First time drivers in the state of New Jersey must apply for a learners permit before they are legally allowed to practice their skills behind the wheel. This is true regardless of the driver's age, although there are slightly different NJ permit requirements for older teens and first-time adult drivers. All prospective drivers should study the NJ Drivers Handbook and also take a practice permit test or two to be sure they are ready to pass the pass the written test.

Drivers ages 16-17 must apply for a student permit once they have enrolled in a driver education course. The permit is valid for two years, but the driver must complete at least six months of supervised driving before moving onto the next step in the New Jersey Graduated Driver License Program. Drivers with a student permit are not allowed to drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. or carry more than one passenger from outside their household.

Drivers ages 17-21 can apply for an examination permit. Drivers with this type of learners permit do not need to complete a driver education course, but must still practice driving for at least six months before taking the road test to receive their provisional license. They are not allowed to drive between 12:01 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. or carry more than one passenger from outside their household while holding this type of drivers permit.

Drivers ages 21 and up can apply for an examination permit that has no time or passenger restrictions. They must practice driving for three months before taking the road test to receive their provisional driver license. The provisional license must be held for one year before the driver can receive a full New Jersey drivers license.