New Jersey Drivers License Instructions

DMV got you confused? Check out our easy instructions for getting your New Jersey drivers license.

1. Take New Jersey drivers education

2. Study for the New Jersey learners permit test

3. Apply for the New Jersey learners permit

4. Practice driving under supervision

5. Take the driving test for the New Jersey drivers license

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5

1. Take New Jersey drivers education

Under 17:
You can start learning to drive in New Jersey at 16 years old if you have completed a MVC approved drivers education course. Online drivers education courses do not satisfy this requirement.

17 or Older:
If you are 17 or older, drivers education is not mandatory in New Jersey for your learners permit. However, it’s always a good idea for new drivers to take a New Jersey drivers education course. With quality drivers education, you can:

Learn the rules of the road and essential safe driving skills
Have a better chance of passing your learners permit test
Qualify for an auto insurance discount (where applicable)

Take the DriversEd.com New Jersey drivers education course online at your own pace and on your own schedule. Note: this course will not satisfy the drivers education requirement for teens under 17.

2. Study for the New Jersey learners permit test

In order to get the learners permit and eventually the New Jersey drivers license, everyone regardless of age must pass a written test on traffic laws and signs. Most people fail this test on their first try.

Pass the first time when you learn the rules of the road with DriversEd.com and prepare for the learners permit test with our New Jersey MVC practice permit tests. Our online practice permit tests can be purchased separately or are free when you purchase our online New Jersey drivers education course.

3. Apply for the New Jersey learners permit

Apply for your learners permit at an MVC location near you.

New Jersey has 2 different types of permits that can be used to learn how to drive.

Student Learners Permit—16 years old

In order to be eligible, you must:

Be at least 16 years old.
Be accompanied by a licensed driving instructor.
Pass the knowledge test.
Pass the vision test.
Bring a primary 4-point ID (e.g., civil birth certificate, US Passport, US Department of State birth certificate, US adoption papers, certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship).
Show proof of enrollment in a driver training course.
Present a signed letter with parental or guardian consent.
Pay fee.
Permits are valid for two years and must be carried when operating a vehicle.
If your permit is lost or stolen, you must request a duplicate. Duplicates must be obtained by the driving school.

Once you pass the knowledge test, you will be issued a student learners permit with the following restrictions:

No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m.
You must be accompanied by an Adult Supervising Driver (at least 21 years old and licensed to drive for at least 3 years) in the front seat.
Passengers must be from your household. Only one additional person from outside your household is allowed.
You can't use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hand held electronic device.
Seat belts must be worn at all times.
See GDL Exemptions for hours-related exemptions for employment or religious reasons.

Examination Permit—17 and older
In order to be eligible for the examination permit, you must:

Be at least 17 years old.
Pass the knowledge test.
Pass the vision test.
Pass the 6 Point ID Verification.
Pay fee.
Permits are valid for two years and must be carried when operating a vehicle. If your permit is lost or stolen, you must request a duplicate permit.

Once you pass the knowledge test you will be issued an examination permit with the following restrictions:

You must be accompanied by an Adult Supervising Driver (at least 21 years old and licensed to drive for at least 3 years) in the front seat.
You can't use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hand held electronic device.
Seat belts must be worn at all times.
If you are under 21, no driving between 12:01 a.m. and 5 a.m.
If you are under 21, passengers must be from your household. Only one additional person from outside your household is allowed.
See GDL Exemptions for hours-related exemptions for employment or religious reasons.

4. Practice driving under supervision

Practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and who has held a license for at least 3 years. If you are under 21 years old, you must practice for at least 6 months. If you are 21 or older, you must practice for at least 3 months.

DriversEd.com can help make this supervised driving period less stressful. Our Behind-the-Wheel Training Guide teaches important concepts and guides parents step-by-step through the process of teaching their teen to drive. It also comes with a FREE Passenger Side Rear-View Mirror which allows you to see exactly what your teen sees when behind the wheel.

5. Take the driving test for the New Jersey drivers license

Schedule an appointment for your driving test at a MVC location near you.

In order to be eligible for the New Jersey drivers license, you must:

Be at least 17 years old.
Have held your learners/examination permit for 6 months if you are under 21 and 3 months if you are 21 or older.
Pass the 6 Point ID Verification.
Pass the driving test.

Provisional License

Once you pass the driving test, you will be issued a provisional license with the following restrictions:

You can't use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hand held electronic device
Seat belts must be worn at all times
If you are under 21, no driving between 12:01 a.m. and 5 a.m. See GDL Exemptions for exceptions due to employment or religious reasons
If you are under 21, passengers must be from your household. Only one additional person from outside your household is allowed in the vehicle

Once you have held your provisional license for a period of 1 year, you can apply for your basic drivers license at any MVC location. Bring your provisional license and other documents to pass the 6 Point ID Verification and pay the applicable license fee.

DriversEd.com is a privately held company and is in no way associated with the Department of Motor Vehicles or any other government agency. DriversEd.com does not claim any responsibility for the accuracy of the drivers license information posted within or for the business practices associated with any other schools listed on the DriversEd.com site. For up-to-date information, please consult your local Department of Motor Vehicles or vehicle registration agency. Also, DriversEd.com is not liable for any information or claims posted within third party links.