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New Jersey Permit Test Practice

New Jersey's knowledge test is one of the longest in the country: 50 multiple-choice questions at a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) licensing center, and you need 40 right (80%) to pass. Your path depends on age. At 16 you can get a special learner's permit by enrolling in behind-the-wheel training with a licensed driving school, which must give you 6 hours of lessons before you practice with family. At 17 you can get an examination permit without a school.

NJ also changed the rules in 2025. Permits issued on or after February 1, 2025 require 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 after dark, certified on the MVC form before your probationary license. You'll also need 6 points of ID and the red GDL decals on your plates. Practice free on DMV Permit Prep with questions built around the NJ Driver Manual.

Questions
50
To pass
40 correct · 80%
Permit age
16 (special learner's permit via a driving school) or 17 (examination permit)
Practice
50 hours, 10 at night (permits issued on or after Feb 1, 2025)

Start a free New Jersey practice test

5 free tests per license. No sign-up needed.

New Jersey permit test sample questions

Tap an answer to check yourself.

  1. 1. You're turning at a green light and pedestrians have a 'Walk' signal. You must:

  2. 2. A broken yellow center line on your side means:

  3. 3. When a fire truck is on its way to a fire, you should not:

  4. 4. A small yellow plate under a curve sign shows '25 MPH'. This is:

  5. 5. On a highway, you should not:

How to get your learner's permit in New Jersey

  1. 1At 16, enroll in behind-the-wheel training with a licensed NJ driving school (or wait until 17 for an examination permit).
  2. 2Gather 6 points of ID, proof of address and Social Security number, plus parent consent if under 18.
  3. 3Visit an MVC licensing center, pay the $10 permit fee and pass the vision test.
  4. 4Pass the 50-question knowledge test with at least 40 correct.
  5. 5Complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel lessons with your driving school and have the permit validated (special learner's permit).
  6. 6Practice with a supervising adult 21+ licensed at least 3 years, logging 50 hours (10 at night) over at least 6 months.
  7. 7At 17, pass the road test and present Form BA-CSD to get your probationary license.

Permit and probationary drivers under 21 can't drive 11:01 p.m.–5 a.m., must display red decals on both plates and may not use phones, even hands-free. Permit holding period: 6 months. Fee: $10 (permit) plus $4 for GDL decals.

The New Jersey knowledge test

A 50-question multiple-choice knowledge test plus a vision test, taken in person at an MVC licensing center (no official online option), with oral and multi-language versions available.

Study tips for New Jersey

  • Expect 50 questions: practice full-length tests so you don't lose focus halfway through.
  • Memorize NJ GDL rules: decals, 11:01 p.m.–5 a.m. limits, passenger limits and no phones for drivers under 21.
  • Study NJ-specific topics like jughandles, the keep-right law, and NJ's move-over and stop-for-pedestrians laws.

CDL in New Jersey

New Jersey CDL applicants take the general knowledge and endorsement tests at an MVC licensing center to get a Commercial Learner's Permit, hold it at least 14 days, and must complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training before the skills test.

Motorcycle in New Jersey

New Jersey riders get a motorcycle permit after passing the MVC motorcycle knowledge test and vision test; completing an approved Basic RiderCourse through the NJ Motorcycle Safety Education Program waives the MVC road test.

New Jersey permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the NJ permit test?

The New Jersey MVC knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need 40 correct (80%) to pass.

Can you get your permit at 16 in New Jersey?

Yes, with a special learner's permit, which requires enrolling in behind-the-wheel training at a licensed driving school or high school program. Without it, you can get an examination permit at 17.

Does New Jersey require practice driving hours?

Yes. Drivers under 21 with permits issued on or after February 1, 2025 must complete 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night, and certify them on Form BA-CSD.

Can I take the NJ permit test online?

No. The official knowledge test is taken in person at an MVC licensing center, but you can prepare with free online practice tests.

Official information: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) . DMV Permit Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC).

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