How to Get a New Jersey Learner’s Permit

Residents of New Jersey are eligible for a learner’s permit once they turn 16. Here’s how to get one.
Written by Rebecca Wardell
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
In
New Jersey
, you become eligible for a special learner’s permit
after your 16th birthday
. But before you can hit the road alone, you’ll need to meet a handful of requirements, including passing a knowledge test and completing six hours of behind-the-wheel training.
  • You can get your first learner’s permit in New Jersey at age 16. 
  • You’ll need to take a driver education course and pass a knowledge test before you can get a second learner’s permit, after which you can get a basic license.
  • Learner’s permit holders must drive with a licensed adult supervising.
To hit the road alone in New Jersey, drivers must pass the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which consists of two stages: the permit stage and the
driver's license
stage.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the first stage of the Graduated Driver License program in New Jersey: obtaining your learner’s permit. We’ll cover when you can get a learner’s permit, how to get it, and when you can upgrade your license.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

How to get a New Jersey learner’s permit

Obtaining a learner’s permit allows you to practice driving accompanied by an adult driver 21 years or older who has a valid New Jersey driver’s license and at least three years of driving experience.
You become eligible for a learner’s permit when you turn 16; drivers under 17 are eligible for a special learner’s permit, while those over 17 are eligible for a learner’s permit. The main difference between a special learner’s permit and a learner’s permit is the legal requirement to complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel train training.
If you are under 17, you need to sign up for a driver’s education course before you head into your local MVC. You can either enroll with a
New Jersey licensed driving school
or enroll with your high school (availability depends on your school district). 
You will complete the training after you get your special learner’s permit but you will be required to show proof of enrollment at the MVC prior to obtaining your learner’s permit. 
Many driving schools also offer in-classroom training that serves a number of possible benefits, including preparation for the knowledge test and saving on your
car insurance
through a
driver training insurance discount
. This in-classroom training is not legally required.
At the driving school or your high school, you will be required to complete a
BA-412D form
and provide the
required identification documents
including proof of identity or date of birth (2), proof of New Jersey residency (1), and proof of SSN or ITIN (1).

What to bring to the MVC

Now, you’re ready to visit your local
driver testing center
. There are two different appointments you will need to schedule: your initial permit appointment and your learner’s permit appointment. 
To schedule your initial permit appointment, visit the
MVC appointment scheduling website
, select ‘Driver’s License/Non-Driver ID Services,’ and book for ‘Initial Permit (Before Knowledge Test)’. At this appointment, you will show your
required identification documents
and pay the $10 permit fee.
Once you get your initial permit, you have two years to complete your knowledge test, in-car training (or practice supervised driving if you’re over 17), take your road test, and obtain your probationary license. If you do not do this, you will need a new initial permit.
To schedule your learner’s permit appointment, visit the
MVC appointment scheduling website
, select ‘Road/Knowledge Testing Services’, and book for ‘Knowledge Test (Not CDL)’. Here’s what you will have to do at that learner’s permit appointment:
  • Provide signed consent from a parent or guardian (if you’re under 18 years old)
  • Provide proof of enrollment in a certified driver training course (if you’re under 17 years old)
  • Provide proof of initial permit
  • Pass the vision screening test (you must have 20/50 vision with or without corrective lenses)
  • Pass the knowledge test (you must achieve 80% to pass)
It’s a good idea to study for the knowledge test using the
New Jersey driver manual
or by taking an in-classroom driver’s education class. To pass, you must answer 40 of the 50 questions correctly. If you don’t pass, don’t worry! You can re-test in 7 days.
If you do pass the knowledge test, congratulations! Your learner’s permit will be validated and you can move on to the next step: completing your in-car training or practicing supervised driving.
MORE: How education level affects car insurance

New Jersey learner’s permit regulations

With your new learner’s permit, it’s time to hit the road—with supervision, of course.
Here’s what the next stage will look like for you based on your age:
  • If you’re under 17: It’s time to complete the behind-the-wheel training you signed up for with an approved driving institution. Once completed, the MVC will validate your learner’s permit for 6 months of supervised practice driving.
  • If you’re between 17 and 20: You must complete a minimum of six months of supervised practice driving.
  • If you’re over 21: You must complete a minimum of three months of supervised practice driving.
Here are the New Jersey laws for supervised practice driving:
  • A licensed adult who is 21 or older with a minimum of three years of driving experience in the front passenger seat at all times
  • Parents, guardians, or dependents are allowed as passengers (siblings do not count as dependents)
  • Only one additional passenger is allowed unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian
  • You cannot use any handheld or hands-free devices except in emergency situations
  • You may not drive between 11:01 PM and 5:00 AM
After completing the required period of supervised practice driving, you can book your road test through the MVC’s scheduling website. Completing the road test will get you a probationary driver’s license, which allows you to practice unsupervised driving for one year. 
The final step after your probationary license is
upgrade to a basic license
.
MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers
Jerry
was spot on. I’m young with one rear end on my record. Still, they dropped my monthly insurance rate from $468 to $250. This really saved me money.” —Jason M.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
avatar
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
rating primary
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings