New Jersey MVC Driver’s License & Permit Practice – 2026
Results
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#1. You are in an intersection and see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights behind you. What should you do?
If you are in an intersection when you see an emergency vehicle, continue through the intersection, and then drive to the right as soon as you can and stop. Never stop in an intersection.
#2. If it is raining when you approach this sign, you should:
Slippery when wet. In wet weather, drive slowly. Do not speed up or brake quickly. Make sharp turns at a slow speed.
#3. Following closely behind another vehicle:
Tailgating refers to following too closely behind a vehicle directly in front. This is a common cause of rear-end accidents.
Tailgating can cause a series of rear-end collisions when many vehicles are too close together.
#4. In general, you should use your high-beam headlights for:
The bright (high) beam is for open-country driving when there is no traffic in sight. The dim (low) beams are used for city driving and driving in traffic on roadways.
When driving in fog headlights should be kept on low beam and fog lights should be turned on, if the vehicle has them.
#5. If you have been drinking alcohol, what is a significant factor in reducing alcohol levels in your blood?
The only thing that can make a person sober is time. Alcohol is removed slowly by the body. The majority of the alcohol is oxidized by the liver. Only 10 percent is eliminated in breath, urine and sweat. This fact is the prime reason why sober-up-quick methods do not work.
#6. Under the GDL system, the first step for anyone less than 17 years is to obtain:
For drivers ages 16 and up, MVC offers a three-phase process with (1) a learner’s permit, (2) probationary license, and (3) basic driver license.
br />Drivers age 17 or older start with an examination permit.
#7. When entering or crossing a road from a driveway:
When entering from an alley, driveway, or private road, you must stop at a sidewalk, or if there is no sidewalk, at a point prior to entering the roadway.
#8. Why can it be dangerous to start your vehicle or warm up the engine in a closed garage?
Avoid idling a vehicle in a garage. Certain conditions can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to accumulate in or around a vehicle
#9. Obtaining a driver's license illegally may result in:
Obtaining a driver’s license illegally may result in a fine up to $200 to $500 and/or imprisonment of 30 to 90 days.
#10. A flashing yellow light means:
A flashing yellow traffic signal light warns you to be careful. You do not need to stop for a flashing yellow light, but you must slow down and proceed with care.
#11. It can be dangerous to leave a motor running in a garage because of:
Avoid idling a vehicle in a garage. Certain conditions can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to accumulate in or around a vehicle
#12. What should you do when you approach this sign?
Stop sign ahead. When you come to this sign, slow down to be ready to stop at the stop sign.
#13. Which of the following would be indicated by a circular road sign?
A circular sign is used to warn that there is a railroad crossing ahead.
#14. You approach a 4-way intersection and see this sign on the cross street. What does it mean?
The one-way sign is used to indicate streets or roadways upon which traffic is allowed to travel in one direction only. Do not turn against the arrow.
The sign is placed parallel to the one-way street at all alleys and roadways that intersect one-way roadways.
#15. Your lane ends ahead, and there is a large truck in the lane beside you. What is the best thing to do?
Slow down and merge behind the truck. Cutting into the open space in front of a truck is dangerous. Trying to beat a truck through a single-lane construction zone, for example, removes the truck driver’s cushion of safety and places you in danger.
#16. How can you avoid glare from the high-beam headlights of an approaching car at night?
If a vehicle is approaching with high beams, a motorist should look to the right of the road until the vehicle passes. Never flash high beams at an approaching motorist.
Bright beams can momentarily blind other motorists by constricting the pupils and should not be used if other vehicles are approaching or when driving behind another vehicle. It can take three to five seconds for a motorist to recover from the glare of approaching high-beam headlights.
#17. If red lights are flashingat a railroad crossing, you must:
A motorist must stop within fifty feet but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail, when there are flashing lights, ringing bells or flag signals. Descending gates or gates that have already been lowered indicate that a train is coming, and a motorist must stop. A motorist should never attempt to cross until the gates have been raised and the lights have stopped flashing.
#18. When can you use a cell phone without a hands-free device while driving?
State law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices (e.g., cellular telephones) while driving a motor vehicle on any public road or highway. A handheld cellular telephone may be used only in certain emergency situations, which include:
- Fire
- Traffic accident
- Serious road hazard
- Medical emergency
- Hazardous material emergency
#19. What does this sign mean?
Divided highway ahead (divided highway begins).
The highway ahead is divided into two one-way roadways. Keep to the right.
