NJ Permit Practice Test 21

All 20 questions in test 21

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. What condition must a vehicle's headlights, both bright and dim, be in according to the manual?

   1. Bright lights only need to work
   2. They must work and be properly aligned
   3. Alignment matters only after a crash
   4. They may point upward if kept clean
   Show answer

   They must work and be properly aligned. Bright and dim headlights must work and be properly aligned. They can be checked against a garage wall or parked vehicles and should be kept clean. If other motorists flash their lights while your lights are on low beam, your lights may be out of line. The cited passage reads: "Bright and dim lights must work and be properly aligned." Among the options, "They must work and be properly aligned" matches that passage, while "Bright lights only need to work", "Alignment matters only after a crash", and "They may point upward if kept clean" each alter its terms.

   Study this in the handbook: Seat belts, child seats and vehicle control

2. 2. What minimum advance notice must an applicant give the MVC when requesting a state-approved interpreter for the knowledge test?

   1. At least two weeks before the intended test date
   2. At least two days before the intended test date
   3. Only on the morning of the test
   4. At least two months before the intended test date
   Show answer

   At least two weeks before the intended test date. An applicant must inform the MVC of the need for an interpreter at least two weeks before the intended knowledge test date. Two days or notice on the test day does not meet that requirement; two months is longer than the required minimum. The cited passage reads: "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." Among the options, "At least two weeks before the intended test date" matches that passage, while "At least two days before the intended test date", "Only on the morning of the test", and "At least two months before the intended test date" each alter its terms.

   Study this in the handbook: The knowledge test and road test

3. 3. On most New Jersey roads, on which side should passing be done?

   1. On the right, always
   2. Most passing should be on the left
   3. Either side equally, without conditions
   4. On the shoulder when lanes are full
   Show answer

   Most passing should be on the left. Most passing should be on the left. Passing on the right is allowed only on roads with more than one lane going in the same direction, if vehicles on the roadway are moving in two or more substantially continuous lines or when the motorist ahead is making a left turn and there is room to pass. Never pass on the right shoulder of the road.

   Study this in the handbook: Right of way, intersections and passing

4. 4. What makes an intersection uncontrolled in New Jersey?

   1. Two or more roads join and there is no traffic signal or regulatory device
   2. It has a flashing yellow light
   3. It has a stop sign on one corner only
   4. It is inside a parking lot
   Show answer

   Two or more roads join and there is no traffic signal or regulatory device. An intersection counts as uncontrolled when two or more roads join and there is no traffic signal or regulatory device guiding entry. A flashing light is still a signal, a single stop sign still regulates one approach, and a parking lot location does not decide the category. Approach these junctions expecting cross traffic to arrive without instructions, slow early, and grant the right of way as the general rules require rather than assuming others will stop.

   Study this in the handbook: Right of way, intersections and passing

5. 5. A court ordered an ignition interlock, and the driver never installs it before driving. What added license consequence follows?

   1. A warning letter
   2. An extra $50 fine only
   3. A one-year suspension, in addition to any suspension already imposed
   4. The order expires after 30 days
   Show answer

   A one-year suspension, in addition to any suspension already imposed. Driving after failing to install a court-ordered ignition interlock results in a one-year suspension in addition to any other suspension or revocation already imposed, and may include penalties as a disorderly person. The cited passage reads: "Driving after failing to install an interlock device, as ordered by the court, results in a one-year suspension, in addition to any other suspension or revocation already imposed" Among the options, "A one-year suspension, in addition to any suspension already imposed" matches that passage, while "A warning letter", "An extra $50 fine only", and "The order expires after 30 days" each alter its terms.

6. 6. How many visible red reflective decals must a New Jersey GDL driver under 21 display?

   1. Four, one at each corner
   2. One, on the rear plate only
   3. Two, both on the front plate
   4. Two, one on the front plate and one on the rear plate
   Show answer

   Two, one on the front plate and one on the rear plate. A permit or probationary license holder who is under 21 must display two visible red reflective GDL decals. One belongs on the top left of the rear license plate and the other on the top left of the front plate. The rear-only choice supplies just half of the required display, while placing both on the front plate leaves the rear vehicle unidentified. A useful walk-around cue is to check both plates before the young driver moves the vehicle.

   Study this in the handbook: Permits and the Graduated Driver License

7. 7. A driver licensed in another country applies in New Jersey. How long do that applicant's test results stay valid?

   1. One year
   2. Six months
   3. Two years
   4. Four years
   Show answer

   Two years. Paperwork from an out-of-country application does not expire with the seasons. Knowledge and vision results, and a road result where one is required, remain usable for two years. Six months cuts that window to a quarter, one year halves it, and four years confuses it with license validity. If an application stalls, count two full years from testing before assuming the scores must be earned again from the start.

