Get your first driver's license in New Jersey

Online or in person

No, in person (appointments online) · At least two visitsAppointments for the permit, knowledge test and road test are made online only. The permit, tests and probationary license are in person. After a year of unsupervised driving you upgrade to a basic license online. Permit and knowledge test by appointment at a Licensing Center (teens 16 can start through a driving school instead), then the road test by appointment. The probationary license is issued at the road test location if available, or at any Licensing Center with no appointment.

Cost

$10 permit + $6 probationary license + upgrade feeExamination or student learner's permit $10 (MVC fee table). The Driver Manual lists the probationary license at $6; the upgrade to a basic license after a year is prorated, usually $19.50 for a standard license or $29.00 for REAL ID. No test fees are listed. Under 21, the red GDL decals for your license plates cost $4 a set.

You leave with

Permit, then a probationary licenseAfter one year of unsupervised driving you upgrade the probationary license online to a basic license (teens: at 18 or later).

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity (6 Points of ID) · all that apply
     Primary and secondary documents adding up to 6 points; at least one primary and one secondary document, no more than two 1-point documents. Paper or hard copies only, none expired more than three years. Documents not in English need a certified translation.
     Show accepted documents

     • Primary document (At least one)
     • Secondary documents (At least one)
   • Proof of New Jersey address
     A standard license needs one proof of residency showing your name and residential address; electronic or paper. Under 18, a parent or guardian can certify your address with the MR-24 Parent-Guardian Consent Form.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • School report card, record or transcript (Issued within the past two years)
     • MR-24 Parent-Guardian Consent Form (Under 18)
   • Social Security number or ITIN · all that apply
     Your Social Security number or ITIN; if you are ineligible for an SSN and have no ITIN, a signed affidavit.
   • Application form BA-208 · all that apply
     Needed to apply for a permit or driver license.
   • Payment · all that apply

2. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our New Jersey Permit Practice Test: 50 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the New Jersey practice test

3. Get your permit and pass the knowledge test

   Make an appointment online and bring your documents. You also take a vision test. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retest in 7 days; if you pass, your permit is validated. You have 2 years to finish all the steps or you need a new permit.

   First Driver License (MVC) ↗

4. Practice for 3 months

   Drive supervised for 3 months with an adult in the front seat who is 21 or older, has a valid NJ license and at least 3 years of driving experience. Book your road test for 3 months after passing the knowledge test.

5. Pass the road test

   Make an appointment online. Only the MVC examiner may ride in the car with you. If you fail, you can retest in 14 days; if you pass, your permit is stamped.

6. Get your probationary license

   Take your stamped permit and documents to your road test location (if available) or any Licensing Center; no appointment is needed. You can't get a license until you are 17.

7. Drive unsupervised for a year, then upgrade

   After one year of unsupervised driving, upgrade online to a basic license (teens at 18 or later). The Driver Manual says the upgrade fee is prorated, usually $19.50 for a standard license or $29.00 for REAL ID. If you don't upgrade within 3.5 years, book a Licensing Center appointment to renew the probationary license.