How to get a driver's license in New Jersey

How it works

• Every new driver starts with the GDL program

  If you have never had a driver's license, you must complete the MVC's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. You get your driving privileges in stages, with a period of supervised driving before you get a basic license. You must be at least 18 to get a basic (unrestricted) license.

  • Start at 16: a special learner permit, through a driver training course.
  • Start at 17 or older: an examination permit.
  • If you are 21 or older, you practice for at least 3 months instead of 6, and some rules for new drivers do not apply to you.

  Source: [1] [2]

• Who can get a license

  The basic New Jersey driver's license is available to all eligible New Jersey residents, regardless of immigration status.

  Source: [14]

If you are 16: the special learner permit

1. Enroll in a driver training course

   At 16, you can get a special learner permit if you are enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel driver training course. Many high schools offer these courses, and there are licensed driving schools across the state.

   • Your parent or guardian must sign their consent.
   • At the school, you fill in form BA-412D and present your documents.
   • An approved instructor buys the permit for you. The permit is valid for 2 years.

   Source: [3] [1]

2. Pass the knowledge and vision tests

   You take the MVC knowledge test at the school. You also take a vision test. If you fail the knowledge test, you can take it again in 7 days.

   Source: [3] [1] [2]

3. Finish 6 hours of driving with an instructor

   Complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed driving instructor, in a dual-controlled car. The MVC validates your permit only after you finish the course. You may not use the permit for practice driving until it is validated at an MVC Driver Testing Center.

   Source: [3] [1]

4. Practice with a supervising driver for 6 months

   Practice supervised driving for 6 months. Your practice must include at least 50 hours of driving, with 10 hours in darkness.

   • A parent, guardian or supervising driver must fill in MVC form BA-CSD (Certification of Supervised Driving) to certify your hours. You give this form to the MVC (see the next step).
   • Only form BA-CSD is accepted for this. The Driving Hours Certification Form in the Share the Keys Teen Driver Guide is not accepted. The MVC recommends the log in that guide for recording your hours.
   • If you give a false (fraudulent) certification, your driving privileges are suspended for 6 months.

   Source: [3] [2] [16]

5. Take the road test and get a probationary license

   You cannot get your license until you are 17. To get a probationary license, you must finish 6 months of supervised driving without any suspensions or postponements, and pass the MVC road test. Then you drive with your probationary license for at least 1 year, and once you are 18, you upgrade it to a basic license.

   • Bring your completed form BA-CSD to your road test appointment, and again when you get your license.

   Source: [3] [1]

If you are 17 or older: the examination permit

1. Get an examination permit

   You can get an examination permit if you are a New Jersey resident, you are at least 17, and your driving privilege is not suspended. You do not need to be a student. Make an appointment for a permit, bring your documents, and buy the permit.

   • If you are under 18, you need consent from a parent or guardian.
   • After you get your permit, you have 2 years to pass the tests and get your probationary license. If you do not, you must get a new permit.

   Source: [1] [2] [10]

2. Pass the knowledge and vision tests

   Make an appointment for the knowledge test after you buy your permit. You also take a vision test.

   • If you pass, the MVC validates your permit for practice driving.
   • If you fail, you can take the knowledge test again in 7 days.

   Source: [10] [2] [1]

3. Practice supervised driving

   Practice supervised driving for at least 6 months, or for at least 3 months if you are 21 or older.

   • If you are under 21, your practice must include at least 50 hours of driving, with 10 hours in darkness. A parent, guardian or supervising driver must fill in MVC form BA-CSD (Certification of Supervised Driving) to certify these hours. You give this form to the MVC (see the next step).
   • If you get your permit before age 21 but apply for your license after age 21, you must still give the certification of 50 hours of supervised driving.

   Source: [2] [1] [16]

4. Take the road test and get a probationary license

   After your practice time, make an appointment for the road test. If you pass, you get a probationary license. You drive with it for at least 1 year, and then you upgrade it to a basic license.

   • If you got your permit before age 21, bring your completed form BA-CSD to your road test appointment, and again when you get your license.

