New Jersey permit and first-license requirements

The New Jersey first-license path

• Make an appointment and obtain your initial permit.
• Bring the required identification and residency documents.
• Pass the knowledge test and the 20/50 vision standard.
• Practice under the supervision rules for your age and permit type.
• Complete the required practice period and road test.
• Receive a probationary license, drive unsupervised for one year and then upgrade to a basic license.

Permit timing depends on age

The student learner's permit route begins at age 16 through approved behind-the-wheel driver training. The examination permit route begins at age 17. For GDL drivers under 21, supervised practice generally lasts at least six months; for GDL drivers over 21, it is at least three months.

You have two years to finish the early steps

The MVC first-driver process says that once you have the permit, you have two years to complete the knowledge/vision, supervised-practice and road-test steps and obtain the probationary license, or you need a new permit.