Getting a New Jersey examination permit
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Make an appointment for your permit (age 17+, or 16 through a behind-the-wheel driving course).
Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Bring your 6 Points of ID, proof of address, Social Security number and form BA-208; under 18 also a parent/guardian consent form.
Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Take the vision test and the 50-question knowledge test; you need 40 correct.
Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026If you fail the knowledge test, retest after 7 days.
Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Once you pass, your permit is validated for practice driving; you then have 2 years to finish the steps.
Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Transfer permit fee
- $10 transfer permit (auto, motorcycle or CDL).Source: nj.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the New Jersey guide
Official New Jersey links
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