Behind-the-Wheel Training in New Jersey

New Jersey Behind-the-Wheel Training

In New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) requires all new drivers to complete a period of supervised behind-the-wheel driving practice before obtaining a driver's license.

This is a requirement of the state's graduated driver license (GDL) program.

If you're a teenage driver, you must also complete an approved driver's training course, which includes additional behind-the-wheel training.

Supervised driving practice will help you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to pass your DMV driving test and get on the road with your first driver's license.

On this page you'll find information about your behind-the-wheel requirements and the next steps in the New Jersey GDL program.

NJ Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

The New Jersey MVC supervised driving requirements will vary depending on your age.

If you are 16 years old, you must:

  • Complete driver's training.
  • Complete at least 6 months of supervised driving.

If you are between 17 years old and 21 years old, you must complete at least 6 months of supervised behind-the-wheel practice.

If you are at least 21 years old, you'll need to complete at least 3 months of supervised driving practice.

You can begin your GDL requirements when you are at least 16 years old by enrolling in a Driver's Ed program and visiting the NJ MVC with your driving instructor to apply for your student learner's permit.

For more information, please visit our pages on the following topics:

NOTE: If you are at least 17 years old, you are not required to complete a driver's education program. You can visit the New Jersey MVC to obtain your regular learner's permit (examination permit).

New Jersey Driver's Training Course

If you are 16 years old, you'll need to enroll in a driver's training course to be eligible for a student learner's permit.

You'll need to visit the New Jersey MVC with your driving instructor to get the permit and begin your driver's training.

Your course will consist of at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice.

After you complete driver's training, you can go back to your local NJ MVC office to get your student permit validated and begin your supervised driving practice with a licensed adult.

Supervised Driving Practice in NJ

During the permit stage of the New Jersey GDL program, you'll be able to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has held a driver's license for at least 3 years.

While there is no minimum requirement for the number of supervised driving hours you'll need to complete, you will need to gain enough driving experience to pass your road test.

If you are between 16 years old and 21 years old you must:

  • Practice supervised behind-the-wheel driving for at least 6 months.
  • Not drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m.

If you are at least 21 years old, you'll need to complete at least 3 months of supervised behind-the-wheel practice.

Next Steps – Probationary Driver's License

You'll be eligible to take your driving test and apply for your probationary driver's license after you turn 17 years old and have completed the minimum period of behind-the-wheel practice. (See “Supervised Driving Practice in NJ" above.)

When you are ready, visit the NJ MVC website to schedule your road test.

For more information please visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) or Applying for a New License (Drivers 18+) in New Jersey pages.

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