In New Jersey, drivers ed is part of the young driver Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. Motorists 16 years of age who are interested in getting a driver’s license must enroll in an approved training course to fulfill the GDL requirements. Drivers ed classes teach young drivers about the rules of the road as well as the importance of driving safely and responsibly. The GDL system allows new drivers to ease into their new roles as motorists while slowly building their driving experiences.

Drivers education consists of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor to ensure that all new drivers are properly trained. The state has a variety of approved driving schools available in all counties, making it easy for drivers everywhere to begin their licensing process. To learn more about the training courses offered, the curriculum and how to enroll, continue reading the topics discussed below.

Who needs to take drivers ed in New Jersey?

In NJ, drivers ed is required for any new motorist 16 years of age who wishes to obtain a driver’s license. This requirement, also referred to as a teen driving school, ensures that young motorists have all the skills and knowledge necessary to practice safe driving habits. Young drivers are the most at-risk age group for motor vehicle accidents and traffic violations. As such, they must enroll in an approved training program to lessen the chances of committing these violations.

Motorists between the ages of 17 and 21 are not required to complete an education program, but they must adhere to the GDL restrictions and participate in supervised driving. Adult drivers ed is not required as part of the GDL program, but older motorists looking to refresh their skills may elect to take a voluntary skills class.

Types of Drivers Ed Classes in New Jersey

Drivers education classes in New Jersey are offered in many high schools. The state also approves of a variety of licensed driving schools throughout the state. There are thousands of licensed driving instructors that can provide the necessary supervision to satisfy the GDL requirements. This helps ensure that all motorists, regardless of location, get the education they need to receive a full, unrestricted driver’s license.

Drivers ed online is not currently approved by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Those who choose to enroll in an online program cannot use their credentials to satisfy the GDL requirements. However, the online drivers ed course is still used by some student drivers who find it helpful to participate in an online education course to add to their studies.  There is a separate fee for online education, so motorists must verify the cost with the internet provider at the time of registration.

The standard NJ driver education course consists of hands-on training with a licensed instructor. Classroom learning is typically completed at the 16-year-old driver’s high school. The driver must take and pass a written knowledge exam after finishing the course in high school. Upon completion, the student driver receives a scorecard (also known as a blue card) to bring to the MVC to obtain their permit. A licensed instructor from a driving school must go to the MVC with the student to meet and begin the six hours of licensed behind-the-wheel training.

Students who fail the drivers ed test issued at their high school or do not take the test at all must take it at the MVC. The school-issued exam is only required for 16-year-old drivers who are interested in obtaining their learner’s permit.

What will you learn in a New Jersey drivers ed school?

Drivers ed classes in New Jersey are required for 16-year-old new drivers and are provided through a high school learning course. These programs cover the essential driving topics in various important areas, including traffic safety, operational procedure, laws and consequences. After finishing the course, motorists are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass all examinations to receive a full license.

Teen driving school also covers topics related to distracted driving. Young motorists are more likely to participate in distracted driving behaviors, such as using a cell phone or driving with loud music. The program also teaches young drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.

New Jersey Drivers Education Requirements

Drivers ed requirements in New Jersey are issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The MVC requires all drivers 16 years of age to:

• Complete a high school driver education course.
• Pass the written test in high school and present the blue card to the MVC.
• Complete six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor.

Parent-taught drivers ed consists of supervising the young driver for at least six months. A parent, guardian or licensed driver older than 21 years of age may drive with the teen to supervise his or her activities. This supervision requirement is necessary for the young driver to continue in the GDL process.

Benefits of a New Jersey Driver Education Course

The benefits of drivers education in NJ are invaluable for all new, young drivers. Beginner drivers become familiar with vital road rules and traffic laws, which lessens their risk of committing traffic infractions or violations. Teen drivers ed also allows parents to build confidence in their teens. They can be sure the program has prepared the young motorist with the knowledge he or she needs to stay safe and responsible behind the wheel.

While the course is required for 16-year-old motorists, participating in an education program can help drivers of all ages. Adult drivers education is an option for drivers older than 16 years of age interested in furthering their driving skills or building confidence.

How to Enroll in a New Jersey Driver Ed School

The drivers ed enrollment process depends on several factors, such as whether the student driver has participated in a course in their high school. Most high schools offer an education course and a written knowledge test. Those who were not given this option or did not pass the test in high school must pass it at the MVC. In cases such as this, the student driver may decide to take classes at the driving school they plan to use for the road test.

Enrolling in high school drivers ed can usually be completed at the school guidance office. Otherwise, the driver may need to contact the school district or board to inquire about registering for the course.

After choosing a drivers education school that serves their area, drivers must enroll. Most licensed driving schools have a website that allows drivers to register and pay online. Otherwise, drivers should call the phone number of the driving school to ask how to register for lessons.

New Jersey DMV Drivers Ed Certificates

After finishing a driver education program, young motorists will receive a certificate of completion. If this course is completed in high school, it is known as a blue or scorecard.

Drivers must bring this card with them to the MVC when they plan to receive their learner’s permit. After completing the behind-the-wheel portion of the GDL requirements for 16-year-old drivers, motorists must go to the MVC with a licensed instructor to validate their learner’s permit.

Drivers Ed for New Residents of New Jersey

Drivers ed is required for all new 16-year-old drivers in New Jersey. New residents who currently hold an out-of-state learner’s permit must transfer their permit in the state. 16-year-old drivers who have a drivers education certificate or experience from another state may be able to apply their credentials to the GDL requirements in NJ. To determine if it is transferrable to the state, motorists should call the MVC.

New Jersey Drivers Ed vs. Traffic School

A driver education course and a defensive driving course are two different types of learning programs. 16-year-old new drivers are obligated to complete an education program before receiving their learner’s permits. However, defensive driving courses and traffic school programs are geared toward license holders who need to remove a ticket or infraction from their records.

Furthermore, traffic school is optional for adult drivers looking to brush up on their driving skills. Defensive driving classes may be required for drivers who are on the brink of having their driving privileges revoked.

New Jersey Driver Education Fees

New Jersey drivers ed prices vary depending on the school in which a driver enrolls, as well as the route a driver takes to earn his or her learner’s permit. The cost of a driving education program ranges between $195 and $310, depending on how many lessons a driver requires and whether he or she passed the written test in high school.

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