NJ driver test

What must you do at a flashing red traffic light at an intersection?

Stop completely, let traffic and pedestrians with priority go first, then proceed only when safe. Treat it like a stop sign. [Ch. 11]

What must you do at a flashing yellow traffic light?

Slow down and proceed carefully. You do not have to stop unless traffic or hazards make stopping necessary. [Ch. 11]

What must you do if all the traffic lights at an intersection are out and nobody is directing traffic?

Treat it as a four-way stop: stop completely, yield to vehicles already there, and let the vehicle on your right go first if you arrive together. Proceed only when safe. [Ch. 4, 11]

You approach an intersection and the light changes from green to yellow. Should you stop?

Stop before entering if you can do so safely. If you are too close to stop safely, continue cautiously; do not speed up to beat the light. [Ch. 4]

You are already inside an intersection when the light changes. What should you do?

Continue through cautiously and clear the intersection. Do not stop in the middle simply because the light changed. [Ch. 4]

What does a stale green light mean, and how should you respond?

It is a light that has already been green for a while. It could change soon, so be ready to stop safely. [Ch. 4]

When are you allowed to turn right at a steady red light in NJ?

Only after a complete stop, when no sign prohibits the turn, and when you can turn safely after yielding to traffic and pedestrians. Check for bicycles too. [Ch. 4]

What are you allowed to do when a traffic signal shows a green arrow?

Travel in the direction the arrow points when safe. Still watch for and yield to pedestrians; the arrow does not let you ignore people in your path. [Ch. 11]

Two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time. Which driver goes first?

The driver on the right goes first; the driver on the left yields. A vehicle already stopped before either of you normally has priority. Yield means let the other road user go first. [Ch. 4]

You want to turn left across oncoming traffic. Who must you let go first?

Let oncoming traffic go first and stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Turn only when there is a safe opening. [Ch. 4]

What must you do when you reach a YIELD sign?

Slow down and let traffic on the road you are entering or crossing go first. Stop if needed to avoid interfering with it. [Ch. 4]

You are driving out of a private driveway onto a main road. Who has priority?

Traffic already on the main road. Stop before entering from the driveway and proceed only when safe, also checking for pedestrians. [Ch. 4]

Another vehicle is already in the intersection you want to enter. What should you do?

Let it clear your path before proceeding. Do not assume that your signal or arrival gives you permission to collide with a vehicle already there. [Ch. 4]

A pedestrian is crossing in a marked crosswalk. What must you do, and when may you move again?

Stop completely. Remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared your lane and the adjacent lane going in your direction, and it is safe to proceed. Slowing down alone is not enough. [Ch. 4]

May you pass a vehicle that has stopped for someone at a crosswalk?

No. A pedestrian may be crossing in front of that vehicle where you cannot see them. [Ch. 4]

A person is still crossing when the pedestrian signal changes to DON'T WALK. May you drive into their path?

No. Keep stopped for the person already in the crosswalk and let them clear your path safely. [Ch. 4]

How far before making a turn must you begin signaling in NJ?

At least 100 feet before the turn. Turn the signal off after completing the turn. [Ch. 4]

When should you reduce speed for a curve: before entering it or after entering it?

Before entering. Enter slowly enough to stay in your lane and maintain control through the curve. [Ch. 4]

You are merging onto a highway. Must highway traffic yield to you?

No. You must yield to traffic already on the highway. Adjust your speed to the traffic flow and enter only when a safe opening is available. [Ch. 4]

What is an acceleration lane, and how should you use it?

It is the extra lane at a highway entrance used to build speed before merging. Match the traffic flow as conditions allow, yield to highway traffic, and avoid unnecessary stops. [Ch. 4]

Before changing lanes, is looking in your mirrors enough?

No. Signal, check your mirrors, and briefly look over your shoulder toward the lane you want to enter to check the area the mirrors do not show. Move only when clear. [Ch. 3, 5]

What is a blind spot around your vehicle?

An area your mirrors do not show. Another car, bicycle, or motorcycle can be there, so check over your shoulder before moving into its space. [Ch. 3, 5]

What speed limit does the NJ manual list for school zones and business or residential districts?

25 mph. Follow posted signs and drive more slowly if weather, pedestrians, or other conditions require it. [Ch. 4]

What speed limit does the NJ manual list for suburban business and residential districts?

35 mph. The manual lists this category separately from the 25-mph school, business, and residential category. Follow posted signs. [Ch. 4]

What speed limit does the NJ manual list for rural roads without posted speed limits?

50 mph. A rural road is a road in the countryside; reduce speed when conditions make 50 mph unsafe. [Ch. 4]

Should you assume every NJ highway has a 65-mph speed limit?

