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Applying for a Teen Driver's License in New Jersey

If you're a teenager or young adult applying for your first driver's license, you'll need to satisfy the requirements of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) graduated driver licensing (GDL) program.

The phases of the GDL program will help you gain driving experience and practice the skills necessary to pass your DMV road test and get your unrestricted driver's license.

On this page you'll find information about the New Jersey GDL program and the steps you'll need to take to get your first driver's license.

New to New Jersey?

If you are younger than 18 years old and have recently moved to New Jersey, you cannot transfer your out-of-state driver's license or learner's permit.

You'll need to complete each step of the New Jersey MVC GDL program to get a NJ driver's license. See below for details.

New Jersey GDL Program & Restrictions

If you're a new driver younger than 21 years old, you are required to complete the New Jersey MVC GDL program.

The GDL program is broken down into the following steps and restrictions:

Special student learner's permit , which requires: Completion of a Driver's Education course with a certified driving instructor. A reflectorized license plate decal to be displayed when you drive. The permit to be validated to begin supervised driving. Supervised driving at all times with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has been driving for at least 3 years. No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m. Your only passengers to be parents, legal guardians, or dependents. Parent or guardian supervision, if you have more than 1 passenger.

, which requires: Examination permit , which requires: A reflectorized license plate decal when you drive. Supervised driving at all times with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has been driving for at least 3 years. No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m. Your only passengers to be your parents, legal guardians , or dependents . Parent or guardian supervision, if you have more than 1 passenger.

, which requires: Probationary driver's license , which requires: A reflectorized license plate decals to be displayed when you drive. No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless you have a written statement for religious or work reasons. Your only passengers to be your parents, legal guardians , or dependents . Parent or guardian supervision, if you have more than 1 passenger.

, which requires: Full, unrestricted driver's license.

Depending on your age, you'll need to apply for either your student learner's permit OR examination permit. You do not need to obtain both.