If you are under 21 years old or have never had a driver license, New Jersey requires that you complete a period of supervised driving before getting a basic driver license. MVC’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) program introduces driving privileges in phases.
GDL definitions
Special learners permit driving restrictions
- No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- You can’t use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hand held electronic device
- You must be accompanied by an Adult Supervising Driver (at least 21 years old and licensed to drive for at least 3 years) in the front seat
- Only one additional passenger is allowed.
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times.
Examination permit restrictions
- You must be at least 17 years old and not in suspension status
- No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- You must be accompanied by an Adult Supervising Driver (at least 21 years old and licensed to drive for at least 3 years) in the front seat
- Passengers must be from your household. Only one additional person from outside your household is allowed in the vehicle
- If you are at least 21 years old, there are no passenger or hour restrictions
- You can’t use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hand held electronic device
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times
Provisional driver license restrictions
- No driving between 11:01 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- Passengers must be from your household. Only one additional person from outside your household is allowed in the vehicle
- If you are at least 21 years old, there are no passenger or hour restrictions
- You can’t use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hand held electronic device
GDL Exemptions
All drivers under 21 that wish to apply for hours-related exemptions for employment or religious reasons must provide legible documentation on letterhead signed by employer, organization or religious institution stating the reasons for this request
Include signature, title, address and telephone number of designated official
- //www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/FirstTime.htm.
Parent Resource
Recognizing that an informed parent plays a key role in keeping teens and young adults safe on our roads, this new website, developed by the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey, through funding from DHTS, will help to further educate parents about the risks associated with teen driving. Relevant legislation, videos, an interactive teen crash site map, traffic safety tips, and GDL information can be found on the site.
According to the United States CDC, teenagers aged 16 to 19 are three times as likely to be involved in an accident versus their adult counterparts. Many states have placed restrictions on younger drivers to keep them safe and secure on the road, while still allowing them to gain practical, real-life driving experience prior to obtaining their driver’s license.
New Jersey is one of these states. As part of the Graduated Driver’s License program, all drivers, regardless of age, will face certain limitations before they are able to receive full driving privileges statewide. If you are under 21 or you have never held a driver’s in any US state, be sure to read this blog carefully to identify which restrictions will apply to you as part of the GDL.
Types of New Jersey Permits & Licenses
New Jersey is a little bit different than other states, because the special learner’s permit, examination permit, and probationary license all carry the same driving restrictions. You’ll want to follow them rigidly in order to avoid difficulties with local law enforcement.
Here are the basic requirements to qualify for the different licenses:
Special Learner’s Permit
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Have parental consent
- Enroll in driver training
- Pass knowledge and vision test
Examination Permit
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Have parental consent
- Pass knowledge and vision test
- Practice supervised driving for 6 months or more
Probationary License
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Pass NJ MVC road test
- Practice unsupervised driving for 12 months or more
NJ Permit Restrictions
You may feel like you need to remember an awful lot of restrictions, but it’s fairly straightforward as we will show you. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Driving Hours
New Jersey permit holders are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 11:01pm and 5am throughout the week. Drivers over the age of 21, however, are exempt from this limitation. If you are under 21 and require work or religious exemption, you must carry documentation signed by your employer or religious institution stating the reasons in which you must be exempt. This letter must include a signature, title, address, and telephone number of the designated official.
2. Passengers Restrictions
You are not allowed to carry more than one passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or the passengers are your own children. This restriction is also waived for permit holders who are 21 years of age and older.
3. GDL Decal
Permit holders are required to place a GDL decal on the front and rear license plate of any vehicle they drive. These decals are available at all Motor Vehicle Commission locations across the state of New Jersey for $4 a pair.
4. Electronic Devices
Electronic devices, including cell phones, iPads, GPS systems, etc. are not allowed to be used while driving with a permit. Both hands-free and handheld devices are restricted, regardless of age.
5. Seatbelts
A seat belt must be worn at all times while driving.
Penalties for Violating Permit Restrictions in New Jersey
If you’re caught disobeying the permit restrictions, you may end up receiving a ticket from your local law enforcement officer. Receiving multiple tickets while holding a permit can lead to heavy consequences down the line. You’ll want to be very careful to avoid racking up excessive violations throughout this period.
That’s It!
Understanding the NJ permit restrictions can be confusing, but it’s incredibly important in order to continue progressing through the state’s Graduated Driver License program. We hope this guide has made all of the restrictions clear, and that you now know what to do (and what not to).