How to Get a Driver's License in New Jersey [2025]

How Does It Work?

Enjoying the Jersey shore and visiting Asbury Park and Cape May are among the top reasons to hold a driver license in New Jersey. Follow this full step-by-step guide to getting, renewing or transferring your driver license and enjoy your drive!

Get a learner's permit

Allows you to practice driving under supervision.

Get a probationary license

Allows you to drive unsupervised with restrictions.

Get a Full (Adult) License

Allows you to drive with no restrictions.

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.

Types of Driver Licenses in New Jersey

For each license type there's a corresponding type of instruction permit

Class D

It's the basic automobile license that allows you to drive common cars in New Jersey. Read the NJ Driver Manual or take a free NJ MVC practice test.

Class A/B/C Commercial

These are commercial driver licenses (CDL) that allow you to operate any combination of vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more provided the GVRW of the vehicle towed is more than 10,000 pounds (Class A); any vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more (Class B); any single vehicle that transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or is placarded for transportation of hazardous materials (Class C). Read the NJ CDL Manual or take a free NJ CDL practice test.

Class E Motorcycle

It allows you to drive most vehicles with fewer than 4 wheels including motorcycles. Alternatively, you may get a motorcycle endorsement if you hold Class D driver license. Read the Motorcycle Operator Manual or take a free NJ MVC Motorcycle practice test.

How to Apply for Your Special Learner’s Permit in New Jersey

If you turn 16, you may take the first step of the Graduated Driver License ( GDL) program. The special learner's permit will allow you to drive accompanied in the front seat by an adult driver ( 21+) with a valid NJ driver license and at least three year's driving experience. No more than 2 passengers, one of which is your parent, guardian or dependent are allowed. No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

1Get enrolled in a licensed driving school

Choose a school which is registered with the MVC. The list of schools is on the MVC website.

2Collect required documentation

You are required to provide

2 forms of identification
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of address

Use the MVC Online Tool to choose documents correctly.

3Get your parent/guardian concent

Your parent/guardian must sign their consent.

4Visit a motor vehicle agency

You must bring documents from step 2 and your certified driving instructor. Choose a licensing office with driver testing area. Use the map here.

5Your driving instructor buys you a permit

$10.00 paid by card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa), check, money order or cash.

6Pass the vision test

You must have 20/50 visual acuity with or without corrective lenses.

7Pass the knowledge test

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.

8Complete your behind the wheel instruction

You must get 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in dual-controlled vehicle. Your licensed instructor must be with you at all times.

9Have your permit validated at a motor vehicle agency

Return to a motor vehicle agency with your licensed driving instructor to have your permit validated. You may schedule a road test appointment at this time or schedule online. The appointment may not be earlier than 6 months after the validation of your permit.

10Buy and put red reflective decals on the car

You will get the decals at the MVC and put them on the top left corner of your rear license plate and on the top left corner on your front license plate. The fee for a pair is $4.00.

11Start supervised driving

Note that you may start supervised driving only after your permit is validated.

Use your student learner's permit for at least 6 months and until you turn 17. After that, you will be able to apply for a probationary license.

How to Get a Driver’s License in New Jersey [2025]

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