   Source: [12] [2] [1]

Rules while you have a permit or probationary license

• Your supervising driver

  When you practice with a permit, an adult supervising driver must sit in the front seat with you. This person must be at least 21, have a valid New Jersey driver's license, and have at least 3 years of driving experience.

  Source: [3] [1]

• No driving late at night

  If you are under 21 and have a permit or a probationary license, you may not drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

  • You can be exempt if you need to drive at these hours for work or for religion.
  • You must then carry a letter from your employer or religious official. It must be easy to read, on official letterhead, and signed, and it must show the official's name, title, address and phone number.

  Source: [1] [15]

• Passengers and seat belts

  • With a special learner permit: only your parent, guardian or dependent, plus 1 other passenger.
  • With an examination permit: only your dependents, plus 1 other passenger, unless your parent or guardian is with you.
  • With a probationary license: only your dependents, plus 1 other person, unless your parent or guardian is with you.
  • A dependent can be your child, but not your brother or sister.
  • With a permit or a probationary license, you and all your passengers must wear seat belts.
  • If you are 21 or older and have an examination permit or a probationary license, the passenger limits do not apply.

  Source: [1] [3]

• No phones

  With a permit or a probationary license, you may not use a cell phone, a handheld video game or any other interactive wireless device, even if it is hands-free.

  Source: [1] [3] [15]

• Red decals on the license plates

  If you are under 21 and have a permit or a probationary license, you must show 2 red reflective decals from the MVC on any vehicle you drive. Put 1 decal on the top left corner of the rear license plate and 1 on the top left corner of the front license plate. You buy the decals when you get your permit or probationary license.

  Source: [1] [12]

Moving to New Jersey with a license

New Resident Guide →

• Deadline: 60 days

  After you move to New Jersey, you must transfer your out-of-state license within 60 days, or before your license expires, whichever comes first. You can transfer your license and your vehicle registration in 1 appointment for a transfer from out-of-state.

  Source: [13]

• Transferring a license from another U.S. state

  Make an appointment at a motor vehicle licensing center. Bring your current, valid license in good standing and your documents for the 6 Points of ID. You must buy a transfer permit and pass a vision screening test.

  • If you are 18 or older, you do not take the knowledge and road tests if your license is current, valid and in good standing, and is not a probationary (provisional) license. This applies to licenses from any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • A Puerto Rico license must come with a certified driver's abstract (a copy of your driving record).

  Source: [13] [1]

• Your New Jersey license

  If you are 18 or older, you get a 4-year basic New Jersey license, and you must hand in your out-of-state license.

  • If you are 17 and have a valid out-of-state license, you get a probationary license for 1 year, and you must follow New Jersey's GDL rules.
  • All drivers under 18 who move to New Jersey are part of New Jersey's GDL program.

  Source: [1]

• If your license has expired

  If your license from another state is valid, or expired less than 1 year ago, make an appointment for an out-of-state transfer. If it expired more than 1 year ago, you must start over as a first-time driver.

  Source: [14]

• If your license is from another country

  If you are not a U.S. citizen and recently moved to New Jersey, you can transfer your license from another country for a Standard New Jersey license or a REAL ID, if you have the required documents.

  • New Jersey has reciprocity agreements (agreements between New Jersey and another country about driver's licenses) with Taiwan and South Korea. They apply only if you are 18 or older, and only to a non-commercial (Class D) license.
  • To qualify under these agreements, you must show a valid foreign license with a translation, proof of identity, proof of New Jersey residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof that you are in the U.S. lawfully (12 months minimum).
  • If you do not qualify under one of these agreements, you must pass the knowledge test and a vision screening, and you may have to pass a road test. Test results are valid for 2 years.
  • Visitors may drive with a valid license from another country for up to 1 year. They should carry an International Driving Permit with it.

  Source: [13] [1]

Documents to bring

• What you need

  To apply for a permit or license, fill in the application form BA-208 and bring:

  • Proof of your age and identity, called the 6 Points of ID. These must be paper documents.
  • Proof of your New Jersey home address. Paper or electronic documents are accepted.
  • Your Social Security number. For a Standard license, you can give your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, or, if you are not eligible for a Social Security number and have no ITIN, sign an affidavit (a written statement).
  • Documents in any language other than English must come with a certified translation.