No. The manual lists 55 mph for certain posted highways and interstates and 65 mph for certain posted interstate highways. Read the signs rather than guessing from the road's size. [Ch. 4]

In good driving conditions, how many seconds should you stay behind the vehicle ahead?

At least 3 seconds, using the manual's three-seconds-plus rule. Leave more time whenever you need extra stopping room. This measures the gap between moving vehicles. [Ch. 5]

How do you measure whether you are at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead?

Watch it pass a fixed object such as a sign, then count seconds. Your car should pass that same object at least 3 seconds later. If you arrive sooner, gradually increase your distance. [Ch. 5]

In bad weather, how many seconds should you stay behind the vehicle ahead?

At least 4 seconds, and longer when needed. Start counting when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object; you should reach that same object at least 4 seconds later. Extra space gives you more time to stop. [Ch. 5]

What three parts make up the distance your car travels before it stops?

Perception distance: travel while you notice a hazard; reaction distance: travel while you respond; braking distance: travel after braking until stopped. Add all three for total stopping distance. [Ch. 5]

Why should you leave a larger gap behind another vehicle on wet or icy roads?

Your tires have less grip, so stopping can take farther. More space gives you time and distance to avoid hitting the vehicle if it brakes. [Ch. 5]

Another driver is passing your vehicle. How should you respond?

Stay in your lane and slow down to make the pass easier. Return to normal speed after the other vehicle is well ahead. Do not accelerate to block it. [Ch. 5]

You are behind a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. How far away must you stop?

At least 25 feet from the bus. Stay stopped until its signals are off, then check for children before moving. [Ch. 4]

A stopped school bus has flashing red lights on the opposite side of a road divided only by painted lines. Must you stop?

Yes. Stop at least 25 feet away. Painted lines do not count as a raised physical divider, even if the road has several lanes. [Ch. 4]

A stopped school bus with flashing red lights is across a raised median on a divided highway. You are traveling the opposite direction. What should you do?

Slow to 10 mph. A raised median or safety island is a physical divider between directions of traffic. This exception does not apply when you are behind the bus or separated only by painted lines. [Ch. 4]

What do a school bus's flashing yellow or amber lights tell you?

The bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop; do not treat them as a signal to rush past. [Ch. 4]

A school bus is stopped directly in front of a school to load or unload children. What special passing rule does the NJ manual give?

You may pass from either direction at no more than 10 mph, carefully watching for children. This applies specifically to the directly-in-front-of-school situation, not every school-bus stop. [Ch. 4]

Railroad lights are flashing or crossing gates are descending. How far from the crossing must you stop?

At least 15 feet away. Wait until gates are raised, bells stop ringing, and red lights stop flashing before crossing safely. Never drive around a lowered gate. [Ch. 4]

May you drive onto railroad tracks when traffic leaves no space for your entire car on the other side?

No. Wait before the tracks until there is room to cross completely. Do not risk becoming trapped on the tracks. [Ch. 4]

Why must you be ready to stop behind a school bus at railroad tracks even if no train warnings are active?

School buses and certain other vehicles must stop at railroad crossings. Their stop does not necessarily mean a train is visible. [Ch. 4]

An emergency vehicle approaches with a siren or flashing emergency lights. What must you do?

Yield by pulling to the extreme right of the roadway, stopping, and waiting for it to pass. Yield means give it priority and clear its path. [Ch. 4]

How far behind an emergency vehicle using emergency signals must you stay?

At least 300 feet. Do not follow closely behind it to take advantage of cleared traffic. [Ch. 4]

You approach a stopped emergency vehicle displaying warning lights. What does NJ's Move Over rule require?

When safe and legal, change to a lane that is not directly next to it. If you cannot safely change lanes, slow to a reasonable speed below the posted limit and be ready to stop. [Ch. 4]

Does NJ's Move Over rule also protect a stopped disabled vehicle using hazard lights, road flares, or reflective triangles?

Yes. Change lanes away from it when safe and legal. Otherwise slow below the posted limit to a reasonable speed and prepare to stop. Hazard lights are the vehicle's emergency flashing lights. [Ch. 4]

An ice-cream truck displays flashing red lights and a stop arm, with no raised divider separating you from it. What must you do?

Stop, give priority to people crossing to or from the truck, then pass at no more than 15 mph when safe. Watch carefully for children. This applies when approaching from either direction. [Ch. 4]

Must you stop for an ice-cream truck's flashing red lights and stop arm when you are across a raised median on a divided highway?

No. You do not have to stop if a physical safety island or raised median separates you from the truck on the opposite side. Painted lines alone do not provide this exception. [Ch. 4]

During what nighttime hours does NJ require headlights?

