New Jersey Driver’s License FAQs

Yes, New Jersey has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which gradually introduces driving privileges to new drivers under 21 through a permit and probationary license before obtaining a full, unrestricted license.

To get a driver’s license in New Jersey, you must complete the GDL program, pass a vision, written, and road test, and provide documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number.

You can change the address on your New Jersey driver’s license online through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) website, by mail, or in person at an MVC office.

A New Jersey driver's license features a horizontal layout for drivers over 21 and a vertical one for those under 21. It includes the driver's photo, name, address, date of birth, and license number.

To get a driver’s license in New Jersey, start with a permit, follow the steps in the GDL program, and then pass the required tests. If you’re over 21, you can directly apply for a basic driver’s license after meeting the requirements.

No, even at 18, you must first obtain a permit before getting a driver’s license in New Jersey.

You must be at least 17 years old and have a probationary license to drive alone in New Jersey. At 16, you can drive with a special learner's permit and a supervising adult.

You can get a special learner's permit at 16 in New Jersey. At 17, you can get an examination permit if you haven't already obtained a special learner's permit.

To get a permit in New Jersey, you must pass a written knowledge test and vision test, provide the required documents, and pay the permit fee. At 16, you must be enrolled in a driving school for a special learner's permit; at 17 or older, you can apply for an examination permit without driving school enrollment.

Yes, senior drivers in New Jersey must pass a vision test every time they renew their driver’s license.

The New Jersey written test is based on the information in the New Jersey Driver Manual, which covers topics such as traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and rules of the road.

Some people find New Jersey driving test questions tricky because they require careful reading and understanding of traffic laws and scenarios, but they are easy if you study the driver's manual.

A NJ permit practice test is a mock test that simulates the real permit exam, helping you prepare by testing your knowledge of New Jersey driving rules and road signs.

The New Jersey written exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.

The New Jersey MVC permit test also contains 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.

The cost to upgrade your driver’s license at the New Jersey MVC (such as moving from a probationary to a basic license) is $18. However, fees may vary based on the specific type of upgrade or service.

You can renew your NJ MVC driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. You'll need to provide your current license, proof of identity, and payment for the renewal fee.

To renew your license online in New Jersey, visit the NJ MVC website, enter your license number and Social Security number, and follow the prompts to complete the renewal process. You’ll need to pay the renewal fee online.

To renew your license in New Jersey, you need your current driver's license, proof of identity (such as your Social Security number), and payment for the renewal fee. Additional documents may be required if your information has changed.

Yes, you can renew your driver's license online in New Jersey, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and your license is not expired beyond a certain period.

Yes, older drivers in New Jersey must renew their driver's license just like any other driver and must pass a vision test at each renewal.

A driver's license must be renewed every four years in New Jersey. However, you may be able to renew for a standard or a REAL ID-compliant license, which may affect the renewal period.

A New Jersey driver's license is typically valid for four years.

To replace a lost driver's license in New Jersey, you can apply online through the NJ MVC website or visit an MVC office in person. Bring proof of identity, pay the replacement fee, and possibly provide additional documentation if your address or other details have changed.

No, you cannot drive in New Jersey with an out-of-state permit unless you have a licensed adult from your home state supervising you.

To transfer your out-of-state license to New Jersey, visit an NJ MVC office, provide your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of New Jersey residency, and pass a vision test. Lastly, pay the required fee.

When moving to New Jersey, you must obtain a New Jersey driver's license within 60 days or before your current license expires, whichever comes first.

Immigrants in New Jersey can obtain a driver's license by visiting an MVC office with proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. They must pass a vision, written, and road test. If they are not eligible for a Social Security number, they can still obtain a license with an affidavit and the required documents.

You can become a truck driver in NJ by obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License. You’ll have to meet the age requirement (18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate driving), submit your documents, and obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before passing written and skills tests for your complete license.

First, you must meet a CDL’s eligibility requirements (18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate driving), then visit a NJ MVC office and pass the written knowledge test for the CDL you want. Also, bring along proof of identity, residency, Social Security number, and the permit fee. Once you have your CLP, practice driving with a qualified CDL holder in the vehicle. You must wait at least 14 days after getting your CLP before taking the skills test. Now, schedule and pass the CDL skills test and provide a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate proving that you meet the physical requirements to drive a commercial vehicle. Once you’ve passed the skills test and submitted all the necessary documents, pay the required fee and receive your CDL.

To get a motorcycle license in New Jersey, obtain a motorcycle permit from the NJ MVC by passing a knowledge and vision test. Practice riding with your permit, following the restrictions. You can optionally complete a Basic Rider Course to waive the road test. If you don't take the course, you'll need to pass the road test at the MVC. Once you pass the test or complete the course, you can get your motorcycle license or an endorsement added to your existing driver’s license.

The time it takes to get to New Jersey depends on your starting location. For example, from New York City, it could take as little as 30 minutes by car, while from Philadelphia, it might take around 1-2 hours.

Driving from the northern tip to the southern tip of New Jersey takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and your route.

Yes, you need a valid driver’s, motorcycle, or moped license.