  Source: [14] [4] [1]

• How the 6 Points of ID work

  Your identity documents must include at least 1 primary document and at least 1 secondary document, and they must add up to at least 6 points.

  • Bring originals or certified copies. They must not be laminated, and they must have the required state or municipal seal.
  • If there are differences within or between your documents, the MVC may ask for more documents.
  • For a Standard license: you may use no more than two 1-point documents, and no primary or secondary document may be expired for more than 3 years.
  • To choose your documents for a Standard license, use the MVC's online Standard Document selector on its 6 Points of ID page. For a REAL ID, see the REAL ID section below.

  Source: [1] [5]

• Primary documents

  Bring at least 1 primary document. Examples from the MVC's list for a Standard license:

  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • U.S. or U.S. territory birth certificate, or a certified copy filed with the vital statistics office of the state where you were born
  • Passport issued by the government of your country of citizenship
  • Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
  • Photo Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766), together with a valid Social Security card or proof of ITIN
  • Photo driver's license from a country other than the U.S., together with another government-issued document
  • Puerto Rico birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 are not accepted.

  Source: [5] [4]

• Secondary documents

  Bring at least 1 secondary document. Examples from the MVC's list for a Standard license:

  • Health insurance card or prescription card
  • High school diploma or GED, college diploma or trade school degree from any country
  • For New Jersey high school students: a waiver certificate for the written part of the driver test

  Source: [5]

• Proof of your New Jersey address

  A Standard license needs 1 proof of your New Jersey home address. A REAL ID needs 2. Each proof must show your name and your home address. Examples for a Standard license:

  • Utility or credit card bill issued within the past year
  • Unexpired lease or residential rental agreement
  • School report card, record or transcript issued within the past 2 years
  • Pay stub issued within the past 6 months
  • If you are under 18: a statement from your parent or guardian that certifies your address (form MR-24). This form counts as 1 proof of address.

  Source: [4] [5] [17]

• Social Security number or ITIN

  Write your Social Security number on the application. The MVC checks it with the Social Security Administration. If the check fails, you must show a document with your full name and full number, such as your Social Security card (no copies).

  • For a Standard license: if you have an ITIN, bring an official document from the IRS or the New Jersey Division of Taxation that shows your name and ITIN, or a New Jersey income tax refund that shows your ITIN.
  • For a Standard license: if you are not eligible for a Social Security number and have no ITIN, sign an affidavit. The form is on the MVC website. It must be notarized, or signed in front of an MVC employee.
  • Beware of scams that offer help to get a Social Security number or ITIN. You can get an ITIN for free directly from the IRS. It can take about 7 weeks.

  Source: [5] [1] [14]

• Certified translations and name changes

  A certified translation can come from a government office, such as the consulate or ministry that issued the document. It can also be signed with a seal by a qualified translator, or come from a person over 18 who is able to translate, with a certification that the translator signs.

  • If your legal name is different from the name on your birth certificate, bring legal proof of the change: a certified marriage or civil union certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order.
  • A marriage or civil union certificate can only prove a change of your last name.

  Source: [14] [1] [5]

REAL ID

• REAL ID or Standard license?

  You do not need a REAL ID to drive, to vote or for general identification. Standard New Jersey licenses remain valid. Since May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID or another accepted ID, such as a passport, to fly within the U.S. and to enter certain federal facilities.

  • A Standard license is no longer accepted as ID to fly within the U.S.
  • A REAL ID is not required, especially if you already have a valid passport.
  • A REAL ID has a star in the upper right corner. A Standard license has the words NOT FOR "REAL ID" PURPOSES instead of a star.
  • Document points are different for a REAL ID and a Standard license.

  Source: [7] [6]

• What to bring for a REAL ID: 2 + 1 + 6

  For a REAL ID, bring 2 proofs of your New Jersey address, 1 proof of your full Social Security number, and identity documents worth 6 points. Your documents must also show that federal law allows you to be in the U.S.

