NJ Permit Practice Test

How to use this NJ practice test

1. Take the 50 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the New Jersey Driver Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at 80 percent or better, book the real test.

NJ practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9
10. Test 10

Printable NJ practice test with answer key

All 50 questions, NJ exam length

Every question below comes from the New Jersey question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. A New Jersey driver who is 21 or older has a BAC reading of 0.08 percent. What does that reading mean?

   1. It is below every alcohol-related limit
   2. It reaches the illegal adult threshold
   3. It is legal unless the driver feels impaired
   4. It triggers only a warning for a first stop
   Show answer

   It reaches the illegal adult threshold. For an adult motorist, New Jersey treats a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher as illegal, even though impairment can begin well below that level. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. Two motorists arrive simultaneously at a New Jersey multi-way stop. Which driver yields?

   1. The driver approaching from the left yields to the driver on the right
   2. The driver on the right reverses to let the left vehicle pass
   3. The heavier vehicle receives priority
   4. Both vehicles enter together at reduced speed
   Show answer

   The driver approaching from the left yields to the driver on the right. At a multi-way stop, simultaneous arrival creates a right-side priority rule: the motorist on the left yields to the motorist on the right. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. What does New Jersey law set top speed limits for?

   1. Only roads with a posted school-zone sign
   2. Only interstate highways within city limits
   3. Only rural roads without center lines
   4. Any given road, street, highway, or freeway
   Show answer

   Any given road, street, highway, or freeway. New Jersey law establishes top speed limits for any given road, street, highway, or freeway. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. Which New Jersey driver may not use either a handheld or hands-free cellular telephone while operating the vehicle, except in limited circumstances?

   1. A school bus driver
   2. A driver stopped at a red light in a travel lane
   3. A driver with a passenger holding the phone
   4. A driver using a phone mounted below the windshield
   Show answer

   A school bus driver. The school-bus rule is stricter than the ordinary hands-free allowance. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. What parking distance from a crosswalk at an intersection is prohibited in New Jersey, unless an alley exception applies?

   1. Within 10 feet
   2. Within 25 feet
   3. Within 40 feet
   4. Within 50 feet
   Show answer

   Within 25 feet. New Jersey bars parking within 25 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection or the sideline of a street or intersection highway, with the manua Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. What driving rule does New Jersey state every motorist must follow?

   1. Match the fastest vehicle nearby
   2. Use the shoulder when traffic slows
   3. Drive at the posted limit in every condition
   4. Always obey the speed limit
   Show answer

   Always obey the speed limit. The manual states that a motorist must always obey the speed limit. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. During what hours may a New Jersey permit or probationary holder under 21 not drive?

   1. From 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
   2. From midnight until 4:00 a.m.
   3. From 11:01 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
   4. From 9:01 p.m. until 5:01 a.m.
   Show answer

   From 11:01 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.. The hour restriction for the listed permit and probationary holders under 21 begins at 11:01 p.m. and ends at 5:00 a.m. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. What qualifications must an adult supervising a New Jersey permit holder meet?

   1. At least 18, with any valid license
   2. At least 21, with a valid New Jersey license and three years of driving experience
   3. At least 21, with one year of driving experience
   4. At least 25, with five years of driving experience
   Show answer

   At least 21, with a valid New Jersey license and three years of driving experience. The supervising adult must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid New Jersey driver license, and have a minimum of three years of driving ex Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. What license-suspension range applies to a second alcohol or drug-related DUI occurring within 10 years of the first?

   1. Two to four years
   2. Eight years
   3. One to two years
   4. Ten years
   Show answer

   One to two years. For offenses on or after December 1, 2019, a second alcohol or drug-related DUI within 10 years of the first carries a one-to-two-year loss Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. How many points accumulated in 24 months trigger a mailed Notice of Scheduled Suspension?

    1. Six to eight points
    2. Four points exactly
    3. Twenty points only
    4. Twelve to 14 points or more
    Show answer

    Twelve to 14 points or more. A motorist who accumulates between 12 and 14 points in a 24-month period or more receives a Notice of Scheduled Suspension by mail from the Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. A traffic signal is unlit because of a power outage. How should drivers treat the intersection?

    1. As a flashing yellow signal
    2. As a four-way stop
    3. As an uncontrolled intersection with no stopping duty
    4. Only traffic turning left must stop
    Show answer

    As a four-way stop. An unlit signal with no person directing traffic is treated as a four-way stop. Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. What does a yellow diamond-shaped warning sign generally communicate?

    1. A roadway hazard or condition ahead
    2. A parking restriction that applies immediately
    3. A destination and route number
    4. A railroad crossing only
    Show answer

    A roadway hazard or condition ahead. Yellow diamond-shaped signs warn motorists about roadway conditions or hazards that may be encountered ahead. Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. When should a New Jersey driver slow down to help avoid hydroplaning?

