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New Jersey · Permit test

How to get a New Jersey driver’s license

Every first-time driver in New Jersey goes through the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. You get a permit and pass the knowledge test, drive supervised for at least 6 months (3 if you’re 21 or older), pass the road test, then hold a probationary license for a year. After that, and once you’re 18, you upgrade to a basic license. You have two years from getting your permit to reach the probationary license, or you start over.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

The three routes, by age

Age 16 (with a course)Age 17 to 20Age 21 and over
PermitSpecial learner permit, bought by your driving instructorExamination permitExamination permit
Before practice6 hours behind the wheel with a licensed instructorPass the knowledge and vision testsPass the knowledge and vision tests
Supervised drivingAt least 6 months and 50 hours, 10 after darkAt least 6 months and 50 hours, 10 after darkAt least 3 months
Earliest road test6 months after the knowledge test, with a license from 176 months after the knowledge test3 months after the knowledge test
ThenProbationary license for at least 1 yearProbationary license for at least 1 yearProbationary license for at least 1 year
Basic licenseAt 18, after the probationary yearAt 18, after the probationary yearAfter the probationary year

The permit itself is $10, as of October 2026. The probationary license fee in the MVC’s 2026 manual is $63. Moving here with a valid, full license from another state? You usually skip the knowledge and road tests and just transfer it, but you still need a permit and a vision test, within 60 days of becoming a resident.

Permit driving rules

Breaking a GDL rule can bring a $100 fine or a suspension. If you’re 21 or older, the curfew, passenger and decal rules don’t apply to you, but the supervising driver, phone and seat belt rules do.

  • An adult supervising driver sits in the front seat. They must be at least 21, hold a valid New Jersey license and have at least 3 years of driving experience.
  • No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. if you’re under 21, unless you carry a signed letter from your employer or religious official.
  • Passengers: your parents, guardians or dependents, plus one more person. More only if a parent or guardian is in the car.
  • No phones or other electronic devices at all, not even hands-free.
  • Everyone in the car wears a seat belt.
  • Under 21: two red GDL decals on the license plates, front and back.

The probationary license year

Pass the road test and you get a probationary license. You can now drive alone, but if you’re under 21 the curfew, passenger, phone and decal rules carry on for at least a year. Be careful with tickets too. During your first two years from the permit, two or more moving violations adding up to four or more points sends you to the Probationary Driver Program.

After a year, and once you’re 18, you upgrade to a basic license online. Don’t skip it. Until you upgrade, the probationary rules still apply, and if you wait more than 3.5 years you have to book a Licensing Center visit to renew instead.

NJ MVC: Upgrade a probationary license ↗

Renewing an NJ driver’s license

A New Jersey license lasts four years. Many drivers can renew online. If yours expired less than three years ago, you renew. If it expired more than three years ago, you start again as a first-time driver, permit and tests included.

Your first REAL ID has to be done in person, so if you want one, renewal time is a good moment to switch.

NJ MVC: License renewal ↗

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewNew Jersey permit testAppointmentsBooking an NJ MVC appointment: permit, knowledge test, road test and REAL IDWhat to bringWhat to bring for your NJ permit, and the REAL ID documentsOnline testCan you take the NJ permit test online?Road testThe New Jersey road testSpanish and other languagesTaking the NJ knowledge test in Spanish or another languageMotorcycle permitThe NJ motorcycle permit test and licenseCDL permitThe New Jersey CDL permit testDriver manualThe New Jersey Driver ManualPractice testNJ permit practice testWhere to learnWhere to study for the NJ permit test
Sources: NJ MVC, New Jersey Driver Manual (PDF), Chapter 1 and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.