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 for new drivers in the Garden State.
Requirements for a New Jersey Learner’s Permit
To obtain a learner’s permit in New Jersey, you must meet specific requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
- Vision Test: Pass a vision test.
- Knowledge Test: Pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws, signs, and safe driving practices.
- Documents: Provide required documents, including proof of identity, age, and residency. Check the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) website for a complete list of acceptable documents.
- Parental Consent: If under 18, you’ll need parental consent.
- Fees: Pay the required application fee.
Supervised Driving Requirements
Once you receive your learner’s permit, you must adhere to strict supervised driving restrictions:
Adult Supervision:
- Age of Supervisor: The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old.
- Licensing: The supervisor must have a valid New Jersey driver’s license.
- Experience: The supervisor needs a minimum of three years of driving experience.
- Seating: The supervisor must be seated in the front passenger seat.
Passenger Restrictions:
- Immediate Family: Parents, guardians, or dependents are allowed as passengers. A dependent is defined as the driver’s child. Siblings are not permitted.
- Additional Passengers: Only one additional passenger is permitted unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prohibited Activities:
- Cell Phones and Devices: The use of cell phones, handheld video games, or any other interactive wireless device is strictly prohibited, even with hands-free technology.
- Seat Belts: All occupants of the vehicle must wear seat belts at all times.
Unsupervised Driving after Permit
After holding your learner’s permit and meeting specific requirements, you can progress to unsupervised driving practice.
- Practice Period: You must practice unsupervised driving for one year.
- Upgrading to Probationary License: After one year of unsupervised practice, you can upgrade your learner’s permit to a probationary license online.
- Time Limit for Upgrade: You must upgrade within 3.5 years, or you will need to renew your learner’s permit at an MVC Licensing Center.
Unsupervised Driving Restrictions
Even with unsupervised driving privileges, restrictions still apply:
- Cell Phones and Devices: Continued prohibition on the use of cell phones and interactive wireless devices.
- Seat Belts: Seat belts remain mandatory for all occupants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Log Supervised Driving Hours
The MVC recommends using the driving log provided in the “Share the Keys Teen Driver Guide,” available on their website, to track supervised driving hours.
Acceptable Proof of Driving Hours
Only the official MVC form BA-CSD (Certification of Supervised Driving) is acceptable as proof of completed driving hours when applying for a probationary license. Download this form from the MVC website.
Driving Hours Requirement for Applicants Over 21
Even if you obtain a learner’s permit before turning 21 but apply for your license after 21, you still need to certify 50 hours of supervised driving.
A New Jersey learner’s permit is your first step on the road to driving.
