TRENTON, N.J. — Beginning February 1, 2025, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) will require all permit holders under the age of 21 to complete at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving before obtaining a probationary driver’s license.
The new requirement applies to individuals issued a special learner’s permit or examination permit on or after February 1, 2025. Of the 50 required hours, at least 10 must take place during nighttime hours. Permit holders must certify completion of the practice driving before they can take a road test and receive their probationary license.
No such requirement is made for illegal migrants over the age of 21 to get their new license in New Jersey,.
“This update to New Jersey’s Graduated Driver License program requirements underscores the importance of putting time in behind the wheel, which is crucial for young drivers as they learn how to operate a vehicle,” said Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd. “More practice leads to safer, more capable drivers — which, in turn, leads to safer roads for all.”
To verify compliance, applicants must submit a Certification of Supervised Driving form, signed by a parent, guardian, or supervising driver. This form must be presented at the time of licensure, along with other required documents. Although a driving log in the Share the Keys Resource Guide is recommended for tracking hours, only the signed certification form will be accepted.
The NJMVC will not begin processing certification forms until August 1, 2025, due to the six-month waiting period required before permit holders can take their road test. The new rule does not apply to permit holders who received their permits before February 1, 2025, or to applicants aged 21 or older.
This requirement was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy on January 8, 2024, and driving schools and high school driver education programs will be informed of the change separately.