8. 8. How long is the driver safety class offered through mature driver programs?

   1. A one-hour online video only
   2. A two-hour evening lecture
   3. A twelve-hour weekend course
   4. A six-hour class, open to everyone
   Show answer

   A six-hour class, open to everyone. The mature driver offering runs six hours and, despite the name, opens its seats to everyone who wants to refine skills and defensive technique. Two hours shortens it into a talk, twelve doubles the commitment, and a single online hour misses that classroom and online formats both deliver the full session. Graduates may also gain an insurance discount and, where applicable, a two point reduction.

   Study this in the handbook: Points, surcharges and driver programs

9. 9. Which action does the New Jersey manual identify as double parking?

   1. Stopping or parking next to another vehicle that is parked at the curb
   2. Parking behind a vehicle that is parked at the curb
   3. Parking in a marked parallel space
   4. Parking along a curb with no other vehicles
   Show answer

   Stopping or parking next to another vehicle that is parked at the curb. The manual's do not park list names double parking as stopping or parking next to another vehicle parked at the curb. A motorist should never do this unless a police officer directs it or a crash must be avoided. Parking behind a vehicle at the curb, using a marked parallel space, or parking along a curb with no other vehicles is not the situation the manual describes as double parking.

   Study this in the handbook: Where not to park, headlights and phones

10. 10. Installing an ignition interlock voluntarily before conviction can lead to what benefit?

    1. Removal of all points ever recorded
    2. A full dismissal of all charges
    3. A free replacement vehicle
    4. A reduction in fines and, when applicable, a reduction in the license suspension period
    Show answer

    A reduction in fines and, when applicable, a reduction in the license suspension period. Getting ahead of a court's order can soften two penalties: fines may shrink, and an applicable suspension period may shrink with them. Dismissal goes far beyond what voluntary installation promises, a replacement vehicle appears in no provision, and lifetime point erasure confuses this benefit with separate point reduction programs. The offer dates from offenses on or after February 19, 2024, for certain alcohol-related arrests.

11. 11. What is named as the most common cause of motorcycle crashes involving other motorists?

    1. Motorcycles traveling too fast for curves
    2. A motorist's failure to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic
    3. Drivers signaling too early
    4. Motorcycles using the left lane
    Show answer

    A motorist's failure to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic. A motorist’s failure to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the most common cause of motorcycle crashes. Check blind spots twice before changing lanes or making turns. The cited passage reads: "A motorist’s failure to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the most common cause of motorcycle crashes." Among the options, "A motorist's failure to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic" matches that passage, while "Motorcycles traveling too fast for curves", "Drivers signaling too early", and "Motorcycles using the left lane" each alter its terms.

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, cyclists, trucks and trains

12. 12. What speed rule keeps night driving safe in New Jersey guidance?

    1. Match daytime speed whenever the road is dry
    2. Drive slowly enough to stop within the distance visible ahead
    3. Use high beams so the posted limit stays safe everywhere
    4. Drive at the posted limit regardless of headlight range
    Show answer

    Drive slowly enough to stop within the distance visible ahead. At night, slow down and drive within the range of the headlights. Always be sure the vehicle can stop within the distance visible ahead. The manual notes that vision is reduced at night. The cited passage reads: "To drive safely at night, slow down and drive within the range of the vehicle’s headlights. A motorist should always be sure the vehicle can stop within the distance that they see ahead." Among the options, "Drive slowly enough to stop within the distance visible ahead" matches that passage, while "Match daytime speed whenever the road is dry", "Drive at the posted limit regardless of headlight range", and "Use high beams so the posted limit stays safe everywhere" each alter its terms.

    Study this in the handbook: Following distance, weather and staying alert

13. 13. What tire matching rule helps a vehicle hold the road properly?

    1. Tread depth does not matter if pressures match
    2. Mix one radial with three bias tires for balance
    3. Tires must match; do not mix radials with other tire types, and keep enough tread
    4. Any mix is fine at low speed
    Show answer

    Tires must match; do not mix radials with other tire types, and keep enough tread. To hold the road properly, tires must match: do not mix radial tires with other tire types. Tires must also have enough tread. The manual says not to drive with tires having less than 1/16 inch of tread and to check tire pressure often, especially when tires are cold. The cited passage reads: "To hold on to the road properly, tires must match (do not mix radials with other tire types) and must have enough tread." Among the options, "Tires must match; do not mix radials with other tire types, and keep enough tread" matches that passage, while "Mix one radial with three bias tires for balance", "Tread depth does not matter if pressures match", and "Any mix is fine at low speed" each alter its terms.

    Study this in the handbook: Seat belts, child seats and vehicle control

14. 14. Someone in a vehicle shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. What should happen first?