  • Use exactly 1 primary document. For example, an unexpired U.S. passport or passport card is a primary document worth 4 points.
  • An unexpired foreign passport counts as a primary document only with a valid visa and an I-94 (stamp or form).
  • Paper documents that you use for your address or Social Security number can also count as secondary documents, if they are on the list.
  • If you use a utility or credit card bill as a proof of address, bring one issued within the past 90 days.
  • You may black out financial information on your documents.
  • If your name has changed, you may need more than a marriage certificate.
  • To choose your documents, use the MVC's online REAL ID document selector.

  Source: [1] [8] [9]

• Getting your REAL ID

  You must get your first REAL ID in person, at an appointment. Because of federal rules, the MVC scans your documents and stores them securely. A REAL ID costs more than a Standard license.

  Source: [7]

At the MVC office

1. Make an appointment online

   Make your appointment for a permit or license online on the MVC website (NJMVC.gov). Road test appointments can also be made at a driver testing center.

   • For an examination permit (age 17 or older), choose the Initial Permit appointment. It comes before the knowledge test. It is not for the special learner permit.
   • Most MVC agencies give the knowledge and vision tests. The MVC website shows which Licensing Centers offer driver testing.
   • Do not pay anyone to get you an appointment. Only the MVC can schedule appointments.
   • Be careful with websites that offer to help you get a license. If it is not a .gov website, it may be a scam.

   Source: [14] [12] [19] [1]

2. Fill in the form and bring your documents

   Fill in the application form BA-208. Always bring your documents with you when you come in. If you are under 18, you need the signature of a parent or guardian for any permit or license, on the Parent or Guardian Consent Statement (form MR-24).

   Source: [4] [2] [17]

3. Ask for language help if you need it

   The MVC uses Language Link, an interpreting service by phone. Ask for it when you arrive at the office. You may also bring your own interpreter.

   Source: [14]

4. Pay the fee

   You pay a fee for your permit and your license. Fees can change, so check the current fees on the MVC's License and Permit Fees page. The MVC accepts American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover cards, checks, money orders and cash.

   Source: [1] [18]

5. Your photo and voter registration

   Your whole face must show in the photo, from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin. If you need to wear a head covering for a medical or religious reason, tell the MVC staff at the camera station. If you are eligible to vote, you can also start your voter registration at the MVC Licensing Center.

   Source: [13] [1]

The tests

• Knowledge test

  The knowledge test has 50 questions, plus a survey question about organ donation. To pass, you must answer 80% of the questions correctly: 40 of the 50. To prepare, study the New Jersey Driver Manual.

  • The MVC website has a sample knowledge test with example questions.
  • Your knowledge test and vision test results are valid for 2 years.

  Source: [1] [20] [10]

• Test languages and interpreters

  The written test is offered in English, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Hindi, Albanian and Turkish. The oral test is offered in English and Spanish.

  • If the test is not offered in your native language, the MVC can arrange an interpreter and pays the interpreter's fees.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can take the knowledge test with an MVC-approved interpreter.

  Source: [10]

• Vision test

  All first-time permit applicants take a vision test at an MVC agency that offers driver testing. To pass, you need 20/50 vision, with or without glasses or contact lenses.

  • If you pass with glasses or contact lenses, your license will show that you must wear them when you drive.
  • If you fail, you must see your doctor and complete Form ST-14. You can get this form at any MVC agency with testing.
  • If you see with only 1 eye, that eye must meet the 20/50 rule, and you need a document signed by a licensed doctor.

  Source: [11] [1]

• Road test

  You can take the road test after you pass the knowledge and vision tests and finish your supervised practice: at least 6 months if you are under 21, or at least 3 months if you are 21 or older. You need an appointment. Book it online or at a driver testing center.

  • An MVC examiner rides with you in an off-road test area or on a public road. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • The examiner tests skills such as driving in reverse, stopping at signs, nearing corners and intersections, stopping smoothly, sitting properly, turning around, steering, parallel parking and yielding the right-of-way.
  • If your car has a standard (manual) transmission, you must show that you can shift gears correctly.
  • You may use the car's backup camera and parking sensors.
  • If you fail, you must wait at least 14 days before you take the road test again.

