New Driver Checklist

Applying for a New Jersey Driver License If You're 16

Step 1

Before visiting a DMV office (better known as an MVC office in NJ), you'll need to study for the written test. First, get a free copy of the state's drivers manual. You can download a copy from the MVC Web site, or obtain one from any MVC office. All the questions on the written test are based on information found in the manual. When you think you're ready, find the time to take several practice tests you can easily find online.

Before taking the written test, you must also enroll in a state-approved drivers education program.

When you're ready, visit any MVC office with:

• Primary 4-point identification. 
• Proof of enrollment in a driver education course.
• A signed letter from a parent or guardian granting their consent.
• Cash, a check, a money order, or a credit card to pay the $10 permit fee.

You must pass a vision test and the written test. If you pass, you'll be awarded a student learner's permit, which is specifically designed for teen drivers. You must hold this permit for six months and practice supervised driving with another licensed driver sitting in the front seat and who is at least 21 years old and has at least three years of driving experience. During this time you must honor all state-imposed restrictions:

• No driving from midnight to 5 a.m. 
• If you drive with passengers, all but one must be from your household.
• No use of cell phones, video games or any other type of electronic gadget.

Step 2

Once you've turned 17 and have held your permit for six months, you'll become eligible to take a drivers license test. You can make an appointment online or in person at any road test facility. When you arrive you must provide:

• Your current student learner's permit. 
• The same ID you used to obtain your permit.
• An accompanying licensed driver.
• A working vehicle that's legally registered and insured and has a current inspection sticker. 

If you pass, you'll be given a provisional license, allowing you to drive unsupervised while following the same restrictions as described above.

Step 3

After turning 18 and holding your provisional license for one year you'll become eligible for a basic driver license. To obtain it, visit any MVC office with the following:

• Your provisional license.
• Enough identification to meet the 6 Point ID Verification requirements.
• Cash, a check, a money order, or a credit card to pay the $24 license fee. 

Applying for a New Jersey Driver License If You're 17

Step 1

You'll first need to study for the 50-question written test. You can do so with the state's drivers manual, which can find online from the MVC's Web site or in person at any MVC office. You'll then want to take multiple practice tests. When you feel test-confident, visit any MVC office with the following:

• Proper identification to pass the 6 Point ID Verification requirements.
• Cash, a check, a money order, or a credit card to pay the $10 examination permit fee.

You'll need to pass a vision test and the written test. No appointment is necessary. Driver training is not required, but it is recommended.

Step 2

You must hold your examination permit for six months while practicing supervised driving. The accompanying driver must be seated in the front seat, be at least 21, and have at least three years of driving experience. You must honor the following restrictions:

• No driving from midnight to 5 a.m. 
• If you drive with passengers, all but one must be from your household.
• No use of cell phones, video games or any other type of electronic gadget.

After six months you'll become eligible to take the road test. You must make an appointment. You can do this online or in person at any road test facility. On the day of the exam you must arrive with:

• Your current permit. 
• The same ID you used to obtain your permit.
• An accompanying licensed driver.
• A working vehicle that's legally registered and insured, and has a current inspection sticker. 

If you pass, you'll be granted a provisional license. You must hold this for one year and adhere to the same restrictions as described above, but without supervision.

Step 3

After holding your provisional license for one year, you'll become eligible to upgrade to a basic license. You can do this by visiting any MVC office with the following: 

• Your provisional license.
• Enough identification to meet the 6 Point ID Verification requirements.
• Cash, a check, a money order, or a credit card to pay a $24 license fee.