RoadVisa Beta

How to get a driving licence in New Jersey

Getting a car licence from scratch, country by country.

Car licence

Getting your licence in New Jersey

Knowledge test questions50
Pass mark (80%)40 correct
Time for the knowledge testNo limit
Permit fee$10
Road testFree
Road test length~15 min

The probationary licence costs extra when you pass.

Before you start driving

2
Learner's permitRequired before you practise. Pass the knowledge and vision tests.
Medical checkNo doctor's exam. Vision test at the MVC.

Required lessons

2
Driver education (under 18)A state-approved course, plus 6 hours behind the wheel with a driving school.
Supervised practiceAt least 6 months on the permit, with a licensed driver 21+.

Good to know

7
Minimum ageLearner's permit from 16. Probationary licence at 17, the latest start in the US. Full licence after 1 year.
Licence validity4 years.
Exam languagesKnowledge test in English and several other languages.
If you failYou can retake the knowledge test after a waiting period.
Automatic or manualNo restriction.
New driversProbationary drivers under 21 must show red decals on the number plates, can't drive 11:01 pm–5 am, and have passenger limits.
Already have a licence from abroad?South Korea and Taiwan: no knowledge or road test. Others take the knowledge test, and the road test unless the MVC waives it. You need 6 points of ID documents.

Step by step

  1. 6-point ID checkBring documents worth 6 points to the MVC.
  2. Knowledge test50 questions, 40 correct.
  3. PractiseAt least 6 months.
  4. Road testAt an MVC road test centre.

Tips

  • Gather your 6-point ID documents before you go: missing points means a second trip.
  • Practise on the roads around your road test centre before the test.

Official links

NJ MVC: Driver Manual ↗New Jersey Statutes, Title 39 (Motor Vehicles) ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026
Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

Is RoadVisa official?

No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

Is RoadVisa free?

Yes, RoadVisa is free to use.

I found a mistake. What should I do?

Use "Wrong information? Help us fix it" above. We check every report against the official sources and correct the answer.

About RoadVisa and disclaimerWho we are, and how to use this information.

An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

Our responsibility. We work hard to keep RoadVisa correct, but we can't promise it is complete or up to date. As far as the law allows, we are not responsible for fines, refused applications, costs or other losses that come from relying on it.

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