DMV New Jersey · Fees, age, and practice test
New Jersey Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for New Jersey DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the New Jersey permit test cost?
No separate knowledge test fee; permit fee is $10, initial license fee is $24
- Learner permit / application fee: $10 for an Examination Permit (auto), minimum age 17 (same $10 fee for the age-16 Student Learner's Permit issued through a driving instructor)
- Knowledge (written) test fee: No separate knowledge test fee; permit fee is $10, initial license fee is $24
- Initial driver license fee: $24 initial issuance for a basic Auto (Class D) driver license
Source: NJ MVC | First Driver License · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question New Jersey practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
16 with enrollment in a behind-the-wheel driver training course (special learner permit); basic license not until 17
Knowledge test fee
No separate knowledge test fee; permit fee is $10, initial license fee is $24
Permit fee
$10 for an Examination Permit (auto), minimum age 17 (same $10 fee for the age-16 Student Learner's Permit issued through a driving instructor)
Initial license fee
$24 initial issuance for a basic Auto (Class D) driver license
Questions on the knowledge test
50 questions (plus a survey question about organ donation)
Passing score
80 percent, or 40 of the 50 questions, must have correct answers
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 and secondary documents), proof of verifiable SSN, and proof of NJ residential address; under-18 applicants also need the MR-24 Parent or Guardian Consent Form
Find an office / appointment
Schedule NJ MVC appointments online at telegov.njportal.com/njmvc.
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 and intrastate CDL minimum age 18; drivers under 21 are restricted to intrastate driving only.
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.
How much is the New Jersey permit test?
New Jersey knowledge test fee: No separate knowledge test fee; permit fee is $10, initial license fee is $24 (official source). Permit fee: $10 for an Examination Permit (auto), minimum age 17 (same $10 fee for the age-16 Student Learner's Permit issued through a driving instructor) (official source).
How many questions are on the New Jersey permit test?
The official New Jersey knowledge test: 50 questions (plus a survey question about organ donation) (official source). Passing score: 80 percent, or 40 of the 50 questions, must have correct answers (official source).
New Jersey DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | No separate knowledge test fee; permit fee is $10, initial license fee is $24 | source |
| Permit fee | $10 for an Examination Permit (auto), minimum age 17 (same $10 fee for the age-16 Student Learner's Permit issued through a driving instructor) | source |
| Initial license fee | $24 initial issuance for a basic Auto (Class D) driver license | source |
Studying for it? Take the free New Jersey DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a New Jersey driver license covers
Initial license fee: $24 initial issuance for a basic Auto (Class D) driver license (official source)
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. (official source)
See a real New Jersey license sample on the official DMV site (NJ MVC | First Driver License) →
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official New Jersey DMV site for exact card timelines.
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 (special learner permit); basic license not until 17. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: 6 Points of ID (primary and secondary documents), proof of verifiable SSN, and proof of NJ residential address; under-18 applicants also need the MR-24 Parent or Guardian Consent Form. Schedule NJ MVC appointments online at telegov.njportal.com/njmvc.
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 and intrastate CDL minimum age 18; drivers under 21 are restricted to intrastate driving only.
The New Jersey bank has 180 questions across 9 topics
Insurance in New Jersey
New Jersey policies are handled in cooperation with licensed partner producer Sean Vu. QualitySpace Insurance Agency does not bind coverage in New Jersey directly. Contact us and we will route you to the right person.