(a) The State Police shall administer a separate motorcycle examination for applicants for a license valid for operation of a motorcycle. On and after July 1, 2000, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall administer the examination provided for in this section. Any applicant for a license valid for operation of a motorcycle shall be required to successfully complete the motorcycle examination, which is in addition to the examination administered pursuant to section seven of this article and, if under the age of eighteen, shall be required to complete the requirements for a level two intermediate driver’s license set forth in paragraphs (B), (C) and (D), subdivision (1), subsection (j), section three-a of this article: Provided, That the commissioner may exempt an applicant for a motorcycle driver’s license or endorsement from all or part of the motorcycle license examination as provided in section six, article one-d of this chapter. The motorcycle examination shall test the applicant’s knowledge of the operation of a motorcycle and of any traffic laws specifically relating to the operation of a motorcycle and shall include an actual demonstration of the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motorcycle. An applicant for a license valid for the operation of only a motorcycle shall be tested as provided in this section and in section seven of this article, but need not demonstrate actual driving ability in any vehicle other than a motorcycle. The examination provided in this section may not be made a condition upon the renewal of the license of any person under this section. For an applicant who successfully completes the motorcycle examination, upon payment of the required fee, the division shall issue a motorcycle endorsement on the driver’s license of the applicant, or shall issue a special motorcycle-only license if the applicant does not possess a driver’s license: Provided, however, That any holder of a motorcycle-only license under the age of eighteen is subject to the provisions of paragraphs (A), (B), (E), (F), (G) and (H), subdivision (2), subsection (j), section three-a of this article.

Every person, including those holding a valid driver’s license, is required to take the examination specified in this section to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement, unless exempted under subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, a person with a valid driver’s license who is operating an autocycle is exempt from the motorcycle examination, licensing and endorsement requirements set forth in this article.