Obtaining a learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in New Jersey. You are eligible to apply for a learner's permit if you are at least 16 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of New Jersey who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

If you are under 21 years old or have never had a driver license, you need to undergo a period of supervised driving before getting a basic driver license and as per the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program driving privileges will be given to you in stages. Depending on your age, the stages of the permits and licenses differ till you become a fully licensed driver when you turn at least 18 years old.

[edit] HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL STUDENT LEARNER'S PERMIT

(Under 17)

For drivers aged 16, there is a three-phase process known as The Early-Bird Road which consists of:

• Student learner's permit (minimum six months of supervised driving).
• Provisional license (minimum one year of restricted but unsupervised driving).
• Basic driver license (must be 18 years old).

To apply for a Student Learner's Permit:

• Download a copy of the New Jersey Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Agency.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you must obtain a parental consent form completed and signed by your parent or guardian.
• Visit your local Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Agency to submit the application. You must bring with you:
• A primary 4-point ID is necessary: this could be a civil birth certificate, a US Passport, a US Department of State birth certificate, US adoption papers, or a certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship).
• A proof of enrollment in a driver education course will also be necessary.
• The fee of $10.
• You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the MVC Agency. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a student learner's permit, which is valid for two years.

The student learner's permit comes with certain restrictions:

• Driving is restricted to between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. and the driver needs to be always accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age holding a valid driver's license for at least three years in the front passenger seat.
• While your household members may ride with you, you can only have one member of another household as your passenger.
• You are not permitted to use any electronic device while driving, including cell phone, video games, laptops etc.
• Wearing your seatbelt is an absolute must at all times.

If you hold this permit for 6 months without incident, on turning 17 you can apply for a provisional license (see below).

[edit] HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL EXAMINATION PERMIT

(Age 17 to 21)

The student learner's permit can be skipped if you're between 17 to 21 years old and an examination permit can be applied for. The requirements are the same as the student learner's permit, but you have to present a 6-point ID (which would include a certified birth certificate, passport, or adoption or citizenship papers etc). This examination permit is valid for 2 years, and comes with the following restrictions:

1. Driving is restricted to between 5am and midnight, and needs to be always accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age holding a valid driver's license for at least three years in the front passenger seat, though certain hour related exemptions are possible.
2. Only passengers from your household are permitted; outside of your household, only one person is allowed in the car.
3. No cell phones, hand held video games or any other hand held electronic device can be used.
4. The use of seatbelts is necessary at all times.

On completing the supervised driving period and passing the road test, you can apply for a provisional license (see below).

HOW TO OBTAIN AN EXAMINATION PERMIT (Over 21)

This permit is needed if you're above 21 years of age, and the requirements are similar to those for the examination permit issued to young adult drivers between 17 and 21 years of age. While there are no restrictions on the driving hours, other limitations do apply. These include the presence of a licensed driver over the age of 21 with a valid license for 3 years who is riding in the front passenger seat, the non use of any hand held electronic device, and usage of seatbelts at all times.

[edit] THE PROVISIONAL LICENSE

If you are 17 years of age or older, you may apply for a provisional license. You should pass the 6 Point ID Verification and you also need to pass the road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a provisional license. The provisional license in New Jersey includes the following restrictions:

1. No driving is allowed between 12:01 a.m. and 5 a.m. Exemptions may apply for religious or employment reasons.
2. Only passengers from your household are permitted; outside of your household, only one person is allowed in the car.
3. No cell phones, hand held video games or any other hand held electronic device can be used.
4. Seat belts must be worn at all times.

[edit] THE BASIC DRIVER'S LICENSE

A provisional license may be changed to a basic, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You are at least 18 years of age.
2. You have held a provisional license for at least one year.
3. You have not been convicted of any violation of the Vehicle Code.
4. You have not been in any accident in which you were partially or fully responsible.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of New Jersey, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.