New Jersey Online Driver Education and New Jersey Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your New Jersey Learner’s Permit or first New Jersey driver’s license. New Jersey has a Graduated Driver License Program for New Jersey teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first New Jersey driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The New Jersey Instructional Permit or New Jersey Learner’s Permit
When you turn 16, you can apply for a New Jersey Learner’s Permit. You’ll need the following:
- Identification (a birth certificate, US Passport, or Certificate of Citizenship)
- Proof of Enrollment in a New Jersey approved driver training course
- A signed letter with parental/guardian consent
- The New Jersey driver’s license fee
If you’ve got all of the necessary materials, head on down to your local New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and submit your application. You’ll have to pass a vision test, as well as a knowledge test, which you can study for by reading the New Jersey MVC’s Driver Manual.
Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 21 and has 3 or more years of driving experience. All passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry identification with you at all times. Even with supervision, you may not drive between 11PM and 5AM, and you can only drive one non-family member passenger. In addition, New Jersey prohibits teen drivers from using cell phones, hand-held videogames, or any electronic devices.
When you turn 17 and have met a few requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the New Jersey Graduated License Program, the New Jersey Provisional license.
The New Jersey Provisional Driver License or New Jersey Full License
At 17, you may apply for a New Jersey Provisional License. Head on down to your local New Jersey MVC with the proper ID. Then you’ll have to take the dreaded road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your New Jersey Provisional License. However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions until you turn 18.
New Jersey Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are several restrictions you need to be aware of regarding your New Jersey Provisional license:
- Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt
- No driving between midnight and 5AM unless for emergencies, your job, or a school-related activity
- Only one non-family passenger allowed
- No cell phones, hand-held videogames, or any electronic devices while driving
After you turn 18, you can return to your local New Jersey MVC to receive your New Jersey basic driver license. Then these restrictions are removed. Freedom!
New Jersey Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your New Jersey Learner’s Permit or New Jersey Provisional driver’s license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because New Jersey drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $15,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) per person, per accident
- $10,000 bodily injury for 2 or more persons per accident
- $5,000 for property damage
- $250,000 for permanent or significant injury
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without New Jersey mandatory liability insurance, your New Jersey license could be suspended.
New Jersey Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a New Jersey teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the New Jersey drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, New Jersey has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a New Jersey DUI or New Jersey DWI, you face addition penalties to those listed below.
Upon your first conviction of a New Jersey DWI, you’ll face the following penalties:
- Jail sentence up to 30 days
- Fine from $250-$400
- License suspension 3 months
- Driver Intervention Program
- Ignition Interlock Possible
- Other DWI fees $525 minimum
- Auto Insurance Surcharge $1,000 for 3 years
- Attend Intoxicated Driver Resource Center 2 days a week, 6 hours per day
And of course, further New Jersey DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and New Jersey license suspension or even New Jersey license revocation.
Currently, New Jersey teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving unless you have a hands-free device. The fine is $100-$200.
New Jersey Online Driver Education
New Jersey teen drivers can find more information on approved New Jersey online driver education courses on the New Jersey MVC website.