    1. Only after the tires leave the road surface
    2. Only when driving on a dry center lane
    3. After accelerating above 55 mph
    4. When heavy rain, standing water, or slush is present
    Show answer

    When heavy rain, standing water, or slush is present. The manual specifically advises slowing down when heavy rain, standing water, or slush is present because those conditions increase the chan Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. Under New Jersey’s Move Over law, what must a driver do when changing lanes is unsafe near a flashing-light emergency vehicle?

    1. Reduce speed below the posted limit and be prepared to stop
    2. Maintain the posted speed if the vehicle is partly on the shoulder
    3. Stop in the adjacent lane beside the emergency vehicle
    4. Pass on the shoulder to create extra room
    Show answer

    Reduce speed below the posted limit and be prepared to stop. The Move Over rule normally calls for a safe lane change into a lane that is not adjacent to the stationary vehicle. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What does a cross buck sign require a New Jersey driver to do?

    1. Stop only when a gate is lowered
    2. Yield the right-of-way to trains
    3. Pass the tracks without checking both directions
    4. Treat the sign as permission to cross anywhere
    Show answer

    Yield the right-of-way to trains. The cross buck is an X-shaped railroad crossing sign, and the manual says it means the same as a Yield sign. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What are New Jersey warning signs for?

    1. License renewal fees and document requirements
    2. Parking payment instructions at municipal meters
    3. Information about motorist services only
    4. Road conditions that need caution and specific hazards
    Show answer

    Road conditions that need caution and specific hazards. New Jersey warning signs identify road conditions that need caution and specific hazards encountered during road operations. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What does the round yellow railroad sign warn of in New Jersey?

    1. A railroad crossing behind the vehicle
    2. A station where parking is required
    3. A railroad crossing ahead
    4. A crossing reserved for pedestrians only
    Show answer

    A railroad crossing ahead. The yellow circular RR advance-warning sign announces a railroad crossing ahead. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What color and shape generally identify New Jersey warning signs?

    1. White and rectangular with a green route number
    2. Yellow and diamond-shaped with a black symbol or word message
    3. Blue and circular with a white service symbol
    4. Orange and triangular with a slow-moving vehicle symbol
    Show answer

    Yellow and diamond-shaped with a black symbol or word message. The manual says warning signs are yellow and diamond-shaped, with a black symbol or word message. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. What legal force do New Jersey road markings have?

    1. Only advisory force when traffic is light
    2. Force only for commercial drivers
    3. The same force of law as signs or traffic signals
    4. No force unless a police officer is present
    Show answer

    The same force of law as signs or traffic signals. New Jersey treats road markings as legally binding controls, giving them the same force of law as signs or traffic signals. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. What kinds of hazards can New Jersey warning signs identify?

    1. Only toll booths and route numbers
    2. Only vehicle inspection stations and rest areas
    3. Only lane-use rules printed on white signs
    4. Road conditions, deer crossings, railroad crossings, school crossings, or curved roadways
    Show answer

    Road conditions, deer crossings, railroad crossings, school crossings, or curved roadways. The manual says warning signs can alert motorists to road conditions, deer crossings, railroad crossings, school crossings, or curved roadwa Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. A pedestrian has not entered the roadway and faces an orange steady raised palm. What should happen?

    1. Start crossing quickly
    2. Remain on the sidewalk and do not enter
    3. Walk diagonally against traffic
    4. Enter after a driver waves
    Show answer

    Remain on the sidewalk and do not enter. The steady raised palm tells a person still on the sidewalk or curb not to enter the roadway. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. How far from a fire station driveway must a New Jersey motorist park on the opposite side of the street?

    1. 75 feet
    2. 20 feet
    3. 50 feet
    4. 100 feet
    Show answer

    75 feet. Parking is prohibited within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and within 75 feet on the street opposite a fire station e Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. Why does the three-seconds-plus rule help a driver following another vehicle?

    1. It guarantees exactly three seconds of braking
    2. It replaces watching traffic ahead
    3. It permits a shorter gap on wet roads
    4. It helps judge enough space for a sudden stop
    Show answer

    It helps judge enough space for a sudden stop. The method uses a fixed object to estimate whether the following gap can accommodate an unexpected stop. Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. Rumble strips are placed to do what for a New Jersey driver?

    1. Alert the driver to a decision point or danger ahead
    2. Mark a legal passing lane
    3. Show the distance to the next exit
    4. Replace every nearby warning sign
    Show answer

    Alert the driver to a decision point or danger ahead. Rumble strips create vibration and noise that can wake a drowsy driver and call attention to a decision point or hazard ahead. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. What does a solid yellow line on the driver’s side of the center line mean?

