DMV New Jersey · Facts and practice test
New Jersey DMV: age, fees, test facts
Sourced procedural facts for New Jersey DMV, plus a free 79-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
16 with enrollment in a behind-the-wheel driver training course; examination permit (no training program) available at 17
Knowledge test fee
No separate knowledge test fee; permit fee is $10, initial license fee is $24
Retake wait after failing
7 days mandatory wait before retaking the knowledge test after failing
Supervised driving before road test
Minimum 50 hours supervised practice driving, including at least 10 hours during darkness, for permit holders under 21
Documents to bring
6 Points of ID (primary + secondary documents), proof of verifiable SSN, proof of NJ residential address; under-21 applicants also bring Form BA-CSD
Find an office / appointment
Schedule NJ MVC appointments online at telegov.njportal.com/njmvc on a rolling 30-day basis; MVC never uses third parties.
REAL ID status
REAL ID optional but required for domestic flights since May 7, 2025; must be obtained in person by appointment at Licensing Centers.
Motorcycle license
Motorcycle permit minimum age 17 (parental consent under 18); full license requires age 18 and one year of probationary riding on the permit.
Commercial license (CDL)
CLP/intrastate CDL minimum age 18 (under 21 restricted to intrastate only); interstate driving, hazmat, school bus, or passenger endorsements require 21 with 3 years driving experience.
Official source: NJ MVC | First Driver License
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) site.
Getting a license in New Jersey
Getting your first permit
In New Jersey, the minimum permit age is 16 with enrollment in a behind-the-wheel driver training course; examination permit (no training program) available at 17. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: 6 Points of ID (primary + secondary documents), proof of verifiable SSN, proof of NJ residential address; under-21 applicants also bring Form BA-CSD. Schedule NJ MVC appointments online at telegov.njportal.com/njmvc on a rolling 30-day basis; MVC never uses third parties.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
No separate knowledge test fee; permit fee is $10, initial license fee is $24. If you fail the knowledge test: 7 days mandatory wait before retaking the knowledge test after failing. Before the road test, the state requires minimum 50 hours supervised practice driving, including at least 10 hours during darkness, for permit holders under 21.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID optional but required for domestic flights since May 7, 2025; must be obtained in person by appointment at Licensing Centers. For a motorcycle license: motorcycle permit minimum age 17 (parental consent under 18); full license requires age 18 and one year of probationary riding on the permit. For a commercial license (CDL): cLP/intrastate CDL minimum age 18 (under 21 restricted to intrastate only); interstate driving, hazmat, school bus, or passenger endorsements require 21 with 3 years driving experience.
The New Jersey bank has 79 questions across 9 topics
Passed? Don't forget insurance
New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.