new new jersey drivers license - NJ

First-time drivers

If you are under 21 years old or have never had a driver license, New Jersey requires that you complete a period of supervised driving before getting a basic driver license. MVC's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program introduces driving privileges in phases.

There are three options to complete the program: 

• The Early Bird Road (See Below)
• The Young Adult Road (See Below)
• The Adult Road (See Below)

The early bird road

For drivers ages 16 and up, MVC offers a three-phase process:

• Student learner's permit (minimum six months of supervised driving)
• Probationary license (minimum one year of restricted but unsupervised driving)
• Basic driver license (must be 18 years old)

Get a student learner's permit

• Visit an MVC Agency that offers Driver Testing Services with a licensed driving instructor
• Pass the knowledge test. You can study by reading MVC's Driver Manual
• Pass the vision test
• Bring a primary 4-point ID (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

Practice supervised driving for at least six months

You must observe the following restrictions during the supervised driving period:

• Display a reflectorized decal on each license plate (front/back); decals available at motor vehicle agencies, $4 per pair
• No driving after 11:01 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m.
• 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 license and has a minimum of three years driving experience
• Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependant(s) are allowed as passengers. A dependant is a permit or probationary driver's child, not siblings
• Only one additional passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
• You can't use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hands-free interactive, wireless communication device
• Seat belts must be worn at all times
• See GDL Exemptions for hours-related exemptions for employment or religious reasons

Get a probationary license

• You must be at least 17 years of age
• Complete the supervised driving period
• Pass the 6 Point ID Verification
• Pass MVC's road test
• You must return after one year from date of issue to get a basic driver license

Practice unsupervised driving for at least one year

You must observe the following requirements and restrictions while driving with a probationary (formerly provisional) license:

• Display a reflectorized decal on each license plate (front/back); decals available at motor vehicle agencies, $4 per pair
• No driving after 11:01 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m.
• Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependant(s) are allowed as passengers. A dependant is a permit or probationary driver's child, not siblings
• Only one additional passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
• You can't use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hands-free interactive, wireless communication device
• Seat belts must be worn at all times
• See GDL Exemptions for hours-related exemptions for employment or religious reasons

Get a basic driver license

• You must be at least 18 years old
• Complete the unsupervised driving period
• Go to any MVC Agency with your provisional license and other documents to pass the6 Point ID Verification
• Pay $24 license fee

For your convenience, MVC accepts American Express® card, MasterCard® card, Visa® card, checks, money orders and cash.

The young adult road

For drivers age 17 or older, MVC offers a three-phase process:

• Examination permit
• Probationary license (minimum one year of restricted but unsupervised driving)
• Basic driver license (must be 18 years old)

Get an examination permit (not a student permit)

Visit an MVC Agency (may also be distributed by a licensed driving instructor).

• Pass the knowledge test. You can study by reading MVC's Driver Manual
• 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

Practice supervised driving for at least six months

You must observe the following restrictions during the supervised driving phase:

• Display a reflectorized decal on each license plate (front/back); decals available at motor vehicle agencies, $4 per pair
• No driving after 11:01 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m.
• 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 license and has a minimum of three years driving experience
• Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependant(s) are allowed as passengers. A dependant is a permit or probationary driver's child, not siblings
• Only one additional passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
• You can't use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hands-free interactive, wireless communication device
• Seat belts must be worn at all times
• See GDL Exemptions for hours-related exemptions for employment or religious reasons

Get a probationary license

• Complete the supervised driving period
• Pass MVC's road test

Practice unsupervised driving for at least one year

You must observe the following requirements and restrictions while driving with a probationary (formerly provisional) license:

• Display a reflectorized decal on each license plate (front/back); decals available at motor vehicle agencies, $4 per pair
• No driving after 11:01 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m. See GDL Exemptions for exceptions due to employment or religious reasons
• Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependant(s) are allowed as passengers. A dependant is a permit or probationary driver's child, not siblings
• Only one additional passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
• You can't use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hands-free interactive, wireless communication device
• Seat belts must be worn at all times
• See GDL Exemptions for hours-related exemptions for employment or religious reasons

Get a basic driver license

• You must be at least 18 years old
• Complete the unsupervised driving period
• Go to any MVC Agency with your provisional license and other documents to pass the 6 Point ID and Address Verification
• Pay $24 license fee

For your convenience, MVC accepts American Express® card, MasterCard® card, Visa® card, checks, money orders and cash.

The adult road