    1. The driver may pass if the shoulder is clear
    2. The driver must not pass
    3. Only trucks may cross to pass
    4. The driver must turn next
    Show answer

    The driver must not pass. A solid yellow line on the motorist’s side of the center line means do not pass. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. On a New Jersey road, both center lines are broken. When may a driver pass?

    1. Passing is forbidden in both directions
    2. Only the vehicle on the shoulder may pass
    3. Passing is allowed on either side when it is safe
    4. Passing is allowed only after a police signal
    Show answer

    Passing is allowed on either side when it is safe. Both broken center lines permit passing from either direction when the roadway is clear and the maneuver can be completed safely. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. What is the usual purpose of a green rectangular sign on a New Jersey highway?

    1. Warning of a temporary lane closure
    2. Information about nearby fuel or lodging services
    3. A command to stop at the next intersection
    4. Direction guidance for routes and destinations
    Show answer

    Direction guidance for routes and destinations. Green rectangular signs provide direction guidance, helping motorists identify routes and destinations. Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. What authority does a New Jersey flagger have in a road work zone?

    1. The same authority as a regulatory sign
    2. Authority only after a police officer arrives
    3. Authority to change the posted speed limit permanently
    4. Authority to waive every traffic law in the work zone
    Show answer

    The same authority as a regulatory sign. The manual gives flaggers the same authority as a regulatory sign, so a motorist may be cited for disobeying their directions. Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. What minimum eyesight standard is listed for a New Jersey basic license applicant?

    1. 20/20 vision without glasses
    2. 20/40 vision only in the weaker eye
    3. 20/80 vision with no corrective option
    4. 20/50 vision with or without corrective lenses
    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. Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. What must a New Jersey motorist do when a train is approaching a railroad crossing?

    1. Enter the crossing before the train gets close
    2. Rely on the vehicle's size to claim priority
    3. Yield to the train
    4. Cross if the warning lights are still dark
    Show answer

    Yield to the train. Trains have priority when approaching a railroad crossing, so the motorist must yield and wait for a safe crossing. Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. Where does the New Jersey manual specifically tell drivers to slow down even when no reduced limit is posted?

    1. At intersections and railroad crossings
    2. Only on roads with a school-zone sign
    3. Only after a vehicle begins skidding
    4. Only on interstates during daylight
    Show answer

    At intersections and railroad crossings. The manual lists intersections and railroad crossings among places where motorists should always slow down. Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. When parallel parking in New Jersey, how close should the vehicle initially pull alongside the vehicle in front?

    1. Less than six inches away
    2. About two to four feet away
    3. About eight to ten feet away
    4. Directly touching the other vehicle
    Show answer

    About two to four feet away. The parallel-parking setup calls for pulling alongside the vehicle in front at about two to four feet. Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. After moving, how soon must a New Jersey motorist report an address change to the MVC?

    1. Within 30 calendar days
    2. At the next license renewal only
    3. Within one week
    4. Only when moving to another state
    Show answer

    Within one week. A New Jersey motorist who changes an address must notify the MVC within one week after moving. Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. Which three components does New Jersey use to describe stopping distance?

    1. Lane distance, mirror distance, and shoulder distance
    2. Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance
    3. Speed distance, tire distance, and signal distance
    4. Turning distance, passing distance, and parking distance
    Show answer

    Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. New Jersey expresses stopping distance as the sum of perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. What should a New Jersey driver do after missing an exit on a highway, parkway, or turnpike?

    1. Continue to the next exit
    2. Back up on the exit ramp when traffic clears
    3. Stop in the travel lane and wait for a gap
    4. Cross the median to return to the missed ramp
    Show answer

    Continue to the next exit. If a motorist misses an exit on a New Jersey highway, parkway, or turnpike, the safe instruction is to continue to the next exit. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. Which vehicle is barred from use during a New Jersey road test?

    1. A vehicle with a manual transmission
    2. A vehicle with working turn signals
    3. A self-parking vehicle
    4. 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. Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. How many proofs of New Jersey residential address are required for a REAL ID license application?

    1. One
    2. Three notarized proofs
    3. No address proof
    4. Two
    Show answer

    Two. For a REAL ID New Jersey driver license, the applicant must provide two proofs of a New Jersey residential address. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. When parallel parking in New Jersey, how far from the curb should the tires be at the end?

    1. No more than six inches
    2. About two feet
    3. At least four feet
    4. Touching the curb with both tires
    Show answer

    No more than six inches. After completing a parallel-park maneuver, New Jersey says the vehicle's tires should be no more than six inches from the curb. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. What information is normally provided by a blue New Jersey motorist-service sign?

    1. A route number and destination distance
    2. A public recreation site or scenic viewpoint
    3. A temporary lane closure ahead
    4. Services and information for motorists
    Show answer

    Services and information for motorists. Blue motorist-service signs communicate services and information. Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. On a wet New Jersey road, how should the usual following interval be adjusted?

