Step 1: Student Learner’s Permit

What to do before you go to the agency?

Complete high school driver education course OR enroll with a licensed driving school. List of licensed driving schools.

What to bring to the agency
  • Primary ID Document. See 6 Points of ID for more information. Read more about the 6 Points of ID.
  • Proof of address.
  • A $10 fee to be paid at the agency by credit/debit card, cash, check, or money order (payable to NJMVC).
What you need to do at the agency

Step 1. (items may be completed at the driving school, or at an MVC accompanied by a licensed driving instructor).

    • Complete and submit form BA-412D (available at the agency).
    • Pass a vision test
    • Pass a knowledge test (if not previously passed).
    • Pay the $10 fee.
    You will then need to complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction (scheduled with your driving school or instructor) in a dual-controlled vehicle with a licensed driving instructor.

Step 2. (after completing 6 hours of instruction)

  • The driving school, student, or parent/guardian must complete the student permit at a motor vehicle agency that offers driver testing. Once completed, the MVC agency will validate for practice driving.
  • Then you must practice supervised driving for at least 6 months (see instructions at bottom of page). After that, you may schedule a road test. NOTE: You cannot get your license until you are 17 years of age.
What is on the road test?

You can prepare for and learn about the road test.
You must visit an agency that offers road testing. See agency list.

What agency to visit?

Step 2: Probationary License

What to do before you go to the agency?
  • Obtain your permit;
  • Pass a road test;
  • Practice supervised driving for at least 6 months (see instructions at bottom of page).
What to bring to the agency
  • Primary ID Document (see 6 Points of ID for more information). Read more about the 6 Points of ID.
  • Proof of address.
  • Validated learner’s permit (proof of successful road test).
  • A $6 fee to be paid at the agency by credit/debit card, cash, check, or money order (payable to NJMVC).
What you need to do at the agency
  • Fill out Auto License Application (Form BA-208 available only at the agency) and submit it at one of the counters.
  • Pay $6 Fee

You will now have your probationary license.
Then you must practice unsupervised driving for at least one year (see instructions below).

What is on the road test?

You can prepare for and learn about the road test.
You must visit an agency that offers road testing. See agency list.

Step 3: Basic Driver License

What to do before you go to the agency?
  • Obtain your probationary license;
  • Then practice unsupervised driving for at least one year (see instructions below).
What to bring to the agency
  • Primary ID Document(s). See 6 Points of ID for more information. Read more about the 6 Points of ID.
  • Proof of address.
  • An upgrade fee to paid at the agency by credit/debit card, cash, check, or money order.
What you need to do at the agency
  • Fill out Auto License Application (Form BA-208 available only at the agency) and submit it at one of the counters.
  • Pay the pro-rated upgrade fee.

You will now have your basic driver license.

What agency to visit?

More Information

Instructions for supervised driving
  • Permit and probationary drivers under 21 may drive outside the prescribed hours for employment or religious reasons.
    • Drivers must carry legible documentation on letterhead signed by the employer, organization or religious institution stating the reasons for this request. It must include the title, address and telephone number of designated official.
  • You must be accompanied in the front seat by an adult supervising driver who is at least 21 years of age, and who possesses a valid New Jersey driver’s license, and has a minimum of three years driving experience.
  • Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s) are allowed as passengers. A dependent can be the driver’s child, not brother or sister.
  • Only one additional passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • You cannot use cell phones, handheld video games or any other interactive, wireless device, whether it is “hands-free” or not.
  • Seat belts must be worn at all times.
Instructions for unsupervised driving (permit & probationary drivers under 21)
  • There are no time limits for basic driver’s license holders 18+.
  • Permit and probationary drivers under 21 may drive outside the prescribed hours for employment or religious reasons.
    • Drivers must carry legible documentation on letterhead signed by the employer, organization or religious institution stating the reasons for this request. It must include the title, address and telephone number of designated official.
  • Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s) are allowed as passengers. A dependent can be the driver’s child, not brother or sister.
  • Only one additional passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • You cannot use cell phones, handheld video games or any other interactive, wireless device, whether it is “hands-free” or not.
  • Seat belts must be worn at all times.
Validated permit lost or stolen?
  • Visit the MVC agency with a parent or guardian.
  • Bring your 6 Points of ID. Read more about the 6 Points of ID.
  • Pay a $3 fee for a replacement learner’s permit.