Free · 17 short lessons · Quoted from the manual
New Jersey Driver Handbook, Chapter by Chapter
Start with lesson 1Every chapter of the New Jersey Driver Manual that matters for the written test, cut down to the rules and exact numbers you need. Each point links to the manual text it comes from, with the page, and ends with questions from our free New Jersey practice test.
17 lessons in handbook order
Read one lesson, answer its 3 check questions, then drill that topic in the practice test. Most lessons take about 5 minutes.
- Lesson 1Chapter 1: The New Jersey Driver License SystemLaws and paperwork
Permits and the Graduated Driver License
New Jersey drivers who have never held a license go through the Graduated Driver License program, starting with a special learner permit at 16 or an examination permit at 17, and need to be 18 for a basic license. Young GDL drivers follow rules on driving hours, phones, supervising drivers, passengers and red decals.
10 key points · 16 numbers · Handbook pp. 4 to 34
- Lesson 2Chapter 2: New Jersey Driver TestingLaws and paperwork
The knowledge test and road test
The written knowledge test has 50 questions and you need 80 percent to pass, and basic license applicants need 20/50 vision. The road test has its own checklist of documents, vehicle rules and a licensed driver who comes with you.
9 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 20 to 36
- Lesson 3Chapter 3: Driver ResponsibilitySafe driving
Seat belts, child seats and vehicle control
The driver answers for every passenger under 18 wearing a seat belt, and young children need the right car seat in a rear seat. This lesson also covers steering, braking and stopping distance numbers the test likes to ask about.
10 key points · 13 numbers · Handbook pp. 40 to 55
- Lesson 4Chapter 3: Driver ResponsibilitySignals and markings
Turn signals, hand signals and the horn
Signal every turn, lane change, stop or slowdown, and start your turn signal at least 100 feet before the turn. Learn the hand signals for stopping and turning, and use them if your turn signals stop working.
9 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 46 to 56
- Lesson 5Chapter 3: Driver ResponsibilityParking
Hill parking and parallel parking
Which way to turn your wheels when parking on a hill and how close your tires must be to the curb are classic test questions. Parallel parking takes practice, so learn the steps and distances.
9 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 57 to 58
- Lesson 6Chapter 4: Safe Driving Rules and RegulationsSpeed limits
Speed limits and safe speed
New Jersey sets top speeds from 25 mph in school zones to 65 mph on certain interstates, and speeding in a 65 mph zone can double your fine. The posted limit is a maximum, so slow down whenever conditions call for it.
10 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 62 to 64
- Lesson 7Chapter 4: Safe Driving Rules and RegulationsRight of way
Right of way, intersections and passing
The test checks who goes first at multi way stops, stop signs, driveways, dark signals and left turns. It also covers when you must yield to emergency vehicles, buses, trains and pedestrians, and why passing on the right shoulder is illegal.
10 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 65 to 78
- Lesson 8Chapter 4: Safe Driving Rules and RegulationsSafe driving
School buses, railroad crossings and highway ramps
New Jersey has exact stopping distances for school buses and railroad crossings, and slow passing speeds for school buses and ice cream trucks. It also expects you to merge and exit highways without stopping or backing up.
9 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 68 to 78
- Lesson 9Chapter 4: Safe Driving Rules and RegulationsParking
Where not to park, headlights and phones
New Jersey lists exact no parking distances from hydrants, crosswalks, stop signs, railroad crossings and fire stations. The same chapter sets when headlights are required and bans handheld phones while driving.
10 key points · 11 numbers · Handbook pp. 83 to 86
- Lesson 10Chapter 5: Defensive DrivingSafe driving
Following distance, weather and staying alert
Keep a safe following distance with the one car length rule or the three seconds plus rule, and allow more time on wet or snow covered roads. Learn how hydroplaning and skids happen, where to look ahead, and how to handle fatigue and anger.
10 key points · 10 numbers · Handbook pp. 90 to 104
- Lesson 11Chapter 5: Defensive DrivingEmergencies
Vehicle emergencies and what to do after a crash
Brake failure, blowouts, a stuck gas pedal and running off the pavement each have a specific safe response. After a crash, New Jersey sets clear rules for reporting it.
9 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 104 to 111
- Lesson 12Chapter 6: Drinking, Drugs, and HealthAlcohol and DUI
Alcohol, drugs and your BAC
It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, or 0.01 percent if you are under 21. Only time makes a person sober, and drivers using prescription drugs must show proof of the prescription if police ask.
10 key points · 11 numbers · Handbook pp. 114 to 118
- Lesson 13Chapter 7: Driver Privileges and PenaltiesAlcohol and DUI
DUI, breath test refusal and interlock penalties
A New Jersey DUI brings fines, time at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, surcharges and an ignition interlock, and penalties grow with your BAC. Refusing a breath test and carrying open alcohol are separate offenses.
10 key points · 15 numbers · Handbook pp. 122 to 133
- Lesson 14Chapter 7: Driver Privileges and PenaltiesLaws and paperwork
Points, surcharges and driver programs
The MVC adds points to your record for moving violations, and too many points lead to surcharges and suspension. Driver programs and a clean record can take points off.
10 key points · 16 numbers · Handbook pp. 122 to 140
- Lesson 15Chapter 8: Sharing the Road with OthersRight of way
Pedestrians, cyclists, trucks and trains
Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, marked or not, and cyclists get extra space under the Safe Passing Law. Trucks, buses and trains have limits you must plan around, and trains always have the right of way.
10 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 66 to 217
- Lesson 16Chapter 11: Appendix, Driver SafetySignals and markings
Traffic signals and road markings
Each signal color and each line on the pavement has a fixed meaning, and road markings carry the same force of law as signs. Know what yellow and flashing lights ask of you and when a center line lets you pass.
10 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 212 to 217
- Lesson 17Chapter 11: Appendix, Driver SafetyRoad signs
Road sign shapes and colors
Signs fall into three groups, warning, guidance and regulatory, and each shape and color carries a meaning you can read before the words. A red octagon only ever means stop, and a white X means yield to trains.
10 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 213 to 217
Read, check, then practice
- Read a lesson. Open any point's source to see the exact manual wording and page.
- Answer the 3 check questions at the end without looking back.
- Drill that topic in the free New Jersey practice test, then take a full test when every lesson feels easy.
- Keep the New Jersey cheat sheet for a last look before test day.
Source: the New Jersey Driver Manual (2026). Lessons are plain English summaries, not the law itself; where they differ, the manual and the statute govern. Every quote on these pages is checked against our saved copy of the manual. Last checked 2026-10-12.