• Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic RiderCourse^® or another NYS DMV-approved rider education course near you regardless of your skill level.
• Wear a well-fitting, bright, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved motorcycle helmet that features a DOT sticker on the back. A full-face helmet offers the highest level of protection in a crash. "Novelty helmets" are illegal in New York State.
• Wear high-quality, brightly colored or reflective riding gear. This includes over-the-ankle boots, heavyweight pants and jackets, full-finger gloves, and shatterproof eye protection. Only use tinted eyewear during the day.
• Maintain your motorcycle. Ensure that all of your lights and horn are functioning and that your tires are properly inflated and have legal tread depth.
• Drive sober. Never ride impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Obey the speed limit and all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
• Be alert and expect the unexpected.
• Avoid blind spots of other vehicles, especially commercial trucks.
• Avoid riding in bad weather, especially right after it starts to rain.

New York State does not have a minimum age for motorcycle passengers.

Children that ride with you must be able to do so safely. They should be old enough to understand the dangers of motorcycle riding as well as the importance of riding safely. If children do ride, they need the proper gear, just like adults. This includes a motorcycle helmet that fits properly, eye protection, long pants and a jacket made of durable material, gloves and boots or other durable shoes that cover the ankle and will not slip off. All passengers need to be able to sit properly behind the driver, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.

Teens can get a motorcycle license.

Teens must first get a learner's permit by taking a written exam at a DMV testing center. The DMV recommends a minimum of 30 hours of practice before taking the licensure test. When a learner is practicing, a driver with a valid motorcycle license must supervise them. The supervising driver must be within sight and no more than ¼ mile from the learner at all times. DMV's Resources for the Younger Driver has more information about restrictions on learner's permits and junior licenses.

• 16 years old: Limited, junior motorcycle license (Class MJ).
• 17 years old: Standard motorcycle license with driver's education (Class M).

Holding a Class MJ license allows you to ride motorcycles under certain restrictions as outlined in New York's New Driver Program. The NY Department of Motor Vehicles will upgrade your Class MJ license to a standard Class M license when you turn 18 years old OR are at least 17 years old and can provide the New York State DMV with a Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285) from an accredited driver's education program.

It is up to you to know if your teen is ready to drive a motorcycle. Seriously consider whether your teenager is responsible enough to drive a motorcycle before allowing him or her to do so. Driving a motorcycle is more difficult than driving a car as it requires more agility, coordination, and alertness. Driving a motorcycle can also be more dangerous than driving a car, and in a crash, motorcycles offer no protection.

Collaborate with schools, parents, and health providers.

• Provide educational materials to driver education classes and health education programs.
• Partner with service organizations, like Kiwanis and Elks, and motorcycle rider groups to promote safety among members.
• Sponsor a traffic safety day at a school or community center and feature motorcycle safety.
• Attend parent teacher group meetings to speak about motorcycle safety for teens.
• Provide motorcycle safety information to physicians.

Involve the media.

• Write a Letter to the Editor to increase public awareness about the problem of motorcycle injuries and provide injury prevention information about motorcycle safety.
• Send a news release to local newspapers and public service announcements to radio stations about the problem of motorcycle injuries and information about motorcycle safety.
• Submit articles on motorcycle safety to community publications, such as faith-based or school newsletters and bulletins.
• Distribute motorcycle safety educational materials electronically through Listservs, newsletters, and other communication venues used by your agency.
• Post motorcycle safety materials on your website and provide links to the New York State Department of Health and New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Respond to breaking news stories involving motorcycle crashes to remind riders about safety precautions.

• Check out our PSA Video in English and Spanish on how riders and drivers stay safe on the road.
• Tips for Getting a Motorcycle License (PDF)
• Tips for Safe Motorcycle Riding (PDF)
• Riders and Drivers: Slow Down (PDF)