New Jersey driver license guide

Minimum permit age

17 for an examination permit; 16 for a special learner's permit if enrolled in a behind-the-wheel driver training course.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Special learner's permit (age 16)

At 16 you can get a special learner's permit through a high-school or licensed driving-school behind-the-wheel course (6 hours of instruction).Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit fee

$10 for an auto examination permit or student learner's permit.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

GDL decals

Drivers under 21 with a permit or probationary license must show two red reflective decals; they cost $4 a pair.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit validity

GDL examination permit: two years to finish the steps and get your probationary license, or you must get a new permit.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental consent

Applicants under 18 need a consent form signed by a parent or guardian.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised driving period

6 months of supervised driving before the road test (3 months if 21 or older).Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised driving hours

Under 21: at least 50 practice hours, including 10 in darkness, certified on form BA-CSD.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit restrictions

Supervising driver 21+ with a valid NJ license and 3 years' experience in the front seat; no phones or devices; seat belts; limited passengers; under 21 no driving 11:01 p.m.-5 a.m. and decals required.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test questions

50 questions, plus a survey question about organ donation.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Passing score

80% (40 of 50 correct).Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Wait after failing the knowledge test

7 days.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Test languages

English, ASL, Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, Hindi, Albanian and Spanish; oral test with headphones available.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision test

Required for everyone; basic license applicants need 20/50 vision with or without corrective lenses.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Appointments

Book permit, knowledge test and road test appointments online; getting the probationary license after the road test needs no appointment.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents to bring

6 Points of ID, proof of NJ residential address, a Social Security number/ITIN (or affidavit), and form BA-208.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Wait after failing the road test

14 days.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Probationary license

After passing the road test you hold a probationary license for at least 1 year of unsupervised driving, then upgrade to a basic license online (at 18 or older for teens). You can't be licensed before 17.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Probationary (under 21) restrictions

No driving 11:01 p.m.-5:00 a.m., no phones or devices, seat belts, limited passengers and decals; these hour/passenger/decal rules don't apply at 21+.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License fee

$24 for an auto license (initial or renewal).Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License term

Licenses and IDs are valid for four years.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Most drivers can renew online and the renewal takes effect immediately; CDL holders and those with expiring visas must go in person.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

$24 for a standard license.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Expired license

Expired over 3 years means starting over as a first-time driver.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID

Optional; you need it (or a passport/other federal ID) to fly domestically from May 7, 2025. First REAL ID must be obtained in person; it can then be renewed online.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID fee

$35, versus $24 for a standard license (the fee table lists an $11 REAL ID charge).Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID documents

2 proofs of address + 1 Social Security number + identity documents worth 6 REAL ID points.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New resident deadline

Transfer within 60 days of moving or before your current license expires, whichever is first.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for new residents

Knowledge and road tests are waived with a current, valid, non-provisional U.S. license in good standing; you get a four-year NJ license.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Transfer permit fee

$10 transfer permit (auto, motorcycle or CDL).Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicate license fee

$11.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Cards are mailed

Licenses and IDs are no longer printed in person; they are mailed to you.Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.