From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. You must also use them at other times when weather or visibility requires them. [Ch. 4]

It is daytime, but you need windshield wipers for rain, snow, or ice. Must your headlights be on?

Yes. Turn on your headlights whenever using wipers for that weather, even in daylight. [Ch. 4]

You cannot see more than 500 feet ahead because of poor visibility. Must you turn on headlights?

Yes. Headlights are required when visibility is 500 feet or less. Also use them in fog, mist, smoke, or other conditions that reduce visibility. [Ch. 4]

Can you use only parking lights when headlights are required?

No. Parking lights and auxiliary lights are not a legal substitute for required headlights. [Ch. 4]

Should you use high-beam headlights while following another car or approaching oncoming traffic?

No. Switch to low beams so you do not blind the other driver. High beams are the brighter setting for suitable open roads without traffic in sight. [Ch. 4]

An oncoming driver's high beams make it difficult to see. Where should you direct your eyes?

Toward the right side of the road until the vehicle passes. Avoid staring at the headlights or flashing your own high beams at the driver. [Ch. 4]

You park facing downhill beside a curb. Which way should your front wheels point?

Toward the curb. Set the parking brake and put an automatic transmission in Park; for a manual transmission, use reverse. [Ch. 3]

You park facing uphill beside a curb. Which way should your front wheels point?

Away from the curb. Set the parking brake and put an automatic transmission in Park; for a manual transmission, use low gear. [Ch. 3]

Within how many feet of a fire hydrant is parking prohibited in NJ?

Within 10 feet. This is a parking restriction, not a distance for stopping at an intersection. [Ch. 4]

Within how many feet of a STOP sign is parking prohibited in NJ?

Within 50 feet. This does not mean stop 50 feet back when obeying the sign; it means do not park that close to it. [Ch. 4]

Within how many feet of a railroad crossing is parking prohibited in NJ?

Within 50 feet. Keep this separate from the 15-foot minimum stopping distance when railroad warnings require you to stop. [Ch. 4]

Within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection is parking prohibited in NJ?

Within 25 feet. The crosswalk is the area where pedestrians cross the road. [Ch. 4]

The rear of your car starts sliding to the right. Which way should you steer?

Steer right, in the direction the rear is sliding, without turning excessively. Take your foot off the gas, look toward your intended path, and straighten the wheels as control returns. [Ch. 5]

The rear of your car starts sliding to the left. Which way should you steer?

Steer left, in the direction the rear is sliding, without turning excessively. Take your foot off the gas, look toward your intended path, and straighten the wheels as control returns. [Ch. 5]

The rear of your vehicle begins skidding. What should you do with the gas pedal?

Take your foot off it. Steer in the direction the rear is sliding without oversteering, then straighten the wheels as you regain control. [Ch. 5]

Should you press the brakes while your vehicle is sliding sideways in a side skid?

Avoid using the brakes during a side skid. Ease off the gas and steer in the direction the rear is sliding without oversteering. [Ch. 5]

What does hydroplaning mean?

Your tires ride on a layer of water instead of gripping the road. This reduces your ability to steer and brake. [Ch. 5]

At about what speed does the NJ manual say hydroplaning can start?

About 35 mph. This is a study figure, not a promise that slower speeds are safe in all water conditions. Reduce speed for rain and standing water. [Ch. 5]

How can you reduce the chance of hydroplaning in heavy rain?

Slow down for heavy rain, standing water, or slush and avoid driving on bald or badly worn tires. Tires need tread and road contact to maintain grip. [Ch. 5]

What does BAC stand for, and what does it measure?

Blood alcohol concentration. It measures how much alcohol is in your bloodstream. [Ch. 6]

For a noncommercial driver age 21 or older, what BAC is at or above NJ's standard illegal limit?

0.08 percent. Driving while impaired is also illegal; being below 0.08 percent does not guarantee you are safe or legally able to drive. [Ch. 6]

For a driver younger than 21, what BAC triggers NJ's underage alcohol-driving prohibition?

0.01 percent or higher. Do not confuse this underage threshold with the standard adult threshold of 0.08 percent. [Ch. 6]

What four factors does the NJ manual list as affecting blood alcohol concentration?

How much alcohol you drink, your body weight, how quickly you drink it, and food eaten. Food can slow absorption but does not make drinking and driving safe. [Ch. 6]

Does eating food make an intoxicated driver sober?

No. It may slow alcohol absorption, but it does not remove alcohol already in the blood or prevent a high BAC during heavy drinking. [Ch. 6]

Which beer, wine, and whiskey serving sizes does the NJ manual compare as containing similar amounts of alcohol?

12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1.5 ounces of 80-proof whiskey. A standard beer is not automatically less intoxicating than a standard serving of wine or spirits. [Ch. 6]

How does alcohol affect your ability to drive?

