New Jersey Motorcycle Manual Online 2024

Freedom, leisure, economical operating costs and convenience are just some of the advantages that motorcyclists enjoy over drivers of four-wheeled vehicles.

In the state of New Jersey, there are a number of requirements that prospective motorcyclists must meet before heading out on the road. These are introduced briefly in this article.

New Jersey Motorcycle License

The state considers a motorcycle to be a motor bike, a bicycle with an attached motor or any type of motor-operated bicycle or tricycle. However, a motorized bicycle is not considered a motorcycle. Any resident of New Jersey wishing to operate a motorcycle needs to have a specific NJ motorcycle driver license or a motorcycle endorsement on their existing basic/commercial license.

New Jersey Driver Manual

The state Motor Vehicle Commission puts out a driver manual that includes a chapter entirely devoted to motorcycle-related safety information and operating rules (available separately below). Some important concepts contained in this chapter include:

• Controlling the Vehicle
• See, Be Seen and Be Heard
• The SIPDE System
• Blind Spots
• Keeping your Distance
• Dangerous Surfaces
• Cautious Night Riding
• Carrying Passengers and Cargo
• Riding with a Group
• Familiarity with the Motorcycle

Test Your Knowledge!

Once you feel confident that you’ve prepared enough, the state Motor Vehicle Commission offers a sample knowledge test for you to assess your knowledge. Some questions that you’ll be expected to know include:

• What is the BAC limit before riders are considered “under the influence?”
• When must you turn your headlights on?
• What must you do when driving in bad weather?
• What should you do when you are driving behind a school bus showing a flashing red light signalling a stop?

If you’re ready, you can take the written knowledge test and vision test. Once you’ve passed these tests, you can get a permit for practice riding on NJ roads.

The Road Test

The road test ensures that applicants have the practical skills to ensure safe, responsible motorcycle operation in real-life conditions. The road test places emphasis on the following motorcycle skills:

• Turning and stopping – Can you control your bike while turning and stopping? You’ll be asked to stay within the path of the turn without putting a foot down or skidding your bike.
• Cone weave (U-turn) – Can you control your bike at a low speed, while weaving through cones and making a U-turn where indicated?
• Braking – Can you safely brake quickly? This will test your stopping distance in relation to the speed of travel.
• Obstacle swerve – Can you swerve the motorcycle quickly, in order to avoid an obstacle in the road?