    1. Remove the person from the CO source at once and call 911 for immediate medical attention
    2. Drive faster with the windows up
    3. Wait an hour to see if symptoms fade
    4. Offer coffee and keep driving
    Show answer

    Remove the person from the CO source at once and call 911 for immediate medical attention. Immediately remove the person from the carbon monoxide source and call 911 for medical attention. If you are in a vehicle, turn off the engine, get out as soon as it is safe, and try to get the victim to breathe fresh air while waiting for help. The cited passage reads: "If you suspect that someone is suffering from CO poisoning, it is important to immediately remove that person from the source of the CO and call 911 for immediate medical attention." Among the options, "Remove the person from the CO source at once and call 911 for immediate medical attention" matches that passage, while "Drive faster with the windows up", "Wait an hour to see if symptoms fade", and "Offer coffee and keep driving" each alter its terms.

15. 15. A New Jersey motorist is not feeling well. What does the manual say that driver should do?

    1. Drive slowly in the right lane
    2. Let someone else drive
    3. Turn up the radio
    4. Drive only short distances
    Show answer

    Let someone else drive. The manual says any health problem can affect a person's driving, and that even little problems like a stiff neck, a cough, or a sore leg can give a driver trouble. If a motorist is not feeling well, the motorist should let someone else drive. Driving slowly, raising the radio volume, or limiting distance does not remove the risk of driving while unwell.

    Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, drugs and your BAC

16. 16. What causes most car fires, according to the manual?

    1. Fuel tank ruptures in minor crashes
    2. Spilled fuel at gas stations
    3. Overheated tires
    4. Short circuits in the electrical system
    Show answer

    Short circuits in the electrical system. Most car fires are caused by short circuits in the electrical system. If a fire occurs, get passengers out and away from the vehicle at once and call for help. The manual says never to attempt to put out a vehicle fire yourself. The cited passage reads: "Most car fires are caused by short circuits in the electrical system." Among the options, "Short circuits in the electrical system" matches that passage, while "Fuel tank ruptures in minor crashes", "Overheated tires", and "Spilled fuel at gas stations" each alter its terms.

    Study this in the handbook: Vehicle emergencies and what to do after a crash

17. 17. A driver travels 76 mph in a posted 65-mph New Jersey zone. What fine rule applies?

    1. The fine is doubled because the speed is at least 10 mph over
    2. The fine is doubled only after a crash
    3. The fine is cut in half because the excess is under 15 mph
    4. The ordinary fine applies until the speed reaches 80 mph
    Show answer

    The fine is doubled because the speed is at least 10 mph over. The calculation is 76 minus 65, which equals 11 mph. New Jersey doubles the fine when a driver exceeds a 65-mph limit by 10 mph or more, so this example crosses the threshold. A collision is not required, and the law does not wait for 15 or 80 mph. On the test, subtract the posted limit from the actual speed first; the resulting number determines whether the special 65-mph penalty applies.

    Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and safe speed

18. 18. What fine applies to a first New Jersey conviction for unsafe driving that endangers a person or property?

    1. Not less than $100 or more than $250
    2. Not less than $200 or more than $500
    3. Not less than $50 or more than $150
    4. Not less than $500 or more than $1,000
    Show answer

    Not less than $50 or more than $150. A first unsafe driving conviction brings a fine of not less than $50 or more than $150, plus a $250 court surcharge for each offense. The $100 to $250 span describes a second conviction, so it tempts anyone who skips the offense count. The $200 to $500 span waits for a third or later conviction. Counting priors before guessing the range keeps the tiers straight at sentencing.

19. 19. How many points are charged for driving through a pedestrian safety zone in New Jersey?

    1. Three motor vehicle points
    2. Four motor vehicle points
    3. Two motor vehicle points
    4. No points, only a fine
    Show answer

    Two motor vehicle points. Driving through a safety zone carries two points. Improper right or left turns carry three points, and improper passing in a no-passing zone carries four. The cited passage reads: "N.J.S.A. 39:4-41 Driving through a safety zone 2 N.J.S.A. 39:4-52 and" Among the options, "Two motor vehicle points" matches that passage, while "Three motor vehicle points", "Four motor vehicle points", and "No points, only a fine" each alter its terms.

20. 20. How many points follow a failure to pass to the right of a vehicle proceeding in the opposite direction in New Jersey?

    1. Five points
    2. 4 points
    3. 2 points
    4. 8 points
    Show answer

    Five points. The moving violation point chart assigns five points for failure to pass to the right of a vehicle proceeding in the opposite direction. The cited passage reads: "Failure to pass right of vehicle proceeding in opposite direction 5" Among the options, "Five points" matches that passage, while "2 points", "4 points", and "8 points" each alter its terms. Keeping the passage wording in view, with its exact figures and conditions, is the cue for picking "Five points" over the alternatives listed here.