New Jersey Driving Test Tips

by Lindsey Thompson

In New Jersey, anyone getting a license for a first time must pass vision, knowledge and road tests. New residents of the state who have a valid driver's license from another state can opt out of the knowledge and road tests when applying for a New Jersey license. The State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, which oversees the licensing process, offers resources to help drivers pass the tests.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions answered on a computer at a New Jersey MVC driver testing center. You must score at least 80 percent and you'll receive your score immediately after finishing the test. To prepare for the knowledge test, MVC suggests:

Tip

  • The New Jersey MVC gives the knowledge test in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Japanese, as well as offering oral versions in English and Spanish.

Road Test

If you're under the age of 21, you must hold your driver's permit for at least six months before taking the road test. Permit holders over the age of 21 must wait three months. When you're ready to take the road test, call 609-292-6500 or visit a driver testing center to schedule your test. The test, which takes 10 to 15 minutes, covers:

  • Driving in reverse
  • Stopping and starting
  • Navigating corners and intersections
  • Using proper steering techniques
  • Parallel parking
  • Yielding and right-of-way

To prep, review the information in the New Jersey driving manual and practice the driving skills the test covers with a licensed driver.

Tip

  • If you fail the driving test, you must wait two weeks to take it again.

When you visit the driver testing center for your test, bring along:

  • Whatever identification you used when getting your permit
  • Valid examination permit
  • A licensed driver, who must stay in the vehicle at all times
  • Graduated Driver's License plate decals
  • Registered vehicle with current inspection sticker, auto insurance and a foot or parking brake accessible from the passenger seat

References

About the Author

Lindsey Thompson began her writing career in 2001. Her work has been published in the Cincinnati Art Museum's "Member Magazine" and "The Ohio Journalist." Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.