  Source: [12] [1]

• What to bring to the road test

  Only original documents are accepted. A licensed driver must come with you and must be in the vehicle whenever it moves, even in the road test line. During the test itself, only the MVC examiner rides with you.

  • The same 6 Points of ID documents you used to get your permit
  • Your validated permit. It must be easy to read and must not be laminated.
  • A registered vehicle with a current inspection sticker, and its insurance card
  • If you are under 21: the 2 red reflective decals on the vehicle's license plates
  • If you got your permit before age 21: your completed form BA-CSD (Certification of Supervised Driving)

  Source: [1] [12] [2]

• The vehicle for the road test

  The MVC does not supply vehicles. All signals, brake lights and windshield wipers must work. The examiner must be able to reach the foot brake or the parking brake from the passenger seat.

  • A rental car is accepted only if you are on the rental contract as an additional driver and you are old enough under the contract. You may also rent a driving school car.
  • Your vehicle is refused if it is unsafe or unsuitable, has an improper, expired or missing inspection sticker, can park itself (a self-parking vehicle), does not have the required decals, or has tinted driver or front door windows.
  • It is also refused for problems such as poor brakes, a defective parking brake, unsafe tires, a very dirty interior, a fast engine idle or missing seat belts.
  • You may not practice driving on the test course or in the parallel parking area.

  Source: [1] [12]

After you pass

• Your probationary license

  When you pass, the examiner endorses (stamps) your permit. Get your probationary license at the road test site (if available) or at any Licensing Center, with your stamped permit and your documents. You do not need an appointment.

  • You get a temporary license that is valid for 30 days.
  • Your license card is not printed at the office. It is mailed to you and should arrive within 30 days.
  • Licenses are valid for 4 years.
  • If you are under 21, your license card is vertical (upright).

  Source: [12] [2] [1]

• From probationary to basic license

  The MVC monitors your driving for 1 year. After at least 1 year with your probationary license, and once you are 18, you upgrade it to a basic license.

  • If you do not upgrade, the probationary license rules still apply to you, and the police can cite you (give you a ticket) for breaking them.
  • If you do not upgrade within 3.5 years, you must make an appointment at a Licensing Center to renew your probationary license.

  Source: [1] [2] [3]

• Rules to remember

  • When you drive, carry your license (or your validated permit), and valid insurance and registration cards for the vehicle.
  • If you move, tell the MVC your new address within 1 week.
  • If you legally change your name, tell the MVC within 2 weeks.

  Source: [1]

Official links

• First driver's license (age 17 or older) (nj.gov)
• First driver's license at age 16 (nj.gov)
• 6 Points of ID: documents to bring (nj.gov)
• REAL ID document selector (nj.gov)
• Schedule an MVC appointment (telegov.njportal.com)
• Road test (nj.gov)
• Moving to New Jersey (nj.gov)
• License and permit fees (nj.gov)
• New Jersey Driver Manual (several languages) (nj.gov)
• MVC offices and road test sites (nj.gov)

Sources

1. New Jersey Driver Manual (Revised 09/26) (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
2. First Driver License/ID (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
3. First Driver License/ID: Age 16 (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
4. 6 Points of ID: What to Bring for Your Driver License/ID Transaction (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
5. New Jersey Standard License & Non-Driver ID Requirements (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
6. REAL ID (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
7. REAL ID: Frequently Asked Questions (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
8. REAL ID: What to Bring (document selector) (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
9. 2 + 1 + 6 = REAL ID (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
10. Knowledge Test (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
11. Vision Test (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
12. Basic Road Test (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
13. Moving To New Jersey (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
14. Frequently Asked Questions: First-Time NJ Drivers (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
15. Graduated Driver License (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
16. Certification of Supervised Driving (Form BA-CSD) (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
17. Parent or Guardian Consent Statement (Form MR-24) (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
18. License and Permit Fees (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
19. MVC Appointment Scheduling (telegov.njportal.com) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
20. Sample Knowledge Test (nj.gov) — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission