NJ Graduated Driver’s License Program

Driving Stupid Can Really Make You Look Bad

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 p.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

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.