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Home / How to Apply for Driving License in New Jersey

How to Apply for Driving License in New Jersey

Driver Manual
  • New Jersey Driver Manual (English) (Revised 07/21, pdf)
  • New Jersey Driver Manual (Spanish) (Revised 07/21, pdf)
    Share the Keys Teen Driver Guide
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    Frequently Asked Questions
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    6 Point ID Verification Flyer – Effective June 1, 2021
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    Video ImageGetting Your New Jersey License: An Introductory Video (Espanol)
    		•  Under 17
    Agricultural License
    Driver education classes in New Jersey are offered in many high schools (check with your school district). There are also many licensed driving schools throughout the state. See a list of licensed driving schools. If you are enrolled in a behind the wheel driver training course at either of the above you can obtain a special learner's permit at age 16.

    Start Here Image

    Get Your Initial Permit

    Make an appointment for a Permit.
    Bring your documents and get your permit. (Always bring your documents with you when you come in for a visit).

    ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR PERMIT, YOU HAVE 2 YEARS TO FINISH STEPS 1-4, OR YOU MUST GET A NEW PERMIT
    Step 1 ImageTake Your Knowledge Test

    Make an appointment for a Knowledge Test.
    Bring your documents and take your knowledge test.
    You will also be required to take a vision test.

    IF YOU FAIL, you can re-test in 7 days.
    IF YOU PASS, your permit will be validated, and you can go to the next step.

    Step 2 Image
    Practice driving.

    Make an appointment for your road test for 6 months after you pass your knowledge test (3 months if you're over 21).
    Practice supervised driving for 6 months (3 months if you're over 21).

    Step 3 Image
    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 Image
    Get your Probationary Driver's License.

    You can either get your Probationary Driver's License at the location of your road test (if available), or at any Licensing Center with your stamped permit and your documents – no appointment necessary.

    ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR PERMIT,
    YOU HAVE 2 YEARS TO FINISH STEPS 1-4 AND
    GET YOUR PROBATIONARY LICENSE
    OR YOU MUST GET A NEW PERMIT

    Finish Image

    Practice driving on your own.

    Practice unsupervised driving for 1 year, then upgrade your probationary license to a basic license online.

    If you don't upgrade within 3.5 years, you must make an appointment at a Licensing Center to renew your probationary license.

    Supervised driving:
    • You must be accompanied in the front seat by an adult supervising driver who is at least 21 years of age, and who possesses a valid New Jersey driver's license, and has a minimum of three years driving experience.
    • Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s) are allowed as passengers. A dependent can be the driver's child, not brother or sister.
    • Only one additional passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
    • You cannot use cell phones, handheld video games or any other interactive, wireless device, whether it is "hands-free" or not.
    • Seat belts must be worn at all times.
    Unsupervised driving:
    • You cannot use cell phones, handheld video games or any other interactive, wireless device, whether it is "hands-free" or not.
    • Seat belts must be worn at all times.

    How to Apply for Driving License in New Jersey

    Source: https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/license/firstlic.htm