How to Get Your Driver's License in New Jersey

What You Need to Do to Get a New Jersey Driver's License

To get a New Jersey driver's license, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a road test, and provide proof of identity and residency. The process takes place at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. You cannot skip the written test or road test — both are required, and you must pass them in order. Most people complete the entire process over two to four weeks, though wait times at MVC offices vary by location and time of year.

New Jersey issues licenses to people 17 and older. If you are under 18, you must first hold a Learner's Permit for at least six months before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can move directly to the written test and road test without the permit step.

Key Takeaways

You must pass a written test on New Jersey traffic laws before you can take the road test, and you cannot take the road test on the same day.
Bring original documents proving your identity and New Jersey residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works for residency.
The road test uses your own vehicle or a rental, and the car must be registered, insured, and pass a safety inspection.
Book your road test appointment online at nj.gov/mvc or by phone; written test appointments fill up weeks in advance during busy months.
If you are under 18, you must hold a Learner's Permit for at least six months before taking the road test.

Documents You Must Bring to the MVC Office

Bring an original document that proves who you are. A U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate all work. If you have a current out-of-state driver's license, bring that instead. Photocopies are not accepted — the MVC must see the original.

You also need proof that you live in New Jersey. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last three months will work. If you do not have a document in your name, a letter from your landlord or a family member stating your address and the date you moved in is acceptable. Bring two pieces of proof if you can, because some offices ask for it.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. You will also need to fill out form NJMVC-10, the process for a New Jersey driver's license. You can read it from nj.gov/mvc before you go, or pick it up at the office.

Taking the Written Test

The written test covers New Jersey traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 50 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the MVC office. You must get at least 40 questions correct to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes.

You can study for free using the New Jersey Driver Manual, available as a PDF on nj.gov/mvc. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people also use the MVC's online practice test, which shows you the types of questions you will see. You can take the written test in English or Spanish.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again. After you pass the written test, you must wait at least one day before you can take the road test. You cannot take both on the same day.

Booking and Taking the Road Test

After you pass the written test, book your road test appointment online at nj.gov/mvc or by calling 609-292-6500. Road test appointments fill up quickly — during busy months like spring and summer, you may not find an opening for four to six weeks. Book as soon as you pass the written test.

For the road test, bring your Learner's Permit (if you are under 18) or your written test passing receipt. Bring the vehicle you will drive during the test. The car must be registered in someone's name, have current insurance, and pass a New Jersey safety inspection. The inspection checks brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering. If the car fails inspection, you cannot use it for the test.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner watches you drive on local roads and highways, merge, park, and handle traffic. You must follow all traffic laws and the examiner's directions. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must book another appointment and wait for an opening.

Getting Your License After You Pass

After you pass the road test, the MVC takes your photo and issues your license on the spot at most offices. Your license is valid for 10 years. If you are under 21, your license will have a gold bar across the top and different rules explore — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months you hold the license, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

If you need a replacement license or want to renew early, you can do that online through the MVC website without visiting an office. Renewals by mail are also available for people 62 and older.

If You Are Under 18: The Learner's Permit Step

If you are under 18, you must get a Learner's Permit before you can take the road test. To get the permit, pass the written test at an MVC office, bring your identity and residency documents, and pay the permit fee. The permit is valid for two years.

While you hold the permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the road test. After six months, book your road test appointment and follow the same process as anyone else.

MVC Office Locations and Hours

New Jersey has 19 MVC offices across the state. The main office in Trenton is at 225 East State Street. Other offices are in Newark, Jersey City, Atlantic City, Vineland, and other cities. Hours vary by location — most are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some are open on Saturday mornings. Check nj.gov/mvc for the office nearest you and its hours before you go.

Wait times are longest in spring and summer and shortest in winter. If you can visit on a weekday morning, you will usually wait less than an hour. Afternoons and Saturdays are busier. Some offices let you check wait times online before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the road test in a rental car?

Yes. The rental car must be registered, insured, and pass a New Jersey safety inspection. Many rental companies will not let you use their cars for a road test, so call ahead and ask. Some driving schools rent cars specifically for road tests.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it, but you must book another appointment and wait for an opening. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. You do not have to retake the written test unless your passing score expires, which is two years after you pass it.

How much does a New Jersey driver's license cost?

The written test fee is around $10 to $15, and the road test fee is around $15 to $20. The license itself costs around $24 for a 10-year license. Fees change occasionally, so check nj.gov/mvc for current amounts.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can get a license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation to the MVC office. The process is the same otherwise.

What if I move to New Jersey from another state?

You must get a New Jersey license within 60 days of moving. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a New Jersey one without retaking the written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to an MVC office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.