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To get a driver license in New Jersey, you’ll need to go through the application process laid out by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). New Jersey’s MVC functions just like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does in other states, meaning that it handles all of the state’s licensing and registration processes.

First Time Permit NJ

If you’ve never had a driver license or permit before and you’re looking to get your first one ever, then you’ll need to go through a longer and more in-depth application process. However, if you’re an adult who already has a driver license or permit from another state (or one of a few foreign countries), then you might qualify to go through the standard adult renewal/transfer process.

The following process is only for people who have never had a driver license or permit before in any state:

Must Be 16 Years or Older

In order to legally operate a motor vehicle in the state of New Jersey, you must be at least 16 years of age. Unlike some other states, there are no exceptions to this rule. Even in the case of farm equipment operation, the driver must be at least 16 years old.

If you are under the age of 18 (but older than 15), you will have to go through this elongated process regardless of whether you’ve had a permit in the state of New Jersey. 

Pass a Knowledge Test and Provide the Necessary Documents to the MVC

All people who wish to obtain their first-ever driver license in New Jersey must pass a state-sponsored knowledge test. This test includes subjects such as traffic law, safe driving techniques, and other must-know facts about driving. You’ll need to know about the right of way, how to legally pass slow-moving vehicles, what to do in construction and school zones, and more.

To take this test, you’ll first need to schedule an appointment with the local MVC branch. Since these appointments are often booked solid months in advance, it’s usually a good idea to schedule them as soon as you possibly can. Once your appointment rolls around, submit the following information to the MVC to receive your permit:

• Six points of proof of identity and date of birth (see here for more information on “points”). 
• Proof of New Jersey residency.
• Proof of Social Security (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Complete Six Months of Supervised Driving

After passing your knowledge test, you will receive your driver permit, which requires you to wait six full months before you can take your road test. During this time, you should do your best to get in as many hours of supervised driving as you possibly can. The more you drive, the more experience you’ll earn. The more experience you earn, the more likely you’ll be to pass your driving test.

Pass a Road Test

Although you have to wait six months after receiving your permit to take your road test, it is highly recommended that you schedule that road test as soon as you pass your knowledge test. Most MVC branches have very limited availability to proctor road tests, meaning that these tests are often booked months in advance.

On the day of your road test, you will need to bring proof of identification, your application materials, and a vehicle. A good strategy is to bring the same vehicle that you’ve been practicing in. Having that sense of familiarity with the test vehicle will give you a significant advantage.

Complete Six More Months of Supervised Driving

After you pass your road test, you’ll need to complete six more months of supervised driving.

What Is Supervised Driving?

Supervised driving is when you drive while somebody 21 years of age or older with a valid New Jersey driver license and three or more years of driving experience sits in the passenger seat and supervises you. As the name suggests, supervised driving must be supervised. You are not legally allowed to drive without a supervisor or without a supervisor who meets all of the aforementioned qualities.

To state again for clarity, your supervisor must satisfy the following requirements:

• At least 21 years old.
• Has a valid New Jersey driver license.
• Has three or more years of driving experience.

If your supervisor is 20 years old, for example, they will not be considered a valid supervisor and you will not legally be permitted to drive with them as your supervisor. The same goes if your supervisor doesn’t have a valid license (e.g., a suspended license, a revoked license, or no license at all). 

Cost of Getting Your License in NJ

The process for getting an official driver license in New Jersey often isn’t too expensive. You will have to pay a few fees, but they’re usually quite affordable. However, if you’ve ever had your license suspended or revoked, then you will likely have to pay considerably more in addition to those standard first-timer fees. The main licensing fees for new drivers in New Jersey are as follows:

• Examination Permit fee: $10.
• Fee to pay for reflective license plate decals: $4.
• Probationary License Fee: $6.
• Prorated upgrade fee for Class D license: varies.

Keep in mind that, if you are under the age of 21, then your driver license will be considered a probationary driver license. Probationary driver licenses come with some restrictions on the times during which you can drive and who you can have in the car with you while you drive. Those restrictions are as follows:

• No hands-free or handheld electronic devices can be used while driving.
• All passengers in the vehicle must be wearing proper seat belts at all times.
• You cannot drive after 11:00 p.m. or before 5:00 a.m.
• Only your dependents and one other person can ride in your car while you drive, unless you are supervised by your parent or guardian.