Graduated Driver’s License Program in New Jersey

The state has set up three paths to take to get your license; your age determines which path you'll need to follow. But, you must be at least 16 years old to start the journey.

Graduated Driver’s License Program

Like almost all states, New Jersey employs a graduated driver licensing program for new drivers to ease them into the responsibilities of driving. The idea behind the program is to ensure that novice drivers gain plenty of experience at each level before moving on to more difficult and dangerous driving situations. This program applies to anyone who has never held a license, regardless of age.
Below are the basic steps to obtaining a regular driver's license, categorized by how old you are when you begin the process:
Age 16

• Enroll in a state-approved driver education program.

• Pass a knowledge test.

• Pass a vision test.

• Get your student learner's permit. Visit Grade A Drivinf Academy at http://www.getmypermit.net/ for more information of the 6 hours of behind the wheel training.

• Practice supervised driving for at least six months.

• Pass the road test.

• Get your probationary license (formerly known as a provisional license).

• Practice unsupervised driving for at least one year.

• Get your basic driver's license.

Ages 17-20

• Pass a knowledge test.

• Pass a vision test.

• Get your examination permit.

• Practice supervised driving for at least six months.

• Pass the road test.

• Get your probationary (formerly known as a provisional license) license.

• Practice unsupervised driving for at least one year.

• Get your basic driver's license.

Ages 21 and Older

• Pass a knowledge test.

• Pass a vision test.

• Get your examination permit.

• Practice supervised driving for at least three months.

• Pass the road test.

• Get your probationary (formerly known as a provisional license) license.

• Practice unsupervised driving for at least one year.

• Get your basic driver's license.

Keep in mind that during the training periods, different driving restrictions apply according to the age category.

How to get your permit

Teenage drivers in New Jersey must work through a graduated driver licensing program to become fully licensed. As part of this program, driver's license applicants between 16 and 17 years old must enroll in an approved driver education course and practice driving with an instructor before being issued a provisional license.
After you pass the vision and knowledge tests as described in detail in our teen drivers article or present a knowledge test waiver from your high school, you will be issued a student learner's permit. (If you're 16, you must bring your driving instructor with you to get the permit.)
This permit allows you to complete six hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction, in addition to classroom training. These lessons must be administered by a state-approved commercial or secondary-school driver education program.

Once you've completed driver's education, you may have your student learner's permit validated. This will allow you to practice driving for six months with adult supervision.