Key points
The knowledge test has 50 questions, plus a survey question about organ donation.
Source: Handbook p. 30
“The knowledge test consists of 50 questions: plus, a survey question about organ donation.”
New Jersey Driver Manual, Handbook p. 30To pass, you need 80 percent, which means 40 of the 50 questions right.
Source: Handbook p. 31
“80 percent, or 40 of the 50 questions, must have correct answers.”
New Jersey Driver Manual, Handbook p. 31Basic license applicants need 20/50 vision, with or without glasses or contacts.
Source: Handbook p. 31
“Basic License Applicants: 20/50 vision with or without corrective lenses.”
New Jersey Driver Manual, Handbook p. 31If you cannot read in any language, the MVC gives the test orally with headphones.
Source: Handbook p. 30
“If the applicant cannot read in any language, headphones are supplied to administer an oral test.”
New Jersey Driver Manual, Handbook p. 30If you need an interpreter, tell the MVC at least 2 weeks before your test date.
Source: Handbook p. 30
“You must inform the MVC of the need for an interpreter at least two weeks in advance of the date you intend to take the written knowledge test.”
New Jersey Driver Manual, Handbook p. 30Bring 6 points of ID and your validated permit to the road test. The permit must be legible and not laminated.
Source: Handbook p. 34
“6 points of ID. • Validated permit (permit must be legible and cannot be laminated).”
New Jersey Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34Self parking vehicles cannot be used for the road test.
Source: Handbook p. 35
“Self-parking vehicles cannot be used for the test.”
New Jersey Driver Manual, Handbook p. 35If the driver who comes with you is licensed in another state or has under 3 years of experience, that driver must drive the car to the test area.
Source: Handbook p. 35
“If the accompanying motorist is licensed in a state other than New Jersey, or has less than three years of driving experience, he/she must drive the vehicle to the road test area.”
New Jersey Driver Manual, Handbook p. 35After you pass and get licensed, the MVC monitors your driving habits for 1 year.
Source: Handbook p. 36
“The MVC will monitor his/her driving habits for one year.”
New Jersey Driver Manual, Handbook p. 36
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 50 questions | length of the knowledge test | Handbook p. 30 |
| 80 percent (40 of 50) | passing score on the knowledge test | Handbook p. 31 |
| 20/50 | minimum vision for a basic license | Handbook p. 31 |
| 2 weeks | notice needed to arrange a test interpreter | Handbook p. 30 |
| 6 points | ID needed at the road test | Handbook p. 34 |
| 2 decals | red GDL decals needed at the road test when GDL rules apply | Handbook p. 34 |
| 3 years | experience below which the accompanying driver must drive the car to the test | Handbook p. 35 |
| 1 year | period the MVC monitors a newly licensed driver | Handbook p. 36 |
| 2 years | how long knowledge test and vision results stay valid | Handbook p. 20 |
3 questions from the New Jersey practice test
1. How many questions must a New Jersey applicant answer correctly to earn the 80-percent passing result on the 50-question knowledge test?
- 40 questions
- 45 questions
- 30 questions
- 35 questions
Show answer
40 questions. New Jersey’s knowledge test has 50 questions, and the passing mark is 80 percent. Converting that percentage gives 40 correct responses. The 45-question option would be a 90-percent score, while 35 would be only 70 percent. This is a calculation tied to the published test format, not a separate vision or road-test requirement. A quick way to retain it is to connect the pair 50 questions and 40 correct answers rather than memorizing the percentage alone.
2. What minimum eyesight standard is listed for a New Jersey basic license applicant?
- 20/20 vision without glasses
- 20/40 vision only in the weaker eye
- 20/50 vision with or without corrective lenses
- 20/80 vision with no corrective option
Show answer
20/50 vision with or without corrective lenses. For a basic license, the eyesight table lists 20/50 vision with or without corrective lenses. The 20/40 figure belongs to CDL applicants in both eyes, so importing it answers a different applicant category. New Jersey also gives a special instruction when sight exists in only one eye, but that does not make this an uncorrected-only test. Applicants who need lenses may use them during the screening.
3. Which vehicle is barred from use during a New Jersey road test?
- A self-parking vehicle
- A vehicle with working turn signals
- A vehicle with a manual transmission
- A properly registered passenger car
Show answer
A self-parking vehicle. New Jersey does not permit a self-parking vehicle to be used for the road test. The exam is intended to observe the applicant's driving control, so an automated parking function cannot substitute for the driver's maneuver. A manual transmission is allowed if the applicant can shift correctly, and working signals and registration are ordinary requirements rather than disqualifiers. Before the appointment, verify that the vehicle's assistance features will not prevent the examiner from evaluating the applicant.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free New Jersey practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 2: New Jersey Driver Testing. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.