How to Get a Driver's License in New Jersey, Step by Step

The steps at a glance

The NJ MVC lists these steps for a first license:

1. Get a permit and bring your documents.
2. Pass the knowledge test and a vision test. Your permit is then validated for practice driving.
3. Practice supervised driving.
4. Pass the road test.
5. Get your probationary license.
6. Drive unsupervised for 1 year, then upgrade to a basic license online.

Once you have your permit, you have 2 years to finish steps 1–4, or you must get a new permit.

There are two permit types. If you are enrolled in a behind-the-wheel course with a driving school, you can get a special learner's permit at age 16. The MVC fee table lists the examination permit (auto) from age 17, with a $10 fee. You cannot get your license until you are 17.

Step 1: The permit and 6 Points of ID

To apply, you complete form BA-208 and bring:

• proof of your age and identity, called 6 Points of ID: documents from the MVC's primary and secondary lists that add up to 6 points; they must be on paper (hard copy only)
• a Social Security number, an ITIN, or an affidavit
• proof of your New Jersey address: one proof for a Standard license, two for a REAL ID

Documents in any language other than English must come with a certified translation. Since 2021, New Jersey issues standard driver licenses to all residents without regard to immigration status.

Step 2: The knowledge and vision tests

You buy the examination permit at a driver testing center with your 6 Points of ID, then make an appointment for the knowledge test. You will also take a vision test.

• The general knowledge exam has 50 questions. To pass, you must answer 80%, or 40 of the 50, correctly.
• The written test is offered in 13 languages: English, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Hindi, Albanian and Turkish. Oral tests are offered in English and Spanish.
• You can also test with an MVC-approved interpreter; these appointments are typically scheduled within 4 to 6 weeks.
• If you fail, you can retest in 7 days.

Step 3: Supervised practice driving

With a validated permit you must drive with an adult supervising driver in the front seat who is at least 21, holds a valid New Jersey license and has at least 3 years of driving experience. Parents, guardians or dependents may ride along; only one additional passenger is allowed unless a parent or guardian is in the car. You cannot use a cell phone or any interactive wireless device, even hands-free, and everyone must wear a seat belt.

If you are under 21 and your permit was issued on or after February 1, 2025, you need at least 50 hours of practice, including 10 hours in darkness. A parent, guardian or supervising driver signs the Certification of Supervised Driving (form BA-CSD), which you hand in when you get your license. If your permit was issued before you turned 21, you still need this form even if you apply for the license after 21.

Step 4: Schedule and take the road test

Make the road test appointment for 6 months after you pass the knowledge test, or 3 months if you are over 21. You need an appointment; book it online or in person at a driver testing center. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Bring:

• your 6 Points of ID and a valid examination permit
• a supervising driver who is at least 21 and has held a New Jersey license for 3 years or more
• red reflective decals on the plates if you are under 21
• a registered vehicle with a current inspection sticker and insurance card

The vehicle can be turned away if, for example, it is unsafe, has tinted windows or is self-parking. During the test, no one may ride with you except the MVC examiner. If you fail, you can retest in 14 days. If you pass, your permit is endorsed.

The probationary license and GDL rules

Take your endorsed permit and documents to your road test location (if available) or to any Licensing Center; no appointment is needed. After 1 year of unsupervised driving, upgrade the probationary license to a basic license online. If you do not upgrade within 3.5 years, you must make an appointment to renew the probationary license.

GDL drivers under 21 also must follow these rules:

• No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., except with a work or religious certification on official letterhead.
• Passengers: parents, guardians or dependents, plus only one other passenger unless a parent or guardian is present.
• No hand-held or hands-free interactive wireless devices.
• A red reflective decal on the license plates (one on the upper left corner of the front plate and one on the upper left corner of the rear plate); decals cost $4 per pair at MVC agencies.

Breaking a GDL restriction can bring a $100 fine.

Adults 21+ and new residents

Adults 21 and older follow the same steps, but the supervised practice period before the road test is 3 months instead of 6. The 50-hour rule does not apply if you were 21 or older when your permit was issued.

Moving from another U.S. state: transfer your license within 60 days of your move, or before your current license expires, whichever comes first. Make an appointment at a Licensing Center with your valid license and documents and buy a $10 transfer permit. The knowledge and road tests are waived if your license is current, valid, non-provisional and in good standing.

License from another country: visitors may drive in New Jersey for up to 1 year with their foreign license if it comes with an International Driving Permit issued in their country of residence. New Jersey has agreements with Taiwan and South Korea: qualifying applicants 18 or older can be exempt from the knowledge and road tests for a Class D license.