Getting your learner’s permit in New Jersey is the first step towards getting your driver’s license. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, requirements, and restrictions.
Requirements for a New Jersey Learner’s Permit
To be eligible for a learner’s permit in New Jersey, you must meet specific requirements:
- Age: Be at least 16 years old.
- Vision Test: Pass a vision test.
- Knowledge Test: Pass a written knowledge test covering New Jersey traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
- 6 Points of ID: Provide six points of identification to verify your identity and residency. Examples include your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address.
- Parental Consent: If under 18, you’ll need signed consent from a parent or guardian.
- Enrollment in Driving School (Under 18): Those under 18 must be enrolled in a state-approved behind-the-wheel driver training course.
Supervised Driving Requirements
Once you obtain your learner’s permit, you must adhere to strict supervised driving restrictions:
- Accompanying Driver: You must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old with a minimum of three years of driving experience. This person must sit in the front passenger seat.
- Passengers: Parents, guardians, or dependents are allowed as passengers. Only one additional passenger is permitted unless a parent or guardian is also present. A dependent is considered the driver’s child, not a sibling.
- Curfew: Driving is generally restricted between 5:01 AM and 11:00 PM.
- Prohibitions: Cell phones, handheld video games, and any other interactive wireless devices are strictly prohibited, even with hands-free technology.
- Seatbelts: All occupants of the vehicle must wear seatbelts at all times.
Practice Driving Requirements
Before you can get your probationary license, you’ll need to complete a period of supervised and unsupervised practice driving.
- Supervised Driving: You must complete at least six months of supervised driving with a licensed adult meeting the requirements outlined above. It is recommended you log your hours using the log found in the New Jersey Share the Keys Teen Driver Guide. However, only the official MVC form BA-CSD is acceptable for certification at the time of licensure.
- Unsupervised Driving: After six months of supervised driving and reaching the age of 17, you can practice unsupervised driving for at least one year. The same restrictions on cell phone and wireless device use, as well as seatbelt requirements, apply. You must upgrade to a probationary license within 3.5 years of receiving your permit, or you will need to renew your permit at a licensing center. Upgrading your permit can be done online at the NJ MVC website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to submit my driving log?
While logging your supervised driving hours is highly recommended, you only need to submit the certified MVC form BA-CSD when applying for your probationary license.
Do I need 50 hours of supervised driving if I’m over 21 when I apply for my license?
Yes, even if you obtain your permit before turning 21 but apply for your license after 21, you still need to certify 50 hours of supervised driving.
Getting Your Probationary License
After fulfilling all requirements, including the supervised and unsupervised driving periods, you can apply for your probationary license. This involves passing a road test to demonstrate your driving skills. Remember to check the NJ MVC website for the most up-to-date information and requirements.
