Free New Jersey Permit Practice Tests 2025

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner’s permit (also called an examination permit) in New Jersey. This applies to all first-time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

When you apply for a permit in New Jersey you will need to bring:

• Proof of identity (6-point ID verification: passport/visa, birth certificate, etc.)
• Two proofs of New Jersey residence
• Social Security number
• Payment for the permit fee
• For the 6-point ID verification you will need primary and secondary documents that add up to at least 6 points. Primary documents include:
  • U.S. birth certificate or passport
  • Foreign passport with visa/I-94
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Visit the New Jersey MVC website for a complete list of accepted documents and the point values assigned to each.

Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

• Accompany you to the MVC when you apply for your permit
• Sign a consent form giving permission for you to obtain a permit
• Accept legal responsibility for any negligence or willful misconduct while you’re driving

The application process in New Jersey is as follows:

1. Fill out the initial permit application form
2. Gather your required documents (6-point ID verification, proof of residence, etc.)
3. Go to your local MVC Licensing Center with a parent or guardian if you’re under 18
4. Submit your application and documents
5. Pay the permit fee
6. Take the vision test and knowledge test
7. Get your examination permit

New Jersey allows you to start some parts of the application process online but you must visit an MVC Licensing Center in person to:

• Complete the application
• Bring your documents
• Take your vision test
• Complete your knowledge test

The New Jersey MVC charges a fee for a permit. This fee covers processing your application, the knowledge test, and issuing your permit. Visit the New Jersey MVC website for current fee information.

To get your permit in New Jersey you must pass:

• A vision test to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The New Jersey permit knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly (80%) to pass the test.

The New Jersey permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving
• Special driving conditions (night driving, bad weather)
• Sharing the road with other users (pedestrians, cyclists, trucks)

The best ways to prepare for your New Jersey permit test:

• Study the New Jersey Driver Manual thoroughly, available on our website at New Jersey Driver Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
• Focus on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices

If you fail the New Jersey permit test:

• You can retake the test, but you may have to wait before your next attempt
• You will have to pay a retest fee for each additional attempt
• Continue studying the driver manual and taking practice tests to improve your chances of passing

With a New Jersey learner’s permit (examination permit) you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who meets the supervision requirements
• Gain driving experience to prepare for your road test
• Learn and apply safe driving practices

When driving with a permit in New Jersey you:

• Must have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old, has at least 3 years of driving experience, and holds a valid New Jersey driver’s license
• Cannot use any electronic devices while driving, even in hands-free mode
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• Cannot drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• Can only have one additional passenger besides the supervising driver (unless they are your dependents or household members)
• Must display a reflectorized decal on both the front and rear license plates

In New Jersey, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 21:

• You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test
• You must complete a minimum number of practice driving hours (as specified by your driving school or the MVC)

If you are 21 or older:

• You must hold your permit for at least 3 months before taking the road test
• There is no minimum number of practice hours required, but you should practice enough to develop safe driving skills

New Jersey has different driver education requirements based on your age:

• If you are under 18: It’s recommended but not required to take a driver education course through your high school or a commercial driving school. You must complete at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed driving instructor.
• If you are 18 or older: Driver education is not required, although it’s still recommended to help you become a safer driver.

In New Jersey, before you get your driver’s license, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 21:

• Complete at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed driving instructor
• Practice supervised driving with your permit
• Complete the New Jersey Graduated Driver License (GDL) program requirements

If you are 21 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, though it’s still beneficial

You can find New Jersey-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking if your high school offers driver education
• Visiting the New Jersey MVC website for a list of licensed driving schools
• Asking for recommendations from friends or family who have recently completed driver education
• Ensuring the school is approved by the New Jersey Department of Education or the MVC

The New Jersey road test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes, and parking
• Awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

The test takes place at an MVC Testing Center and includes both closed-course maneuvers and on-road driving.

You can schedule your road test in New Jersey by:

• Using the MVC’s online appointment system
• Calling the MVC’s scheduling center
• Visiting an MVC Licensing Center in person (appointments are recommended)

Make sure you have met all requirements and held your permit for the minimum required time before scheduling your test.

On the day of your road test in New Jersey, bring:

• Your valid examination permit
• A registered, insured vehicle in good working condition
• Proof of insurance
• Vehicle registration
• A licensed driver who can legally drive you to the test site
• If using a rental vehicle, ensure your name is on the rental agreement

Common reasons for failing the New Jersey road test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Inability to parallel park
• Failing to use turn signals properly
• Not maintaining appropriate following distance

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in New Jersey:
If you are under 21:

• Hold your examination permit for at least 6 months
• Complete at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor
• Practice supervised driving
• Schedule and pass the road test
• Pay the fees
• Obtain your probationary license first

If you are 21 or older:

• Hold your examination permit for at least 3 months
• Practice with your permit
• Schedule and pass the road test
• Pay the fees
• Obtain your license

New Jersey’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

• Examination Permit: Must be at least 16 years old and practice with a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old with at least 3 years of driving experience.
• Probationary License: Must be at least 17 years old, hold your permit for at least 6 months, complete required practice driving, and pass the road test. This license is valid for one year.
• Basic License: Must be at least 18 years old and have completed the one-year probationary period without any suspensions or postponements.
• Adults 21 and older go from examination permit directly to basic license after meeting the minimum holding period and passing the road test.

As a new driver with a probationary license in New Jersey, you will not be able to:

• Drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. (with exceptions for work, religious activities, or emergencies)
• Have more than one passenger from another household (unless accompanied by a parent/guardian)
• Use hand-held or hands-free electronic devices
• Drive without displaying reflectorized decals on both license plates
• Drive with any occupants not wearing seat belts

These restrictions apply for the entire one-year probationary period.

New Jersey does not recognize out-of-state permits. If you are moving to New Jersey with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a New Jersey permit
• You must meet all New Jersey permit requirements
• You must take the written test in New Jersey

New Jersey offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver manual
• Oral knowledge tests
• American Sign Language interpreters
• Extended testing time
• Use of special equipment in your own vehicle for the road test
• Contact your local MVC office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, you can get a permit or license in New Jersey even if you’re not a U.S. citizen. You’ll need to provide:

• 6-point ID verification
• Proof of New Jersey residence
• Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
• Visit the New Jersey MVC website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens

You can download a copy of the New Jersey Driver Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any MVC office.

Yes! We offer free New Jersey-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. Our practice tests are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the New Jersey permit process:

• Visit the New Jersey MVC website at njmvc.gov
• Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 during business hours
• Visit your local MVC Licensing Center
• For hearing impaired assistance, call 7-1-1

If you lose your New Jersey permit:

• You can request a replacement at an MVC Licensing Center
• You will need to bring proof of your identity
• You will need to pay a replacement fee
• It’s recommended to report the loss or theft to the MVC to prevent identity theft

A parent or guardian who signed the consent form for a minor can request to cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written request to the New Jersey MVC. The request should include the minor’s name, date of birth, and driver’s license number, along with the parent or guardian’s contact information and signature.