First New Jersey driver's license for adults

Step 1: obtain the Examination Permit

Make the permit appointment, bring the 6 Points/document package and pay the current $10 auto permit fee.

Step 2: pass the 50-question knowledge test and vision test

Score at least 40/50, or 80%; a failed knowledge exam can be retaken after seven days.

Ages 18–20: six months + 50/10 practice

The under-21 GDL rules still apply, including BA-CSD certification and relevant GDL restrictions/decals.

Age 21+: practice three months

MVC's first-license path shortens the supervised-practice period to three months. An applicant who is 21 or older when the permit is issued needs no 50/10 certification, and the under-21 decal, late-hour and passenger rules do not apply; the device ban and seat-belt rule still do.

Step 3: pass the road test and hold probationary status one year

After a successful road test, obtain the Probationary License, practice unsupervised for one year and then upgrade to the Basic License.

The supervised period changes sharply at age 21

An applicant who is 21+ when the permit is issued generally practices for three months rather than six and is outside the under-21 50-hour certification rule. If the permit was issued while under 21, turning 21 later does not erase the certification requirement.

Age 21+ GDL applicants practice for at least three months

The MVC first-license and road-test pages state that GDL applicants over 21 practice supervised driving for at least three months before the road test. Non-GDL cases can use different timing, so follow the path shown for your permit.

Probationary license comes before the basic license

After passing the road test, you obtain a probationary license. The MVC then requires one year of unsupervised driving before upgrading to a basic license.

• New Jersey road test
• New Jersey documents