It impairs thinking and judgment, slows reaction time, and can create false confidence. Feeling confident does not mean you are driving safely. [Ch. 6]

Who may supervise an NJ examination-permit holder while driving?

An adult at least 21 years old with a valid NJ driver license and at least 3 years of driving experience. They must sit in the front seat beside the permit holder. [Ch. 1]

If you are under 21 with an examination permit or probationary license, what hours are normally prohibited for driving?

11:01 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Limited work or religious exemptions require qualifying documentation; simply wanting to drive then is not an exemption. [Ch. 1]

May an examination-permit or probationary-license holder use a hands-free phone while driving?

No. These Graduated Driver License restrictions prohibit both handheld and hands-free phone use, even though other drivers may be allowed hands-free use. [Ch. 1]

If you are under 21 with an NJ permit or probationary license, what red decals must you display?

Two visible red reflective decals: one at the top left of the front license plate and one at the top left of the rear license plate. Decals are identifying stickers. [Ch. 1]

If you are under 21 with an examination permit or probationary license, how many passengers may you normally carry?

Your dependents plus one additional passenger, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. A dependent is someone dependent on you, such as your child; friends do not become dependents just because they ride with you. [Ch. 1]

At age 21 or older, which examination-permit or probationary-license restrictions no longer apply?

The driving-hour, passenger, and red-decal restrictions. Phone and seat-belt restrictions still apply. A permit still requires the qualified supervising driver. [Ch. 1]

On NJ's under-21 young-adult permit route, how much supervised driving practice is required?

At least 6 months and at least 50 practice hours, including 10 hours during darkness, with the required supervising-driver certification. Completing 50 hours does not eliminate the 6-month requirement. [Ch. 1]

What does a red, eight-sided traffic sign mean, and what must you do?

STOP. Come to a complete stop, yield as required, and proceed only when safe. Eight-sided means octagonal. [Ch. 11]

What does a downward-pointing triangular sign with a red border and white center mean?

YIELD. Slow down and let traffic with priority go first. Stop if necessary before proceeding safely. [Ch. 11]

What does a yellow, sideways-pointing triangular pennant sign warn you about?

A no-passing zone. Do not pass vehicles in that zone. A pennant is a sideways-pointing triangular flag shape. [Ch. 11]

What does a five-sided, house-shaped school sign identify?

A school area or school crossing. Watch for children and obey signs and speed limits. Five-sided means pentagonal; school signs may use yellow or fluorescent yellow-green backgrounds. [Ch. 11]

What does a round yellow warning sign with a black X and the letters RR mean?

A railroad crossing is ahead. Prepare to check for trains and crossing warnings. The round sign warns you before you reach the tracks. [Ch. 11]

What does the white X-shaped RAILROAD CROSSING sign at the tracks mean?

It is a crossbuck: yield to trains. Stop when a train approaches or crossing warnings require it. Do not confuse it with the round yellow advance-warning sign. [Ch. 11]

What do orange diamond-shaped road signs usually warn about?

Construction or maintenance ahead, such as lane shifts, workers, or closures. Follow directions and prepare to slow down or stop. [Ch. 11]

What information do blue rectangular or square road signs usually provide?

Motorist services, such as fuel, food, lodging, or other services. [Ch. 11]

What information do green rectangular road signs usually provide?

Directions and guidance, such as destinations, route information, and exits. [Ch. 11]

What information do brown rectangular road signs usually provide?

Public recreation and scenic destinations, such as parks or other recreation areas. [Ch. 11]

What do yellow lines down the center of a road separate?

Traffic going in opposite directions. The solid or broken pattern tells you whether passing across the center line is permitted. [Ch. 11]

What do white lines between traffic lanes usually separate?

Lanes moving in the same direction. White lines can also mark road edges; use the line's location and pattern to understand its meaning. [Ch. 11]

The yellow center line is solid on your side and broken on the other side. May you cross it to pass?

No. The solid line on your side prohibits passing. The broken line applies to traffic traveling the other direction. [Ch. 11]

The yellow center line is broken on your side. May you automatically pass the vehicle ahead?

No. Passing is permitted only when safe and otherwise allowed. Check oncoming traffic and visibility, and complete the pass before the broken line becomes solid. [Ch. 11]

What does a wide white line across your lane at a STOP sign or traffic light tell you?

It marks where to stop when stopping is required. Stop before the line, rather than on it or beyond it. [Ch. 11]

What does a white diamond painted in a traffic lane tell you?

The lane has special vehicle or occupancy restrictions, such as a carpool lane. Read posted signs for who may use it and when. HOV means high-occupancy vehicle. [Ch. 11]