by Jim Thompson |
Last Updated: September 6, 2023 The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission requires that first-time teen drivers must complete a driver education course as the first part https://www.drivingguide.com/new-jersey-drivers-ed/of the state graduated driver license program. A drivers ed course will help prepare you to be a safe and responsible driver and will put you well on your way to passing the MVC written knowledge test.
To help teen drivers and their parents understand the New Jersey graduated driver license program, the Motor Vehicle Commission has prepared a document entitled “U Got Brains?” and it’s available on the MVC website.
How New Jersey Driver Education Works
A driver training program must contain a minimum of six hours of practice driving with a licensed driving instructor. You will also spend a portion of your time in a classroom learning valuable information such as:
- Basic vehicle operation
- Defensive driving skills
- New Jersey traffic regulations, laws and violations
During your driver education course, you will need to apply for a learner permit. This will require a visit to your local MVC office where you will have to:
- Pass a vision test
- Provide proof of identity using documents such as a birth certificate, passport or certificate of citizenship
- Provide proof of enrollment in a driver training course
- Provide a letter of consent from your parent or legal guardian
- Pay a $10 permit fee
- Pass a written knowledge test
To prepare for the written test, you can use information learned in your driving safety course, study the New Jersey driver handbook or take advantage of a permit practice test.
A permit practice test is a valuable tool because it will give you the chance to see actual MVC permit questions, a great way to boost your confidence before taking the examination.
After completing these steps, you will be eligible to begin behind the wheel practice.
How to Take New Jersey Drivers Ed
The classroom portion of drivers ed can be completed in many New Jersey high schools. If your school does not provide a driver education program, you may want to consider completing the classroom portion online.
The in-car portion of drivers ed must be completed at a professional driving school. For a list of approved providers, visit the New Jersey MVC website.
Getting Your License after Jersey Driver Education
If you’re between the ages of 17 and 21 and have completed six months of supervised practice driving with your permit, you will be eligible to apply for your probationary New Jersey license. It is important that, during your practice driving, that you display a GDL decal on your car.
If you meet the above requirements, you may then travel to your New Jersey MVC office to have your learner permit validated and to schedule a road test.