. 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
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 yourlearner’s permit. We’ll cover when you can get a learner’s permit, how to get it, and when you can upgrade your license.
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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 permitis 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
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
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
, 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:
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.
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