New Jersey Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your New Jersey learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official MVC pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: NJ MVC — First Driver License (Young Adult) ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in New Jersey
- Enroll in driver education / a licensed driving school and get the student learner permit at 16 ($10)
- Pass the knowledge test, then practice supervised for at least 6 months
- Log 50 practice hours including 10 during darkness (form BA-CSD)
- Pass the road test for the probationary license (decals, curfew, one-passenger limit for 1 year)
- Get the basic license ($24) at 18 after a year of probationary driving
New Jersey GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Decal: Must display GDL decals on license plates
- Curfew: No driving 11:01 p.m.–5:00 a.m. (employment/religious exemptions available)
- Passenger rule: Only one additional passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Cell phone: Cell phone use prohibited
Documents you'll need
- Proof of identity (6 Points of ID)
- Supervised driving certification (form BA-CSD) by parent/guardian or supervising driver
The details
- Permit eligibility: Student learner permit (Early Bird route) at 16 with enrollment in driver education / licensed driving school; examination permit route starts at 17
- Permit fee details: Student learner's permit $10; examination permit (auto) also $10
- License fee: $24 — Basic auto license (initial)
- Permit hold details: At least 6 months of supervised practice after passing the knowledge test
- Practice hour details: Required for permits issued on/after Feb 1 2025 to under-21 drivers; 10 hours during darkness; certified on form BA-CSD
- Knowledge test: 50 questions; 80% to pass; Web search: 50-question test, 40 correct (80%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in New Jersey?
You can get a learner's permit in New Jersey at 16. Student learner permit (Early Bird route) at 16 with enrollment in driver education / licensed driving school; examination permit route starts at 17.
How much does a New Jersey permit cost?
The New Jersey permit fee is $10. Student learner's permit $10; examination permit (auto) also $10.
How long do you have to hold your permit in New Jersey?
At least 6 months of supervised practice after passing the knowledge test.
How many practice driving hours does New Jersey require?
New Jersey requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the New Jersey permit test?
Right here — take a free New Jersey practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full MVC-format experience with a readiness score.
