What to bring to the New Jersey MVC permit test

For the learner's permit and knowledge test

• 6 Points of ID including at least one primary and one secondary document (REAL ID: 2 proofs of residential address + 1 proof of SSN + 6 points)
• Proof of NJ residential address
• Social Security number (or ITIN / affidavit for Standard license)
• Parent or guardian consent form if under 18
• Permit fee

Fees

• Permit (basic/probationary auto): $10
• Red reflective GDL decals (pair): $4
• Probationary license: $63
• Basic auto license (Standard/REAL ID): $24 / $35
• Upgrade from probationary to basic license: prorated, usually $19.50 Standard or $29.00 REAL ID

The vision test

20/50 visual acuity with or without corrective lenses (basic license). One eye only: that eye must meet 20/50 and a physician must sign documentation. CDL: 20/40 in both eyes and must distinguish red, green and amber.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.

For the road test

• Same 6 Points of ID used for the permit
• Validated permit (legible, not laminated)
• Accompanying NJ-licensed driver age 21+ with at least 3 years of licensed driving
• Two red GDL decals properly mounted (if GDL applies)
• Registered, insured, inspected vehicle; examiner must be able to reach the foot brake or parking brake; no self-parking vehicles, no autocycles; working signals, brake lights and wipers
• Completed BA-CSD Certification of Supervised Driving (permit holders under 21)
• Rental car only if the applicant is listed on the rental agreement

What happens on the road test

After you pass: your permit

• Hold it for at least 6 months of supervised driving for permit holders under 21; 3 months for 21 and older (non-GDL applicants: at least 20 days) before the road test.
• Log 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.
• Accompanied in the front seat by a supervising driver at least 21 with a valid NJ license and at least 3 years of driving experience
• No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. (under 21; employment/religious exemption with written certification)
• No hand-held or hands-free cell phones or other electronic devices
• Passengers: special learner permit - parent, guardian or dependent plus one additional passenger; examination permit - dependents plus one additional passenger unless accompanied by a parent/guardian
• Permit holder and all passengers must wear seat belts
• Two red reflective GDL decals on the front and rear license plates (under 21)
• Special learner permit: 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in a dual-controlled vehicle; instructor buys the permit; validated only after the course
• If the examination permit holder is 21 or older, the hour, passenger and decal restrictions do not apply
• 50 practice hours (10 in darkness) certified on form BA-CSD for permit holders under 21
• Permit valid 2 years (GDL); you must finish testing and get a probationary license within that time or buy a new permit

Before you go

Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the MVC says copies are accepted.