* Passengers must be from the provisional license holders household,
and up to one additional person.
* Permit holder and all passengers must wear a seat belt.
Provisional Driver License Restrictions
* No driving between 12:01 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
* No using cell phones, hand-held video games or any other hand-held
electronic devices.
* Passengers must be from the provisional license holders household,
plus one additional person.
* Provisional license holder and all passengers must wear a seat belt.
GDL Driver Exemptions
Exemptions to the hours rule for permit and provisional drivers under 21 years: Proof of a need to drive during the prohibited hours for employment and/or religion. For an exemption, the motorist must carry a legible certification to indicate this need from his/her employer or religious official on the official letterhead of the business, organization or religious institution, with the signature of the certifying official and his/her name, title, address and phone number (N.J.A.C. 39:21-8.18).
Note: If the student driver commits a traffic offense, responsibility will be with both the student and instructor or adult supervising driver. All motorists who possess a provisional driver license, whose provisional licensing period is not extended by the MVC beyond the standard 12 months, must visit an MVC agency to upgrade to a basic driver license after the end of those 12 months. Motorists who fail to do so will remain subject to the provisional driver license restrictions and could be cited by law enforcement for violating the restrictions.
Learner and examination permits
Special Learner Permits For New Jersey Residents
Any New Jersey resident who is at least 16 years old and is not in suspension status can obtain a special learner permit at any MVC agency. The applicant must have the signed consent of his/her parent or guardian, must be enrolled in a behind-the-wheel driver training course approved by the New Jersey Department of Education or conducted by a commercial driving school, and must pass the MVCs knowledge test and vision screening. An approved course is six full hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in a dual-controlled vehicle. These hours are exclusive of time spent at the MVC for permit purchasing or testing. The instructor must purchase the permit, which is valid for two years. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-13.1)
After an applicant fills out the form with his/her personal information and provides 6 Points of ID Verification and, if applicable, proof that the U.S. government authorizes his/her presence in this country, the instructor can purchase a permit at any MVC agency. Basic automobile license applicants must supply a Social Security number or an exemption from the Social Security Administration.
Upon completion of the approved driver training course and before practice driving, the permit holder must have the permit validated at any MVC Driver Testing Center.
Examination Permits For New Jersey Residents
Any New Jersey resident who is at least 17 years old and is not in suspension status can obtain a driver examination permit at any MVC agency. The examination permit is different from a student learner permit because the applicant does not have to be a student and an instructor is not necessary.
Note: A driver examination permit is required even if the motorist possesses a valid license from another state. See Examination Permits for Out-of-State Drivers.
After an applicant fills out the form with his/her personal information and provides 6 Points of ID Verification and proof that the U.S. government authorizes his/her presence in this country, he/she can purchase a permit to take to the nearest Driver Testing Center. Basic automobile license applicants must supply a Social Security number or an exemption from the Social Security Administration.
Note: Most agencies conduct knowledge testing and vision screening. To find out which MVC agencies offer driver testing services, check online at www.njmvc.gov or call (888) 486-3339 toll-free in New Jersey or (609) 292-6500 from out of state.
The MVC will validate the permit for practice driving after the applicant passes the required knowledge test and vision screening. Results are valid for two years.
Examination Permits For Out-Of-State Drivers
All out-of-state drivers are required to purchase an examination permit within 60 days of becoming a permanent New Jersey resident or when his/her out-of-state license expires, whichever comes first.
Out-of-state drivers who are under 18 years of age and move to New Jersey are subject to this states GDL Program. If he/she wishes to apply for a New Jersey license, he/she should follow the steps outlined for special and examination permit holders. Permits may be purchased at any MVC agency upon presenting the required proof of age and 6 Point ID Verification. Applicants may be required to pass a knowledge test, vision screening and road test.
Out-of-state driver licenses must be surrendered when the MVC issues a New Jersey driver license.
Examination Permits For Out-Of-Country Drivers
A non-citizen must show formal proof that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has authorized his/her presence in this country under federal law.
Students and their families on visas must show INS Form I-20, student identification cards or certification on school letterhead indicating status.
Note: Foreign drivers may use their native driver licenses as proof of driving experience if their countries are members of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic and if the applicants have their licenses translated into English by a consulate or an MVC-approved translator.
Note: Licenses from US Possessions and Territories are considered out-of-country.
International driving permit (IDP)
Visitors with a foreign driver license who travel to the United States should carry an IDP or attach an acceptable English translation to their national driver licenses. The IDP is translated into the official languages of the United Nations (including English) and is useful in traffic emergencies. Non-citizens must obtain the IDP in their native country before traveling to the United States.
New Jersey motorists who travel to foreign countries may obtain an IDP application through their local AAA club. Visit www.aaa.com/vacation/idpc.html for more information.
Note: A motorist must carry a valid driver license. Although it is an official document, the IDP cannot replace a driver license, but it can be used in conjunction with the license to provide an additional source of motorist identification and span foreign language barriers.
Non-driver ID
An individual, 17 years of age or older, who does not possess a valid driver license may apply for a non-driver identification card. To obtain an identification card, the individual must show proof of age and provide 6 Points of ID Verification and proof that his/her presence in this country is authorized under federal law. The cost is $24. The non-driver ID must be surrendered if the individual applies for and receives a New Jersey driver license. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-29.2 to 39:3-29.8)
Hearing-impaired designation
A special driver license for deaf or hearing-impaired motorists (41 dB loss or more) is provided by the MVC. To obtain this license, which is designated with the international symbol of the deaf or a numerical code, a motorist must complete an application, available at any MVC agency. Verification by a physician or audiologist is required. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-11a)
Commercial driver license (CDL)
There are three classes of a commercial license: A, B, and C. However, no one can apply for these licenses until he/she is in possession of a valid basic Class D New Jersey driver license or he/she possesses a valid out-of-state CDL.