🗂️ MVC Steps Center

To ride any e-bike in NJ you must be at least 15 and have one of these two:

• A valid NJ driver license (any class): you can already ride any e-bike and don't need another license. Just register the bike (and insure it if it's motorized).
• An e-bike/moped license, if you don't have a driver license: see “E-bike license step by step” below.

⚠️ If your driving privileges are suspended or revoked, you may neither apply for nor receive an e-bike license.

Renting a low-speed e-bike (under 21 mph)? You only need to be 16 or older; no license is required.

All e-bikes must be registered with the MVC before riding on public roads, including low-speed ones.

1. Make an “E-BIKE: INITIAL REGISTRATION” appointment at a Vehicle Center.
2. Fill out form BA-49EB (registration and ownership).
3. Bring your ID: NJ license, non-driver ID or 6 points of ID.
4. Bring proof of ownership (one): Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), purchase receipt, notarized bill of sale or the owner's affidavit on form BA-49EB.
5. If it's motorized: bring proof of insurance.
6. If you are under 18 and your parent or guardian isn't with you: the signed consent form.
7. Place the plate stickers on both sides of the front fork.

💸 The MVC is waiving the registration fee until January 2027.

• Low-speed (pedal assist only, up to 20 mph): no insurance required.
• Motorized / moped: liability insurance required, with these minimums:
  • $15,000 for injury to or death of one person
  • $30,000 for injury to or death of more than one person in an accident
  • $5,000 for damage to the property of others

The policy must include PIP coverage for pedestrians and describe your bike (make, model and serial number or VIN). Ask your insurer for “motorized bicycle liability” coverage and carry your insurance card whenever you ride.

📌 A rule changes on January 1, 2027: if a pedestrian is injured in an accident, the injury will be covered by the pedestrian's own PIP coverage. Ask your insurer how this affects you.

Only if you do not have an NJ driver license.

STEP 1 Study the E-bike and Moped Manual and the NJ Driver Manual (the signs come from there).

STEP 2 Make an initial permit appointment and fill out form BA-208. Bring your 6 points of ID and, if you are under 18 and your parent isn't with you, the signed consent form. The test costs $5, but the fee is waived until January 2027.

STEP 3 Pass the knowledge and vision tests to validate your permit. If you fail, you can retest in 7 days.

STEP 4 Practice on the e-bike, unsupervised, during daylight hours only. Always carry your permit.

STEP 5 Make a road test appointment 20 to 45 days after your permit is validated.

STEP 6 If you pass, take your validated permit, 6 points of ID, proof of address and score sheet to a licensing center (no appointment needed). The license costs $6, but the fee is waived until January 2027.

• Questions come from the E-bike and Moped Manual and the NJ Driver Manual, including traffic signs.
• Local ordinances are not on the test (although you must obey them).
• You take the vision test the same day.
• If you fail, you can retest in 7 days.

What they evaluate (on a closed course):

1. Turning/stopping: control the bike through a turn and stop with the front tire inside the painted box, without putting your foot down.
2. Cone weave/U-turn: weave at low speed through cones (12 feet apart) and make a U-turn without touching lines or putting your foot down.
3. Braking: brake quickly and safely; they measure your stopping distance in relation to your speed.
4. Obstacle turn: turn quickly without touching a boundary line.

What to bring:

🚚 Because e-bikes aren't allowed on some roads, you may have to bring yours to the test area by car rack or trailer.
❌ If you fail, you must wait two weeks before retaking it. If you don't pass within 90 days, you need a new permit.

Documents must be in English or have an approved translation. Only originals are accepted.

1. Make an initial permit appointment. Bring your 6 points of ID, proof of address, Social Security number or ITIN and, if you are under 18, the consent form signed by your parent or guardian.
2. Pass the knowledge test and the vision test to validate your permit:
   • 50 questions; you need 40 correct (80%)
   • Minimum vision of 20/50, with or without lenses, and telling red, green and yellow apart
   • Results are valid for 2 years
3. With a validated permit you can practice with a supervisor (not before it's validated).

• Your supervisor sits in the front seat: 21 or older, with a valid NJ license and at least 3 years of driving experience.
• Under 21: at least 6 months and 50 hours of practice, 10 of them at night. Your supervisor fills out form BA-CSD and you present it when getting your license.
• 21 or older: at least 3 months of supervised practice.

⏰ With a permit or probationary license and under 21: no driving from 11:01 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., limited passengers, and you must display the 2 red GDL decals on your plates. At any age: no cell phone, not even hands-free.

The MVC doesn't provide cars: you must bring one and a licensed driver to go with you. If that person has an out-of-state license or less than 3 years of experience, they must drive to the test site.

Self-parking cars, autocycles and rental cars that don't list you as a driver aren't accepted. If the car has a manual transmission, you'll be asked to show you can use it.

From another U.S. state: if you moved to NJ, switch it within 60 days or before it expires (whichever comes first). If you are 18 or older and your license is valid and not probationary, you normally don't retake the written or road test: just the vision test and your 6 points of ID. You turn in your old license. At 17 you get a probationary license for 1 year.

From another country: you can drive with your valid license for up to 1 year; carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an English translation. To get an NJ license you must pass the knowledge and vision tests, and you may be asked to take the road test.

Documents must be in English or have an approved translation. Only originals are accepted.

If your motorcycle is under 50cc (or up to 1.5 hp) and can't exceed 35 mph, it is a low-speed motorcycle: you can ride it with your car license, without a motorcycle endorsement.

⚠️ It may not be used on state toll roads, limited-access highways or roads with a limit over 35 mph.

For an autocycle, your basic driver license is also enough.

• Be 17 or older (with parent or guardian consent if under 18).
• Fill out the application at a licensing center, pass the 6 Points of ID verification and pay $5.
• Pass the knowledge and vision tests to validate your permit. Study the driver manual and its motorcycle chapter.

⏰ With a permit you may not: ride from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, carry passengers, or ride on toll roads or limited-access highways. You no longer need another rider with you.

It's the course from NJ's Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP), with an approved provider. You must attend 100% of it and pass.

• If you already have a driver license: you don't need a permit to take the course. When you pass, you receive a stamped waiver form and a course card: with these you can skip the MVC written and road tests.
• If you don't have a license: get your permit first. The course gives you only the card (not the waiver): you still take the road test at the MVC.
• With the course, the 500cc-or-less restriction doesn't apply to you.

⚠️ After the course, don't ride until the MVC adds the endorsement to your license.

• You must be 18 or older and have practiced with a permit for at least 20 days (without a driver license: 6 months if under 21, or 3 months if 21 or older).
• What they evaluate: turning and stopping inside the box without putting your foot down, a cone weave (12 feet apart) with a U-turn, quick braking and an obstacle turn.
• ❌ If your engine stalls during the test, you fail.
• If you take the test on a motorcycle of 231cc or less, you are restricted to motorcycles of 500cc or less (a “5” restriction).

What to bring:

• Registration: bring your current insurance card and the title to a Vehicle Center. It costs $65 a year. The plate goes on the rear.
• Inspection: motorcycles are no longer inspected in NJ, but police can check yours on the road and ticket you for defects.
• Required equipment: headlight, taillight, front and rear brakes, turn signals, horn and at least one mirror.
• Helmet required for you and your passenger, and eye protection if the motorcycle has no windscreen.
• Handlebars higher than your shoulders are illegal.

Documents must be in English or have an approved translation. Only originals are accepted.