Traffic Safety
New Jersey's Graduated Driver's License Program

Effective January 1, 2001 New Jersey Drivers License laws changed creating new regulations and levels for new drivers. The new law affects any:

1. New Driver, 17 years of age or older, who applies for a permit on or after January 1, 2001.
2. Individual born in 1985 or thereafter who applies for a permit on or after January 1, 2001.
3. Individual, under the age of 18, transferring an out of state license into New Jersey.
The new law establishes two methods for drivers to obtain licenses. Both of those methods are listed below.

Method #1 Special Learner's Permit/Provisional License/Basic License

1. Pass a vision and knowledge test.
2. Minimum age of 16 but less than 17.
3. Validated by NJDMV for practice driving ONLY after completion of a behind the wheel course conducted by an approved driving school.
4. Practice driving supervised by a NJ licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and has a minimum of 3 years experience of licensed driving in the same class of vehicle. The licensed driver must be in the front passenger seat.
5. Not authorized to drive between 11 PM and 5 AM.
6. Additional passengers are limited to one person plus any persons that reside with the driver.
7. Everyone in every seat must wear a safety belt.

Step #2 Provisional License

1. Minimum age of 17, successful completion of the Student Permit with a minimum of 6 months supervised driving experience.
2. Pass a road test under actual but low risk conditions.
3. Not authorized to drive between 12 AM to 5 AM, except:

A. With written waiver from employer or religious authority.
B. Over 21 years of age or more.

4. Additional passengers are limited to one person plus any persons that reside with the driver. If license holder is 21 years or older than restriction does not apply.
5. Everyone in every seat must wear a safety belt.

Step #3 Basic License

1. Minimum of 18 years of age
2. Meet all requirements of Provisional License.
3. Minimum of one year experience with a valid provisional license, excluding any period of suspension.

Method #2 Examination Permit/Basic License

1. Minimum of 17 years of age.
2. Pass a vision and knowledge test.
3. Everyone in every seat must wear a safety belt.
4. Not authorized to drive between 12 AM to 5 AM, except:

A. With written waiver from employer or religious authority.
B. Over 21 years of age or more.

5. If under 21 years of age must have a supervising driver in the front seat for the first six months, if older than 21 then must have a supervising driver in the front seat for the first three months. The supervising driver must be at least 21 years of age with a minimum of three years driving experience.
6. At the end of the supervised period pass an actual road test.
7. Continue to drive unsupervised for the remaining 6-9 months for a total of one year.
8. Additional passengers are limited to one person plus any persons that reside with the driver. If license holder or other passenger is 21 years or older than restriction does not apply.

Step #2 Basic License

1. Minimum of 18 years of age.
2. Meet all requirements of Examination Permit.
3. Pass road test.
4. Have a minimum of one-year experience with an Examination Permit.