New Jersey teen permit and GDL path

Step 1: enroll in a behind-the-wheel course at 16

Driver education at a high school or a course at a licensed driving school both qualify. The school, the student or a parent or guardian completes the permit at an MVC agency that offers driver testing, and the student passes the knowledge and vision tests.

Step 2: complete six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction

The dual-controlled-vehicle instruction must be completed before MVC validates the permit for practice driving.

Step 3: six months and 50/10 supervised hours

Use a New Jersey-licensed supervisor age 21+ with at least three years' experience and complete BA-CSD certification before licensure.

Follow under-21 GDL restrictions

No driving 11:01 p.m.–5 a.m., no hand-held or hands-free electronic devices, passenger limits and front/rear red plate decals apply under the current GDL rules.

Step 4: road test at 17+

After passing, obtain the Probationary Driver License and drive unsupervised for one year before the Basic License upgrade.

New Jersey teen GDL combines decals, hours, passengers and device restrictions

Under-21 permit and probationary drivers generally follow the 11:01 p.m.–5 a.m. restriction, passenger limits, no hand-held or hands-free device use and front/rear red decal requirement in addition to the supervised-driving rules.

Two common GDL permit routes

At age 16, the student learner's permit route is tied to approved behind-the-wheel driver training. From age 17, an applicant can use the GDL examination-permit route and complete the MVC knowledge and vision requirements.

50 supervised hours, including 10 in darkness

For under-21 permit holders subject to the rule, New Jersey requires at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 during darkness. The supervising adult completes MVC form BA-CSD to certify the hours.

GDL restrictions continue after the permit

Applicable under-21 GDL restrictions include red decals, limits on nighttime driving and passengers, no use of hand-held or hands-free interactive wireless devices, and seat-belt requirements.

• New Jersey road test
• New Jersey fees