New Jersey permit test cheat sheet

New Jersey-specific rules from our question bank, condensed to one line each with the handbook page. Read it the night before; don’t use it instead of practicing.

Study sheet for before your test. Notes aren’t allowed in the DMV test room. See the study sheets to print.

Test format
50 questions
Passing score
40 of 50 correct (80%)
Permit and test fees
$10 total
Minimum age for a permit
16 years
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)
Hold your permit
6 months minimum

Permits & licensing

  • New Jersey's 'Early Bird Road' lets a 16-year-old get a special learner permit, but only while enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel course and with parent or guardian consent. p. 21
  • An examination permit is available at 17 and does not require a driving course or instructor. p. 22
  • GDL permit holders under 21 need at least six months of supervised practice before a road test appointment. p. 36
  • Drivers under 21 must complete at least 50 practice hours, 10 of them after dark. p. 36
  • The supervising driver must sit in the front seat, be at least 21, hold a valid New Jersey license and have at least three years of driving experience. p. 20
  • New Jersey GDL drivers under 21 may not drive from 11:01 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. p. 20
  • Under 21, probationary drivers may carry their dependents and one additional passenger unless a parent or guardian is in the car. p. 20
  • GDL drivers under 21 must show two red reflective decals, one on the top left corner of each license plate. p. 21
  • New Jersey's GDL program requires drivers to be at least 18 before they can hold a basic, unrestricted license. p. 16
  • The knowledge test has 50 questions, and you need 80 percent, which is 40 correct answers, to pass. p. 33
  • GDL drivers under 21 may drive during restricted hours for work or religious reasons. p. 21
  • New Jersey requires you to report an address change to the MVC within one week of moving, even if you are moving out of state. p. 6
  • The MVC lets you retest on the knowledge test after 7 days. source

Laws, points & insurance

  • Tailgating is one of the highest-point violations on New Jersey's chart at 5 points, the same as reckless driving. p. 141
  • New Jersey sets speeding points by how far over the limit you were: 2 points for 1-14 mph, 4 points for 15-29 mph and 5 points for 30 mph or more. p. 141
  • Leaving the scene of a crash with personal injury carries 8 points, the highest value on the chart. p. 142
  • A voluntary defensive driving course removes two points and may lower your insurance rate. p. 137
  • Six or more points within three years triggers an annual surcharge of $150 for six points plus $25 for each extra point. p. 138
  • Every New Jersey driver must carry a valid license (or probationary license or validated permit) plus valid insurance and registration cards. p. 6
  • When a crash causes injury or more than $500 in damage, a driver must send a written report to the MVC within 10 days unless police file a report. p. 113
  • A hit-and-run involving injury or death brings fines of $2,500 to $5,000, possible jail and a one-year loss of license for a first offense. p. 132
  • Driving with no insurance is serious in New Jersey: a first offense brings a one-year loss of license, a $300-$1,000 fine and a $250 yearly surcharge for three years. p. 128
  • Liability insurance is mandatory for every vehicle registered in New Jersey. p. 163
  • New Jersey limits idling to three minutes or less, with exceptions such as being stuck in traffic. p. 52
  • A habitual offender is a driver whose license has been suspended three times in three years. p. 124
  • For standard policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, New Jersey requires at least $35,000 of bodily injury liability per person and $70,000 per accident, plus $25,000 for property damage. source