NJ MVC Driver's License & Vehicle Regulations: Key Facts and Procedures

M.V.C.

Motor Vehicle Commission

Local M.V.C. Agency

Handles permits, licenses, vehicle registration, and title work.

Valid driver license

Required for anyone operating a motor vehicle on a NJ road.

New Jersey license

Required if your home address is in New Jersey.

Learners permit

Can be obtained at age 16 from a motor vehicle commission with an approved driving school.

Basic examination permit

Requires you to be 17 years old and pass vision and written/knowledge tests.

Permit validation requirements

Proof of age, identity, social security number, and passing written and vision tests.

Proof of age and identity examples

Birth certificate, passport, school ID, social security card/green card.

Points of verification

You must show 6 points of verification of your identity when obtaining your license.

Permit driving restrictions

Must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years of age and has at least 3 years of experience.

Curfew for under 21

Curfew is between 11 PM and 5 AM for those with a student learner's permit or probationary license.

Passenger restrictions

Only 1 additional passenger allowed unless the driver has dependent children or a guardian in the passenger seat.

Traffic violations responsibility

Both the student driver and supervising adult may be charged for traffic violations.

Restricted (provisional) license

Can be obtained at age 17 after 6 months on a permit and passing the road test.

Official driver's license

Can be obtained at age 18 after 12 months on a restricted license.

Basic unrestricted license validity

Valid for 4 years at a cost of $24 with photo ID.

Change of address reporting

Must be reported to the M.V.C. within 1 week.

Legal name change reporting

Must be reported to the M.V.C. within 2 weeks.

Altering a driver license

May result in a fine of $1000, up to 6 months imprisonment, and loss of driving privileges.

valid driving licence

A legal document that allows an individual to operate a motor vehicle.

proof of valid insurance

Documentation that verifies a vehicle is insured as required by law.

valid vehicle registration card

A document that shows a vehicle is registered with the state.

60 days

The time allowed to register your vehicle after moving into NJ.

14 days

The time frame within which a vehicle must be inspected after registration.

3 months

The duration an individual 21 years of age or older must drive with supervision while holding a permit.

100

The fine for violating conditions while on a permit or provisional (GDL) license.

90 days

The minimum suspension period for violating conditions while on a permit or provisional (GDL) license.

vehicle registration

The process of registering a vehicle with the appropriate government authority.

insurance card

A card that proves a vehicle is insured.

supervised driver

A licensed driver who accompanies a learner driver during practice.

no time restrictions

Indicates that a driver on a permit who is 21 years old and older can drive at any time.

seat belt

A safety device in vehicles that secures the occupant to the seat.

vision test

A test to assess a person's eyesight before obtaining a driver's license.

written test

A test that evaluates a driver's knowledge of road rules and regulations.

road test

A practical driving test to assess a driver's ability to operate a vehicle.

permit

A document that allows a person to practice driving under certain conditions.

registration

The official recording of a vehicle's details with the state.

valid insurance

Insurance coverage that meets legal requirements.

emergency brake

A brake used to stop a vehicle in case of an emergency.

vehicle

A machine used for transporting people or goods.

50 questions

The number of questions on the State Exam that must be answered correctly.

40

The minimum number of correct answers required for a passing score on the State Exam.

80%

The percentage score needed to pass the State Exam.

every 2 years

The frequency at which a vehicle must be inspected.

inspection station

A designated location where vehicles are inspected for compliance.

last day of the month

The due date for vehicle inspections.

title

The legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle.

2 years

The interval at which vehicle inspections are required.

year

The period after which vehicle registration must be renewed.

local MVC

The local Motor Vehicle Commission office where old plates must be turned in.

liability auto insurance

Insurance that covers damages to others in the event of an accident.

Insurance Surcharge

An additional fee incurred for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

traffic

Vehicles moving along a road.

help

Assistance provided in case of an accident.

first aid

Immediate assistance given to someone injured.

police officer

A law enforcement official who responds to accidents.

accident report

A document detailing the circumstances of an accident.

spinal cord

A vital part of the nervous system that can be injured in accidents.

11

The cost of a replacement license if lost or stolen.

organ donor

A person who has agreed to donate their organs after death.

6 months

The maximum time in advance a driver's license can be renewed before expiration.