    1. Keep exactly one second because wet pavement shortens reaction time
    2. Use a fixed distance of six feet at every speed
    3. Increase the three-seconds-plus rule to four or more seconds
    4. Reduce the interval so another vehicle cannot merge
    Show answer

    Increase the three-seconds-plus rule to four or more seconds. On wet pavement, New Jersey increases the usual three-seconds-plus following rule to four or more seconds. Full explanation in Test 8

41. 41. What is the New Jersey response when an engine dies and power steering fails?

    1. Keep a firm grip because extra hand power is needed, then stop safely
    2. Release the wheel so the vehicle can center itself
    3. Turn off all warning lights and continue at normal speed
    4. Apply the parking brake sharply while making a fast turn
    Show answer

    Keep a firm grip because extra hand power is needed, then stop safely. If an engine dies and power steering is lost, the driver should keep a firm grip because extra hand power is needed to turn or maintain cont Full explanation in Test 9

42. 42. Which wording appears on the red-circle roadway sign shown here?

    1. NO PASSING ZONE
    2. DO NOT ENTER
    3. STOP AHEAD
    4. ROAD CLOSED
    Show answer

    DO NOT ENTER. The DO NOT ENTER sign is described as a white square containing a red circle with a white horizontal band and white wording. Full explanation in Test 9

43. 43. What do road arrows show when used with other signs?

    1. The location of the nearest inspection station
    2. That passing is always permitted
    3. The correct direction a motorist must take in that lane
    4. That the roadway is closed to all traffic
    Show answer

    The correct direction a motorist must take in that lane. Road arrows, when used with other signs, show the correct direction a motorist must take in that lane. Full explanation in Test 9

44. 44. What does New Jersey’s white X-shaped railroad crossbuck mean?

    1. Stop only when a gate is lowered
    2. Yield the right-of-way to trains
    3. Trains must yield to vehicles
    4. The crossing is for pedestrians only
    Show answer

    Yield the right-of-way to trains. The white X-shaped crossbuck has the same meaning as a YIELD sign. Full explanation in Test 9

45. 45. What do white dashed lines separate on multi-lane highways?

    1. Traffic lanes
    2. Traffic moving in opposite directions
    3. The shoulder from the travel lane
    4. A pedestrian crossing from the roadway
    Show answer

    Traffic lanes. White dashed lines separate traffic lanes on multi-lane highways. Full explanation in Test 9

46. 46. Which label identifies the warning sign with two opposing arrows?

    1. Divided Highway
    2. A narrower roadway
    3. Two-Lane Traffic
    4. Sharp Turn Ahead
    Show answer

    Two-Lane Traffic. Two-Lane Traffic identifies the warning sign with arrows pointing in opposite directions. Full explanation in Test 10

47. 47. When is an advisory speed sign used with a curve or turn warning?

    1. When the road is one way
    2. When passing is permitted on both sides
    3. When a traffic signal is out
    4. When the maximum safe speed is lower than the posted speed limit
    Show answer

    When the maximum safe speed is lower than the posted speed limit. An advisory speed sign accompanies the proper warning sign when the maximum safe speed around a curve or turn is below the posted speed limi Full explanation in Test 10

48. 48. What does New Jersey law require for trash or debris carried in a vehicle?

    1. It must be covered to keep it from littering the roadway
    2. It must be in the trunk
    3. It must weigh under 50 pounds
    4. There is no requirement
    Show answer

    It must be covered to keep it from littering the roadway. All trash, debris or rubbish carried in a vehicle must be covered to keep it from littering the roadway, under N.J.S.A. 39:4-63 and 39:4-64. Full explanation in Test 10

49. 49. Which locations does the manual list as examples of road hazards that warning signs may identify?

    1. Only parking lots and driveways
    2. Gas stations, rest areas, and hospitals
    3. Traffic lights, stop signs, and toll booths
    4. Hills, dips, narrow bridges, bumps, and railroad tracks
    Show answer

    Hills, dips, narrow bridges, bumps, and railroad tracks. The manual lists hills, dips, narrow bridges, bumps, and railroad tracks as examples of road hazards. Full explanation in Test 10

50. 50. When must motorists yield to an emergency vehicle?

    1. Only when it is stopped at an intersection
    2. Only when it is traveling faster than surrounding traffic
    3. When it sounds its siren or displays flashing red or blue emergency lights
    4. Only after a police officer waves from the vehicle
    Show answer

    When it sounds its siren or displays flashing red or blue emergency lights. New Jersey requires motorists to yield when an emergency vehicle sounds its siren or displays flashing red or blue emergency lights. Full explanation in Test 10