Pro tip: If you're keen on experiencing New Jersey's shorelines and urban sprawl, sharp driving capabilities are a necessity. Our in-depth guides on handling a manual transmission and parallel parking are excellent for honing your skills. Techniques for reversing into parking spots and making three-point turns are also covered. Make sure to adjust your mirrors correctly for the safest driving experience. Our Online Driving Simulator is a great practice tool, and international drivers should familiarize themselves with New Jersey's international driver's license regulations.
I’m 17+ (Special Learner Permit or Examination Permit Holder)You are required to provide
Use the MVC Online Tool to choose documents correctly.
You will be answering 50 questions about the rules of the road. You must answer at least 40 of them correctly. Read Frequently Asked Questions about NJ Knowledge Exam and study with the help of free NJ MVC practice tests before you go.
Alternatively, bring a blue high school test waiver card if you passed the test in high school.
If you have never been licensed and don't have a student learner's permit, you must get the examination permit before you are eligible to get your license. The permit allows you to prepare for the road test and drive supervised at all times by a licensed driver 21 or older with a valid NJ driver's license and at least 3 years of driving experience. No hands-free or hand-held electronic devices can be used while driving.
If you are younger than 21 years of age, there are additional restrictions for the first 6 months:
You are required to provide
Use the MVC Online Tool to choose documents correctly.
You will be answering 50 questions about the rules of the road. You must answer at least 40 of them correctly. Read Frequently Asked Questions about NJ Knowledge Exam and study with the help of free NJ MVC practice tests before you go.
Alternatively, bring a blue high school test waiver card if you passed the test in high school.
Probationary Driver License allows you to drive on your own, but no hands-free or hand-held electronic devices can be used while driving, and everybody in your car must wear a seat belt.
If you are younger than 21 years of age, there are more restrictions:
You are required to practice for at least 6 months (younger than 21 years of age) or for at least 3 months (21+) without any suspensions or postponements.
You may schedule online or in person at the MVC. There may be long waits, that is why it is advisable to schedule in advance.
Use the MVC Online Tool to choose documents correctly.
You must also bring a vehicle with an inspection sticker and insurance card and be accompanied by a licensed driver 21+.
The road test will check your ability to drive safely and fulfil the rules of the road. When you pass the test, you will receive an authorization slip to return to the MVC. If you fail, you will have to wait at least 2 weeks to retake the test. Read more about the road test procedures.
You will get it at a driver licensing office.
$6.00 paid by card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa), check, money order or cash.
The MVC need to capture your full face from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin. If you have a medical or religious need to wear a head covering in your photo, talk to the MVC staff at the agency camera station.
Drive unsupervised for at least a year to be able to exchange your probationary license for a basic driver license.
You will get it at a driver licensing office.
English, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese.
If you don't know any of the languages listed above, you may use a state approved interpreter. However, you must first try to take the test in one of the languages available. Inform the MVC of the need for an interpreter at least 2 weeks before the date you want to take the test. MVC-approved interpreters are also provided if you are deaf or hard hearing.
The test allows you to demonstrate your safe driving skills and the ability to adhere to the rules of the road. It usually last 10-15 minutes and requires an appointment. Get the appointment in person while validating your permit or online.
Make sure you have the following before going for your appointment:
Use the MVC Online Tool to choose documents correctly.
The vehicle you bring for the test must have
The vehicle you bring for the test must be safe to drive. The following features must be in good order, otherwise the examiner won't let you take the test:
Note that you must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21+. He/she must remain in the vehicle with you at all times, even in the road test line! If he/she has a license from another state or has less than 3 years of driving experience, he/she must drive you to the test area.
Your job is to show that you understand the rules of the road and can drive safely.
The examiner will ask you to drive in an off-road area and along a designated public road route. The following maneuvers will be evaluated:
You may use backup cameras and parking sensors that have been installed on your car.
The examiner will explain your errors and how to correct them and let you know if you pass or fail. If you pass, the examiner will give you an authorization for licensing. Take it together with other documents you brought to motor vehicle agency and get a New Jersey driver license.
If you fail the road test, you must wait at least two weeks before retaking it. If you fail more than twice, the MVC may ask you to wait 6 months before your next attempt.
To transfer your out-of-state driver license, you will need to collect documentation and pass a vision test. The knowledge and road tests are waived for the license holders of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories of American Samoa and Guam, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Choose a licensing office using the map here. If you can, come in the middle of the day, avoid the end of the week and the end of the month, as this is the busiest time for the MVC agencies.
$10.00 paid by card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa), check, money order or cash.
You must have 20/50 visual acuity with or without corrective lenses.
The MVC need to capture your full face from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin. If you have a medical or religious need to wear a head covering in your photo, talk to the MVC staff at the agency camera station.
You must complete the stages mentioned here if you are under 21 years of age. Your knowledge and road tests will be waived if you passed these tests in your previous state.
$24.00 paid by card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa), check, money order or cash.
You will get your New Jersey driver license instead.
Your New Jersey basic driver license will be valid for four years. It is a security-enhanced digital driver license with advanced facial recognition technology.
If you move from another country, you may drive with your valid out-of-country license for up to a year. To get a New Jersey driver license, you must fit into one of the categories here. You are not required to surrender your foreign license when MVC issues your New Jersey driver license.
Plan of Action:
Choose a licensing office using the map here.
You will need to provide proof of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, authorizing your presence in the country and confirming validity of your foreign license.
Also, bring the following:
$10.00 paid by card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa), check, money order or cash.
You must have 20/50 visual acuity with or without corrective lenses.
You will be answering 50 questions about the rules of the road. You must answer at least 40 of them correctly. Read Frequently Asked Questions about NJ Knowledge Exam and study with the help of free NJ MVC practice tests before you go.
The road test may be required depending on your individual case. If the MVC personnel informs you about the necessity of the road test, schedule a road test appointment and study the road test procedures.
$24.00 paid by card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa), check, money order or cash.
The MVC need to capture your full face from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin. If you have a medical or religious need to wear a head covering in your photo, talk to the MVC staff at the agency camera station.
Receive your new jersey basic driver license
