How to Get a Motorcycle License in New York

Change up your urban setting by getting a motorcycle license in New York. Riding a motorcycle in New York can be a fun and dramatic shift from the regular vehicular congestion on New York streets. Twist, swerve and turn your way to mobile freedom. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Logon to New York's official website at state.ny.us.

2. Click on "Listing of State Agencies" and "Department of Motor Vehicles." Select "DMV Forms and Publications" and "DMV Publications." Download and study the "Motorcycle Manual."

3. Locate the nearest New York Department of Motor Vehicles office. Inquire about the types of motorcycle tests offered. If the office provides written tests for motorcycle permits, make an appointment.

4. Visit your local DMV office. Ask for Form #MV-44 and complete it; indicate that you are applying for a motorcycle permit. Present a valid New York state photo driver's license. Pay for a learner's permit written test.

5. Take and pass the learner's permit written test. Get a Class M or Class MJ level permit.

6. Practice applying the principles of the Motorcycle's Operator Manual in a real-life context by safely riding your motorcycle on New York roadways. Make sure that a licensed motorcycle rider remains within a quarter mile of you and your motorcycle--any farther than a quarter mile is against the law.

7. Ride on New York roadways for at least 30 hours. Dedicate 10 of those hours to navigating through challenging traffic conditions.

8. Make an appointment for a road skills test. You must provide your own motorcycle and bring your driver's license, motorcycle permit and any other supplements required by the driver's license office and indicated in the Motorcycle Operator's Manual.

9. Pass the road skills. Be issued a temporary motorcycle license.

10. Wait five to seven days. Take your motorcycle permit, temporary motorcycle license and your current driver's license to a DMV office. Ask for Form #MV-44 and complete it. Make all necessary notations on the document to indicate your desire for a permanent motorcycle license.

11. Submit the Form #MV-44 and pay all associated fees. Receive your permanent motorcycle license in the mail within three weeks.