Getting your New Jersey learner’s permit is the first step towards driving freedom in the Garden State. But before you can get behind the wheel legally, you need to pass the knowledge test. Many aspiring drivers feel nervous about this written exam, and that’s perfectly normal! The key to confidence and success is preparation, and there’s no better way to prepare than with realistic practice. This guide provides you with sample questions, similar to those you’ll encounter at the MVC, to help you ace your NJ learner’s permit practice test and get you closer to your driving goals.
Understanding the NJ MVC Knowledge Test
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) knowledge test is designed to ensure you understand the rules of the road and safe driving practices. It covers essential information from the New Jersey Driver Manual, including traffic laws, road signs, signals, and safe driving techniques.
To pass the official test at an MVC testing center, you’ll need to answer 40 out of 50 multiple-choice questions correctly, achieving a score of 80%. This practice test provides a sample of the question format and topics to expect. While this isn’t the full 50-question exam, it’s an excellent starting point to gauge your current knowledge and identify areas where you need to focus your study.
Sample NJ Learner’s Permit Practice Test Questions
Below are sample questions, very similar to what you might find on the actual NJ learner’s permit test. Take your time, read each question carefully, and choose the best answer. Afterward, you can check the answers to see how you did and understand areas for improvement.
1. In New Jersey, persons under 21 years of age are considered under the influence (DUI) when their Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is:
a. 0.08% or higher
b. 0.10% or higher
c. 0.05% or higher
d. 0.01% or higher
2. You can practice drive with a valid special learner’s permit:
a. Only during daylight hours
b. Between 5:00 am and 11:00 pm
c. Between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm
d. At any time of day or night
3. In New Jersey, you must be at least __ years old to register a motor vehicle.
a. 16
b. 17
c. 18
d. 21
4. As you drive, you’re required to stop your vehicle:
a. At yield signs
b. When a school bus is loading or unloading children directly in front of a school
c. When a traffic signal is yellow
d. For pedestrians in crosswalks
5. As you drive, you must turn your headlights on:
a. One hour before sunset and one hour before sunrise
b. 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise
c. Only when visibility is less than 500 feet
d. Only during rain, snow, or fog
6. You must yield for emergency vehicles:
a. Only when their sirens are activated
b. When you see flashing red and blue lights or hear a siren
c. Only on highways
d. Only at intersections
7. You may drive on public or private property to avoid a traffic sign or signal:
a. If you are in a hurry
b. Only in emergency situations
c. Never
d. If directed by a police officer
8. It is important to slow down:
a. Only when turning
b. On narrow and winding roads, at intersections or railroad crossings, and when there are pedestrians or driving hazards
c. Only in residential areas
d. Only when visibility is poor
9. Vehicle stopping distances never depend on:
a. Weather conditions
b. Brake condition
c. Tire type
d. Time of day
10. You needn’t stop your vehicle for a frozen dessert truck when:
a. You are on the opposite side of a divided highway
b. The truck is stopped on a one-way street
c. The truck is parked legally
d. The truck is not displaying flashing red lights and stop-arm signal
11. When driving on major highways:
a. Always drive in the left lane
b. Speed up to merge with traffic flow when leaving the acceleration lane
c. Stop in the acceleration lane to wait for a gap in traffic
d. Maintain a slower speed than surrounding traffic
12. When driving in bad weather, drivers should:
a. Increase their speed to get to their destination faster
b. Increase the following distance and reduce speed
c. Turn off their headlights to avoid glare
d. Use high beams in fog
13. MVC may terminate your road test before it starts because of:
a. Poor weather conditions
b. Improper, expired or no inspection sticker on vehicle
c. Examiner’s schedule
d. Vehicle color
14. The Implied Consent Law is:
a. You must consent to a breath test when arrested for suspected drinking and driving
b. You have the right to refuse a breath test
c. Only applies to drivers under 21
d. Only applies to commercial drivers
15. If a collision is possible, you should:
a. Maintain your speed to avoid being hit from behind
b. Do nothing and hope for the best
c. Choose to hit something that will give way rather than something hard
d. Honk your horn repeatedly
16. If your windshield wipers stop suddenly during rain or snow you should:
a. Continue driving at a reduced speed
b. Pull off to the side of the road safely and turn on emergency flashers
c. Open your window and look out
d. Wait for the rain or snow to stop
17. What are some telltale signs of a drunk driver?
a. Driving with headlights on
b. Driving slowly
c. Weaving, speeding, slow driving, and jerking motions
d. Signaling properly
18. A 5-ounce glass of wine contains the same amount of alcohol as:
a. 1 ounce of 86 proof liquor
b. 12 ounces of beer
c. 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor
d. Both b and c
19. If you are driving behind a school bus and it shows a flashing red light signaling a stop, you must:
a. Slow down and pass carefully
b. Stop at least 25 feet away
c. Stop only if children are present
d. Stop only if you are on the same side of the road
Answers to the NJ Learner’s Permit Practice Test
Check your answers against the correct answers below. For each question you answered incorrectly, review the relevant section in the New Jersey Driver Manual to strengthen your understanding.
- d. 0.01% or higher
- c. Between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm
- b. 17
- b. When a school bus is loading or unloading children directly in front of a school
- b. 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise
- b. When you see flashing red and blue lights or hear a siren
- c. Never
- b. On narrow and winding roads, at intersections or railroad crossings, and when there are pedestrians or driving hazards
- d. Time of day
- a. You are on the opposite side of a divided highway
- b. Speed up to merge with traffic flow when leaving the acceleration lane
- b. Increase the following distance and reduce speed
- b. Improper, expired or no inspection sticker on vehicle
- a. You must consent to a breath test when arrested for suspected drinking and driving
- c. Choose to hit something that will give way rather than something hard
- b. Pull off to the side of the road safely and turn on emergency flashers
- c. Weaving, speeding, slow driving, and jerking motions
- d. Both b and c
- b. Stop at least 25 feet away
Next Steps to Prepare for Your NJ Learner’s Permit
This NJ learner’s permit practice test is a valuable tool, but it’s just one step in your preparation. To ensure you’re fully ready for the official knowledge test, remember to:
- Study the New Jersey Driver Manual: This is your primary resource and covers everything you need to know for the test. You can download it for free from the NJ MVC website.
- Take More Practice Tests: The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become. Look for other online practice tests and quizzes.
- Focus on Your Weak Areas: Identify the topics where you struggled on this practice test and dedicate extra study time to those areas in the Driver Manual.
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Be well-rested before taking the official test.
By using this NJ learner’s permit practice test and following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to passing your knowledge test and earning your learner’s permit. Good luck, and safe driving!
