New Jersey DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

This page covers what you need to know for the New Jersey driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the New Jersey-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official New Jersey driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real New Jersey test has 50 questions and you need 40 correct (80%) to pass.

When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes New Jersey-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.

New Jersey Permit Test and Licensing Facts

Knowledge Test	50 questions, must score 40/50 (80%) to pass
Minimum Permit Age	16
Minimum License Age	17
Speed Limits	Highway: up to 65 mph \| Residential: 25 mph \| School Zone: 25 mph
DWI Law	BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.01%)
Point System	Points range from 2 to 8. 6 or more points triggers a surcharge; 12 or more results in suspension.

Rules Specific to New Jersey

New Jersey prohibits all handheld cell phone use for all drivers
New Jersey has the strictest GDL program — full unrestricted license not available until age 18
Right turn on red is allowed except where signs prohibit it, but many intersections in NJ prohibit it

Sample New Jersey Permit Test Questions

These questions cover rules that are specific to New Jersey. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.

In New Jersey, drivers age 21+ are legally intoxicated (per se) at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or higher?
- A. 0.05%
- B. 0.08%
- C. 0.10%
- D. 0.01%
Answer: 0.08%. New Jersey sets the per se limit for adult drivers at 0.08% BAC. Reaching or exceeding this level can result in a DWI charge.
In New Jersey, the zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21 begins at what BAC level?
- A. 0.00%
- B. 0.01%
- C. 0.02%
- D. 0.08%
Answer: 0.01%. New Jersey’s zero-tolerance rule applies to underage drivers at a very low BAC. A reading starting at 0.01% can lead to underage DWI penalties.
In New Jersey, a child who is under 8 years old and shorter than 57 inches must use which restraint?
- A. A lap belt only
- B. A booster seat or other appropriate child restraint
- C. No restraint is required in the back seat
- D. A shoulder belt only
Answer: A booster seat or other appropriate child restraint. New Jersey requires children under 8 and under 57 inches to be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system. This helps ensure the vehicle belt fits the child correctly.
In New Jersey, you should signal at least how far before making a turn?
- A. 50 feet
- B. 100 feet
- C. 200 feet
- D. 300 feet
Answer: 100 feet. New Jersey requires drivers to signal well in advance of a turn. Signaling at least 100 feet helps other drivers anticipate your movement.
What is the highest posted speed limit found on New Jersey highways where allowed?
- A. 55 mph
- B. 60 mph
- C. 65 mph
- D. 70 mph
Answer: 65 mph. New Jersey’s maximum posted highway speed limit reaches 65 mph in certain areas. Always follow the posted signs and slow down when conditions require it.
What is the minimum age for a New Jersey special learner permit?
- A. 15
- B. 16
- C. 17
- D. 18
Answer: 16. You must be at least 16, have parent or guardian consent, and be enrolled in approved behind-the-wheel training.
How much practice driving is required with a New Jersey special learner or examination permit?
- A. 30 hours, 5 in darkness
- B. 40 hours, 10 in darkness
- C. 50 hours, 10 in darkness, over at least six months
- D. 60 hours, 15 in darkness
Answer: 50 hours, 10 in darkness, over at least six months. You must practice at least six months and complete a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 in darkness.
When may a New Jersey permit holder not drive?
- A. 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- B. 11:01 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- C. Midnight to 6 a.m.
- D. 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Answer: 11:01 p.m. to 5 a.m.. Permit holders may not drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Who may supervise a New Jersey permit holder?
- A. Any adult
- B. An adult at least 21 with a valid NJ license and at least 3 years of driving experience, in the front seat
- C. Any licensed driver 18 or older
- D. A parent only
Answer: An adult at least 21 with a valid NJ license and at least 3 years of driving experience, in the front seat. The supervising driver must be at least 21, hold a valid NJ license, have at least three years of experience, and sit in front.
Can New Jersey GDL permit holders use a hands-free phone while driving?
- A. Yes
- B. No, neither handheld nor hands-free
- C. Only at red lights
- D. Only for emergencies to parents
Answer: No, neither handheld nor hands-free. Permit holders may not use handheld or hands-free phones or any other electronic devices.
What must be displayed on a vehicle driven by a New Jersey GDL permit holder?
- A. A student driver sign
- B. Red GDL decals on the license plates
- C. A yellow flag
- D. Nothing
Answer: Red GDL decals on the license plates. GDL drivers must display red decals on the vehicle's license plates.
How many questions must you answer correctly on the New Jersey knowledge test?
- A. 20 of 25
- B. 32 of 40
- C. 40 of 50
- D. 45 of 50
Answer: 40 of 50. The test has 50 questions and you need 80%, or 40 correct.
Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit in a New Jersey school zone, business, or residential district?
- A. 15 mph
- B. 20 mph
- C. 25 mph
- D. 35 mph
Answer: 25 mph. School zones, business, and residential districts are 25 mph; suburban business and residential districts are 35 mph.
What is the default speed limit on non-posted New Jersey rural roadways?
- A. 40 mph
- B. 45 mph
- C. 50 mph
- D. 55 mph
Answer: 50 mph. Non-posted rural roadways default to 50 mph.
How far from a stopped school bus must you stop on a New Jersey two-lane road?
- A. At least 10 feet
- B. At least 15 feet
- C. At least 25 feet
- D. At least 50 feet
Answer: At least 25 feet. Stop at least 25 feet away on two-lane roads, multi-lane highways separated only by lines, and private roads.
In New Jersey, you may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
- A. 5 feet
- B. 10 feet
- C. 15 feet
- D. 20 feet
Answer: 10 feet. New Jersey bans parking within 10 feet of a hydrant, 25 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, and 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
In New Jersey, you may not park within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection?
- A. 15 feet
- B. 20 feet
- C. 25 feet
- D. 30 feet
Answer: 25 feet. Parking within 25 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection is prohibited.
When must New Jersey drivers use headlights?
- A. Only after dark
- B. From 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, when visibility is 500 feet or less, and when using wipers
- C. Only on highways
- D. Only in fog
Answer: From 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, when visibility is 500 feet or less, and when using wipers. Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, when visibility is 500 feet or less, and whenever wipers are in use.
What surcharge does New Jersey impose for refusing a breath test?
- A. $250 per year for 3 years
- B. $500 once
- C. $1,000 per year for 3 years
- D. $100 per year for 5 years
Answer: $1,000 per year for 3 years. Refusal brings a $1,000-per-year surcharge for three years, plus other penalties.
When must you send a written crash report to the New Jersey MVC?
- A. Always
- B. Within 10 days if damage exceeds $500 or someone is hurt and no police report is filed
- C. Only if someone dies
- D. Within 30 days for any crash
Answer: Within 10 days if damage exceeds $500 or someone is hurt and no police report is filed. If there's injury or more than $500 in damage and no police report, send a written report to the MVC within 10 days.

New Jersey Permit Test FAQ

How many questions are on the New Jersey permit test?

The New Jersey knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 40 correct answers (80%) to pass.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New Jersey?

The minimum age for a learner's permit in New Jersey is 16. The minimum age for a driver's license is 17.

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in New Jersey?

New Jersey calls impaired driving DWI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.01% for drivers under 21.

How does the New Jersey driver point system work?

Points range from 2 to 8. 6 or more points triggers a surcharge; 12 or more results in suspension.

What are the default speed limits in New Jersey?

Typical limits in New Jersey are up to 65 mph on highways, 25 mph in residential areas and 25 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.

Sources

The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official New Jersey government sources:

Facts and questions last checked against the New Jersey Driver Manual on September 26, 2026.

Laws change. Always check the current New Jersey driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any New Jersey government agency.