, what is the BAC limit for motorcycle riders under 21?
A.0.00%
B.0.02%
C.0.05%
D.0.08%
Explanation: New York's Zero Tolerance Law makes it unlawful for any driver under 21 to operate a vehicle, including a motorcycle, with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. The penalty is administrative — license suspension — and is in addition to any DWI or DWAI charge.

About the NY Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

The New York DMV motorcycle permit knowledge test is the written exam required to earn a Class M (adult) or Class MJ (junior, age 16–17) motorcycle license in New York. It contains 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official New York Motorcycle Manual (MV-21MC), covering motorcycle controls, the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection, body position, throttle/clutch/brake coordination, braking distance, swerving, the slow-look-press-roll cornering technique, countersteering, the three lane positions, the SEE and SIPDE mental strategies, hand signals, and sharing the road. The test also covers New York-specific laws including the universal DOT helmet requirement under VTL 381, ANSI Z87.1 eye protection under VTL 381, the prohibition on lane sharing between vehicles (VTL 1252), the daytime headlight rule, and the 0.08% adult / 0.02% under-21 BAC limits. Applicants must answer at least 14 of 20 questions correctly to pass, including at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions. The Class M/MJ license fee ranges from $21 to $120 depending on age and current license status. Riders who complete an approved MSF Basic Rider Course (BRC) or Basic Rider Course 2 License Waiver (BRC2-LW) through the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program qualify to waive the DMV road test.

Questions

20 scored questions

Time Limit

No strict time limit at New York DMV offices

Passing Score

70% (14 of 20, including at least 2 of 4 road sign questions)

Exam Fee

$21–$120 for a Class M or MJ license, depending on age and whether you already hold a New York license (New York Department of Motor Vehicles)

NY Motorcycle Permit Test Exam Content Outline

Section 1

Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

New York sign shapes and colors, traffic signals, lane markings, and the requirement to answer at least 2 of 4 road sign questions correctly

Section 2

Lane Positions and Sharing the Road

The three lane positions, blind spots, staggered group formation, and sharing crowded NYC and upstate roads with cars, trucks, taxis, and bicyclists

Section 3

Braking, Swerving and Cornering

Using both brakes (about 70% front), the 2-second following distance, swerving, countersteering, and the slow-look-press-roll turning technique

Section 4

New York-Specific Laws

Universal helmet requirement (VTL 381), ANSI Z87.1 eye protection, the prohibition on lane sharing (VTL 1252), daytime headlight rule, and the 0.08% / 0.02% under-21 BAC limits

Section 5

Hazards, Night Riding and Emergencies

NYC traffic, painted lines and metal grates, rain, leftover snow and road salt, deer rural upstate, coastal storms, bridge crosswinds, night conspicuity, and crash reporting

How to Pass the NY Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% (14 of 20, including at least 2 of 4 road sign questions)
  • Exam length: 20 questions
  • Time limit: No strict time limit at New York DMV offices
  • Exam fee: $21–$120 for a Class M or MJ license, depending on age and whether you already hold a New York license

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NY Motorcycle Permit Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read the current New York Motorcycle Manual (MV-21MC) from the DMV website — every test question is based on it
2Memorize the New York numbers: 20 test questions, 70% pass (14/20), at least 2 of 4 road sign questions correct, $21–$120 license fee, BAC 0.08% adult / 0.02% under-21, helmet required for everyone under VTL 381
3Learn the key acronyms cold: T-CLOCS (pre-ride inspection), SEE (Search, Evaluate, Execute), SIPDE (Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute), and slow-look-press-roll for turns
4Understand New York's distinctive laws: universal DOT helmet under VTL 381, ANSI Z87.1 eye protection, lane sharing prohibited under VTL 1252, daytime headlight-on rule, and the MSF Basic RiderCourse road-test waiver
5Take timed practice tests until you consistently score 90% or higher, giving yourself a comfortable buffer above the 70% pass mark

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The New York DMV motorcycle permit knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official New York Motorcycle Manual (MV-21MC). The same test is used for both Class M (adult) and Class MJ (junior, ages 16–17) motorcycle licenses.

What score do I need to pass the New York motorcycle permit test?

Applicants must answer at least 14 of 20 questions correctly, a 70% passing score. You must also answer at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions correctly. If you do not meet both thresholds, you fail and must reschedule.

How much does the New York motorcycle license cost?

The fee for a Class M or MJ motorcycle license, or adding M/MJ to an existing license, ranges from $21 to $120 depending on your age and whether you already hold a New York driver license. The DMV cannot calculate your exact fee until you apply at an office.

Does New York require a helmet for motorcycle riders?

Yes — New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 381 requires every motorcycle operator and passenger of any age to wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet meeting FMVSS 218. New York is a universal helmet state — the law applies on all roads to every rider, not just minors. A violation can be fined up to $100 or 30 days in jail.

Does completing the MSF Basic RiderCourse waive my New York road test?

Yes — completing an MSF Basic Rider Course (BRC) or Basic Rider Course 2 License Waiver (BRC2-LW) through the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP) waives the DMV motorcycle road test. You must present your course completion card within two years and the course must have been taken in New York.

Is lane splitting or lane sharing legal in New York?

No — New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1252 prohibits riding between lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles. Two motorcycles may ride side by side in a single lane if both riders consent, but lane splitting between cars and lane sharing with other vehicles are illegal in New York.

What is the minimum age for a New York motorcycle permit?

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a New York motorcycle learner permit. Riders age 16–17 receive a Class MJ (junior) permit and license with the same under-18 restrictions as a junior driver license. To use the MSF road test waiver you must also be at least 16.