Question: I live in New Jersey and want to know how long my written driving test is valid for in my state?
Answer:
It’s not clear whether you’re going for a basic automobile license (Class D) or a commercial driver’s license (Class A, B or C) or a motorcycle license (Class E), but let’s go through each of them starting with the most likely one: a standard automobile license. In simple terms, the expiry of your written tests are as follows:
- Automobile permits: two years
- Commercial permits: 360 days
- Motorcycle permits: 90 days
Continue reading the relevant section to be completely sure about the rules surrounding permit deadlines, or risk having to redo it all over again!
Getting your initial permit for automobiles
In New Jersey, you can get an initial permit by making an appointment and bringing the relevant documents. Once you get this permit, you will have two years to go through the four testing steps to get your probationary license. If you do not complete these tests in four years, you must get a new permit.
Step 1: Pass your knowledge test
- For your knowledge test, also called the written test, you will need to bring a valid ID, like a birth certificate or passport, along with proof of New Jersey residency and your Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification number.
- You will also need to pass a vision test.
- If you fail, you can re-test in seven days. If you pass, your permit will be validated, and you can go to the next step.
Step 2: Practice driving
- You can schedule your road test six months after you pass your knowledge test (three months if you’re over 21). Before your road test, you will need to practice supervised driving.
Step 3: Take Your road test
- If you fail, you can re-test in 14 days.
- If you pass, your permit will be stamped, and you can go to the next step.
Step 4: Get your Probationary Driver’s License (PDL)
- You can either get your PDL at the location of your road test (if available) or at any Licensing Center with your stamped permit and your documents – no appointment necessary.
Does the written driving test expire?
In New Jersey, the written driving test is valid for 180 days. If you don’t proceed and get your permit, you will need to pay the fee and pass the knowledge test again.
Further deadlines in New Jersey automobile licensing
After getting your PDL, you can practice unsupervised driving for one year and then upgrade your probationary license to a basic license online. You have 3.5 years to upgrade, or else you will have to visit a Licensing Center to renew your probationary license.
Once you turn 21, you can upgrade your vertical license to a horizontal “over-21” license.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) deadlines
If you are looking to get a CDL, your timelines are a bit different. Thankfully, you’ve got a little bit of time, since the receipt for your passed written driving test is valid for 180 days.
However, if you wait too long, you’ll face the following consequences:
- After 180 days, you’ll have to renew the test receipt.
- After 360 days, your test scores expire, and you’ll have to retake your test
So, take the test receipt and a CDL Holder Self-Certification Form – and a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate if required – to the MVC technician to receive your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
After practicing at least 14 days with your permit, you can schedule your road test and get that CDL.
Therefore, as a CLP holder, you really have 360 days from the time you get your test receipt till the time you’ll have to redo it all over again. In those 360 days, getting a CDL will allow you to exit this process.
Motorcycle Permit
Finally, if you want a motorcycle permit without possessing a driver’s license, you will first need to complete your knowledge and vision test. You can then apply for a motorcycle examination permit that is valid for 90 days. You must also bring your 6 Points of ID verification, must be at least 17, and apply at a motor vehicle agency.
New Jersey drivers holding a driver’s license have different paths to getting a motorcycle endorsement.
Xuyun Zeng is a content strategist with a wide-ranging content background including tech, journalism, cars and health care. After graduating with highest honors in journalism, Xuyun led a newspaper to win eight awards, helped start an award-winning film industry podcast and has written over a hundred articles about cars repair, state laws and insurance. Prior to joining Jerry, Xuyun worked as a freelance SEO consultant with a mission to create the best content that will help readers and grow organic traffic.
Ashley Eneriz is an editor and finance writer with over 15 years of experience in a wide range of financial topics, including car loans and insurance. In editing for Jerry, Ashley aims to make all car material reader-friendly for both the new driver and car enthusiast alike. Prior to joining Jerry, Ashley was the financial deputy editor for ConsumerAffairs. Her work is featured on Forbes, Yahoo, MSN, The Hartford and more.
