To get your New Jersey
basic driver’s license, you must be at least 18 years old and able to provide valid identification and proof of address. The process to receive a license involves acquiring a probational license first and passing vision, knowledge, and skills tests. 
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Start earning nowWhat are the requirements for a driver’s license in New Jersey?
New Jersey is different than most states in that you must be at least 18 years old to get a driver’s license. While you may be itching to get to the Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC) as soon as you hit 18, first you’ll need to gather the following documents:
Primary identification: A birth certificate, adoption papers, U.S. passport or passport card, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, permanent resident card, refugee travel document
Social Security number: Your Social Security card (no copies), W-2 or 1099 form, paystub within the last year including your complete SSN, official document from the IRS
Proof of residential address: A mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement, deed or title to property, New Jersey voter registration card, utility bill, W-2 or 1099 form, property tax bill
Check out the New Jersey Standard License Requirements
page for a complete list of the documents you can use to secure your driver’s license. What are the requirements for young drivers?
There are three steps to getting your driver’s license in New Jersey. First, you must apply for a permit, then your probational license, and finally, your basic driver’s license.
If you are under the age of 18, you will need parental consent to apply for a learner’s permit. Permits are available to those 16 and older.
To apply for a permit, you will need to get enrolled in an MVC licensed driving school
. Your driving instructor will purchase the permit for you after you have gathered the required documents and visited a motor vehicle agency. You will take a vision test and a knowledge exam, as well as complete six hours of behind-the-wheel training. Once your permit has been validated, you may begin supervised driving for at least six months. After that, you can apply for a probational driver’s license.
To apply for a probational driver’s license, you will need:
Six months of behind-the-wheel driving experience
To schedule and pass a road test
To complete the application form (available at the MVC)
After you’ve been driving with your provisional license for at least a year, you may apply for a basic driver’s license, by:
Being at least 18 years old
Completing an application form
Key Takeaway There are three steps to getting your license in New Jersey if you’re under the age of 18. You must apply for a permit, then a probational license, and finally a basic driver’s license.
What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?
If you hold a driver’s license from another state and become a permanent resident of New Jersey, you must get a New Jersey license within 60 days of moving.
You’ll need to visit an MVC office and pass a vision test—no knowledge exam or road test is required!
How to get a driver’s license in New Jersey
For new drivers: examination permit
If you’ve never been licensed and you don’t have a student learner’s permit, you’ll need to apply for an examination permit before your basic driver’s license.
You must apply in person at an MVC agency and pass a vision test and a knowledge exam. After passing, you may apply first for a probational license following the steps listed above. Afterward, you may be able to apply for your basic driver’s license.
Vision test
Vision tests are given at various motor vehicle agencies
. In order to meet New Jersey’s requirements, you must have 20/50 or better vision. If you pass the vision test using corrective lenses, you will have a restriction placed on your license indicating that you must wear these lenses while driving.
If you fail the test, you will be required to visit your eye doctor and complete Form ST-14 (provided at the motor vehicle agency).
Knowledge test
Once you’ve completed your vision test, you’ll need to pass the knowledge exam.
The knowledge test consists of 50 multiple choice questions on New Jersey’s traffic laws, road signs, and safety practices.
You can study for your exam using the New Jersey Driver Manual
, which covers everything you’ll need to know to pass the test. The NJ MVC also provides a sample knowledge test
for additional practice. In order to pass the knowledge test, you must get 40 out of 50 questions correct, or 80%.
Road test
The final step to acquiring your basic driver’s license in New Jersey is a road test, which you can schedule on the MVC website
. You’ll need to bring your own qualifying vehicle. Your vehicle does not qualify if it: Is deemed unsafe or defective
Has an expired inspection sticker
Does not have a parking brake that the road test safety inspector can access
Does not have license plates with appropriate decals
During the road test, be prepared to execute the following:
Good posture while driving
If you pass your driving test, you’ll need to present your documents and pay the $19.50 fee for your very own New Jersey driver’s license!
How to save money on car insurance in New Jersey
Whew! You did it. Once you’ve passed all your tests and have that license in hand, it’s time to shop for car insurance. With help from comparison shopping super app Jerry
, you can save hundreds in less than a minute! Once you download Jerry, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. Jerry users save an average of $887 a year.
“Since I just got my license, my insurance costs a lot. I wanted to save as much as possible, and Jerry
helped me switch from a $243 plan to $204 with Nationwide!” —Brady L.
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