First time New Jersey drivers must follow the guidelines of the state’s graduated driver license (GDL) program. It may seem cumbersome to a teenager anxious to hit the road, but the program is considered a model for preventing accidents and making New Jersey Road’s safer for everyone.
Here is an outline of the GDL process:
Step One: Get your learner’s permit.
- You must be at least 16 years of age for a special student permit or 17 years of age for an examination permit.
- You are required to have the proper identification to obtain a permit and license. Learn more about the requirements at 6 Points of ID.
- Both of these permits require parent or guardian's signature.
- You must pass vision test with 20/50 vision with or without corrective lenses.
- You must pass written knowledge test.
- Complete six months of supervised driving. All driving must be supervised by an adult who is at least 21 years of age and has held a valid New Jersey driver's license for at least three years.
- At age 16, your permit can only be validated for practice driving after successfully completing a state-approved, 6 hour, behind-the-wheel New Jersey driving course.
- At age 17, the behind-the-wheel driving course is waved, but you must practice driving with an experienced adult (at least 21/valid NJ driver for 3+ years for a minimum of six months (three months if you are 21 or older).
- You may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. except if a waiver has been issued for work and/or religious activities. (If you or your passenger is 21 or older, the nighttime restriction does not apply).
- You may only have passengers from your shared residence, plus one additional person, in the vehicle. (If you or your passenger is 21 or older, this restriction does not apply). Everyone riding in the vehicle must wear a safety belt.
Step Two: Get you provisional license.
- You must be at least 17 years of age and have successfully completed the permit stage with a minimum of six months driving experience (3 months if you're 21 or older).
- You must pass the New Jersey road test.
- The same driving restrictions apply for time and passenger allowance. Adult supervision is not required.
- The physical appearance of provisional license looks very different than an unrestricted or basic license.
Step Three: Get your full, unrestricted license.
- You must be at least 18 years of age and have met all the requirements under the provisional license.
- You must have a minimum of one year of driving experience (excluding any suspensions or postponements) and have no more than two motor vehicle points or you may not have been convicted of a serious motor vehicle violations.
New Jersey’s GDL Law
New Jersey’s GDL law also prohibits drivers from using a cell phone (hand-held or hands-free), hand-held video games, or any other hand-held wireless electronic devices such as iPod or GPS. All drivers must ensure all vehicle occupants are wearing seatbelts and that GDL decals are displayed on any vehicle they drive. There's a $100 fine for violation of any of the conditions of the learner's permit or provisional license phases, and you won’t be able to plea bargain any point carrying offense to a 0 point carrying offense.
The written knowledge test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions about New Jersey traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Be sure to study the New Jersey Driver’s Manual. The manual covers all the rules of the road, traffic laws, and safety information you need to know for the knowledge test. You need to score at least 80% to pass.