NJ Learner's Permit at 16: Six Lessons, 50 Hours and the BA-CSD

We run a driving school in New Jersey, and every spring the same question arrives in our inbox from parents: "My kid turns 16 next month. What do we do first?" The NJ learner's permit process isn't hard, but it has more moving parts than most states, and the rules changed in 2025. Here's the checklist we walk families through, in the order that actually works.

Special learner's permit vs examination permit

New Jersey has two learner permits, and which one you get depends on age.

Most families go the special learner's permit route, because it's the only way to start driving at 16 and reach a probationary license right at 17.

NJ learner's permit at 16: enroll with a driving school

For a special learner's permit, the process starts with a licensed driving school, not the MVC. The school registers the student, and then the student goes to an MVC agency to apply, show ID, pass the vision test and take the knowledge test.

The knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need 80% (40 correct) to pass. It covers the New Jersey Driver Manual: signs, right of way, alcohol and drug laws, GDL rules, and safe-driving practices. The New Jersey questions catch teens who skip the GDL and penalties chapters. Our New Jersey permit test page and free practice tests cover those topics, including the specific numbers the MVC likes to ask.

The six-hour behind-the-wheel requirement

Before a 16-year-old can drive with a parent, the permit must be validated. That happens after the student completes 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed driving instructor in a dual-controlled car.

In those six hours, a good instructor covers vehicle controls, steering and braking, turns, intersections, lane changes, parking and, ideally, some busier roads. When we teach these lessons, we also hand parents a list of skills to keep practicing, because six hours is a foundation, not a finish line.

Once the instructor validates the permit, the supervised practice period begins. You must hold the validated permit for at least six months before the road test.

50 practice hours and the BA-CSD form

This is the 2025 change. For drivers under 21 who were issued a special learner's permit or examination permit on or after February 1, 2025, New Jersey requires at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving, with 10 of those hours during darkness, before a probationary license can be issued.

The proof is Form BA-CSD, the Certification of Supervised Driving. A parent, guardian or supervising driver signs it to certify the hours. Key details from the MVC:

• Only the signed BA-CSD satisfies the requirement. A practice log is recommended for tracking, but the log itself isn't accepted.
• You present the form at licensing, after you pass the road test.
• If you got the permit before 21 and apply for the license after 21, you still need the certification.

Fifty hours over six months is roughly two hours a week. Front-load daylight basics, then build night hours in the fall and winter when it gets dark early. For a state-by-state comparison, see supervised driving hours by state.

During practice, the supervising driver must be at least 21, have a valid New Jersey license and at least three years of driving experience, and sit in the front seat. Permit holders can't drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m., and passenger limits apply. Check the NJ MVC GDL page for the current passenger rule.

Six points of ID for teens

New Jersey uses a points system for identity documents. You need six points of ID, including at least one primary document, plus proof of address and your Social Security number.

For teens, the common combination is:

• A U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport (primary document)
• Secondary documents such as a school ID with a transcript, or other items on the MVC's list
• Proof of address, which for a minor can often come through a parent's documents with proof of relationship

The MVC's list of acceptable documents changes from time to time, so print the current 6 Points of ID list and check it off before you go. Our guide to documents needed for a learner's permit explains how these lists work across states.

Probationary license and the GDL decal

After six months of supervised driving, at age 17 or older, you can take the road test. Pass it, hand in the signed BA-CSD with your documents, and you receive a probationary license.

Probationary drivers under 21 still follow GDL rules for at least a year, including:

• No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m. (with limited exceptions for work and religious activities, with documentation)
• Passenger limits
• No phones or handheld devices, even hands-free

Both permit and probationary drivers under 21 must display the red reflective GDL decals, one on the front and one on the rear license plate. Police use them to spot GDL drivers, so leaving them off can earn a ticket.

Lessons beyond the required six can pay off before the road test. We cover typical costs in how much are driving lessons.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the NJ permit test?

The knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need 40 correct (80%) to pass. You'll also take a vision test.

Do you need 50 hours of driving in NJ?

Yes, if you're under 21 and got your permit on or after February 1, 2025. At least 10 of the 50 hours must be in darkness, certified on Form BA-CSD.

Can you drive with a permit in NJ at night?

Yes, with a qualified supervisor, but not between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m. Night practice before 11 p.m. counts toward your 10 darkness hours.

Who can supervise an NJ permit holder?

An adult at least 21 years old with a valid New Jersey license and at least three years of driving experience, seated in the front.