GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
What is the age requirement to obtain a New Jersey driver license?
You must be at least 21 years of age to obtain a NJ driver license.
If you are at least 16, you can obtain a basic driver license after completing the GDL Program (Graduated Driver License).
Who needs a New Jersey driver license?
Any resident who operates a motor vehicle in New Jersey.
What documents are required to apply for a NJ driver license or learner permit?
- Proof of Address
- At least one primary and one secondary document
- Social Security Number
- 6 Points of ID Verification
- Proof of authorized presence in US
Documents must be in English. The complete list of accepted documents can be found on the
New Jersey Driver Manual.
Can undocumented immigrants apply for a New Jersey driver's license?
Yes, unauthorized immigrants can apply for a New Jersey driver's license, if the required documentation is provided. The law requires applicants to prove identity, age, and residency in New Jersey.
Do I have to pass a test to obtain my New Jersey driver license?
Yes, you must pass knowledge, vision and road tests.
GDL: GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSE
I am under 18 years of age. Can I sign my application for a NJ Permit or Probationary License?
No, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application for you.
Do I have any obligation while driving with my Permit or my Probationary License?
Yes, if you are under 21 years of age you must display two GDL decals on the license plates.
I am under 21 years of age, what are the steps to obtain a NJ Basic Driver License?
There are 3 options. The first one is “The Early Bird Road”:
- Be at least 16 years old;
- Enroll in an approved behind-the-wheel driver training course;
- Pass the MVC knowledge and vision tests;
- After the course completion you will receive your Special Learner Permit;
- Successfully complete 6 consecutive months of supervised driving;
- Pass the MVC road test;
- If you are at least 17 years old you will receive your Probationary License;
- Practice unsupervised and restricted driving for at least 1 year;
- If you are 18 years old, visit an MVC agency to upgrade to a Basic Driver License.
The second option is “The Young Adult Road”:
- Be at least 17 years old;
- Pass the knowledge and vision tests;
- You will receive your Examination Permit;
- Practice supervised driving for at least 6 months, observing driving restrictions;
- Pass the MVC Road Test;
- You will receive your Probationary License;
- Practice unsupervised driving for at least 1 year and observe driving restrictions;
- If you are 18 years old, visit an MVC agency to upgrade to a Basic Driver License.
The last and third option is “The Adult Road”:
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Pass the knowledge and vision tests;
Practice supervised driving for at least 3 months, observing driving restrictions;
- You will receive your Probationary License;
- Practice unsupervised driving for at least 1 year and observe driving restrictions;
- Visit an MVC agency to upgrade to a Basic Driver License.
What restrictions do I have to observe while driving with my NJ Special Learner Permit?
- You are not allowed to drive between 11 pm and 5 am;
- You must not use any electronic device;
- You are not allowed to drive without a licensed driver of at least 21 years of age, who has at least 3 years of driving experience and is sitting beside you;
- Only your parent/guardian/ dependent and one additional passenger is allowed to ride in the car with you.
What restrictions do I have to observe while driving with my NJ Examination Permit?
- You are not allowed to drive between 11 pm and 5 am;
- You must not use any electronic device;
- You are not allowed to drive without a licensed driver of at least 21 years of age, who has at least 3 years of driving experience and is sitting beside you;
- Only dependents and one additional person can ride in the car with you, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What restrictions do I have to observe while driving with my NJ Probationary License?
- You are not allowed to drive between 11 pm and 5 am;
- You must not use any electronic device;
- Only dependents and one additional person can ride in the car with you, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
NEW JERSEY MVC KNOWLEDGE TEST
How many questions are on the NJ MVC knowledge test?
The New Jersey knowledge test contains 50 questions.
What is the score required to pass the test?
You must correctly answer at least 40 questions.
Can I take the test in a language other than English?
Yes. The NJ MVC written test is available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
How can I prepare for the NJ knowledge test?
Study the New Jersey driver manual and practice with our
DMV written tests!
I failed my knowledge test. What do I have to do?
You can retake the test whenever you feel you are ready to.
ROAD TEST
What will be tested during my road test?
- Driving in reverse;
- Following other vehicles;
- Nearing corners, intersection;
- Parallel parking;
- Sitting properly;
- Starting a vehicle;
- Steering properly;
- Stopping at signs;
- Turning and turning around;
- Yielding right-of-way.
I failed my road test. When can I repeat it?
You must wait at least two weeks.
I HAVE A DRIVER LICENSE, BUT...
I hold a valid New Jersey driver license and I changed my name. What do I have to do?
You must notify the MVC within 2 weeks.
I hold a valid New Jersey driver license and I changed my address. What do I have to do?
You must notify the MVC within 1 week.
I have a valid out-of-state driver license and I moved to New Jersey. Do I have to obtain a New Jersey driver license?
Yes. You have to apply for a NJ driver license within 60 days. You must also surrender your old license.