#20. When there is an oncoming car to your left and a child on a bicycle to your right on a two-way road, you should:
Pass only when safe. Instead of driving between the car and the child, take one danger at a time. First, slow down and let the car pass. Then, move to the left to allow plenty of room before you pass the child.
#21. An approved car seat with a five-point harness or booster seat must be used for children who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall and under:
Children under age eight who are less than 57 inches (4 feet 9 inches) tall must ride in:
- A federally approved forward facing child passenger restraint system that is equipped with a five-point harness in a rear seat of the motor vehicle.
- A federally approved booster seat (in a rear seat of the motor vehicle).
Failure to comply with this law can subject a person to a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $75, plus fees and court costs.
#22. Which is true about signaling before suddenly reducing speed?
You must always give a proper signal when turning, changing lanes, stopping, or slowing down. Most vehicles have turn signals and you should always use them. If they do not work, the signals must be fixed as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you should use hand signals. New Jersey law requires a motorist to know the correct hand signals for stopping and turning, which are standard in all states.
#23. Why is it important not to drive with an exhaust leak or poorly tuned engine?
Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Certain conditions can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to accumulate in or around a vehicle, with potentially fatal results. These conditions can include operating a vehicle with an exhaust leak or poorly tuned engine.
#24. What should you do if you suddenly hear a thumping sound from your tires?
If a motorist experiences a flat tire or blowout, he/she should hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle straight while gradually slowing down. The motorist should remove his/her foot from the gas pedal but not use the brakes. The vehicle should coast to a stop on its own as the motorist pulls to a safe area off the roadway.
#25. What does the marking in the left-hand lane (A) mean?
Arrows are often used with the white lines to show which turn may be made from the lane.
If you are in a lane marked with a curved arrow and the word ONLY, you must turn in the direction of the arrow. If your lane is marked with both a curved and straight arrow, you may either turn or go straight.
#26. When backing up or reversing your car:
To drive in reverse, your head and body should be turned to the right until you can see clearly through the back window of the vehicle without the use of mirrors. Your right hand and arm should be placed over the back of the front passenger seat and the left hand should grasp the top of the steering wheel. Do not depend on your mirrors. Do not turn forward until the vehicle is totally stopped. A vehicle should be driven slowly in reverse.
#27. Parking is never allowed:
Never park within an intersection.
Facts about Your New Jersey Driver’s License Test
| New Jersey Written Knowledge Test for a Permit or Driver’s License | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on exam: | 50 questions |
| Passing score: | 80 percent |
| Correct answers to pass: | 40 |
| Allotted time to complete test: | No limit |
| Wait time before retest: | No official wait time |
| This New Jersey MVC Sample Test | |
|---|---|
| Questions on each practice test: | 25 |
| Question pool: | 1,000+ |
| Type of test: | Random multiple-choice |
New Jersey Permit Practice Tests at Driver’s Prep
Each practice test has 25 sample questions based on the handbook and NJ MVC tests. After each question, you will get instant feedback on whether your answer is correct. Should you get it wrong, a short explanation can help you understand the correct answer. You can also use this to look up the facts in the New Jersey Driver Manual.
Keeping the manual handy when you take the practice tests is a good idea. This way, you will learn everything faster.
Typically, you can get the latest version of the New Jersey Driver Manual from your nearest MVC office or download it online .
Do not use practice tests instead of the manual. Practice tests are a supplement to the manual, not a replacement.
The Real New Jersey Knowledge Test
On the actual examination, you will get 50 questions. The passing score is 80 percent, meaning you can only miss up to 10 out of the 50 exam questions. On practice tests, aim for perfection and try to answer all 50 questions correctly.
Read every question and all choices carefully. Make sure you fully understand everything before answering. A single word can make a choice wrong, even if it looks like it could be the correct answer. Look out for words like unless, not, and only.
You should also be careful with questions that have “All of the above” or “None of the above” as an option. These alternatives are not considered best testing practices today, but New Jersey still uses them (you will also see them on this practice test).
All questions on the knowledge test are from the New Jersey Driver Manual. Expect questions about road signs and signals, traffic laws, and specific New Jersey rules and regulations.
Questions on the test are random multiple-choice questions, where only one answer is acceptable.
You take the test on a computer-based system with touch screens. Paper tests are no longer available.
Read more about acing the MVC test .
Is the New Jersey Knowledge Test Hard?
About 30% of all first-time applicants fail the New Jersey knowledge examination for a permit or driver’s license. With a high demand for testing appointments, you should pass the test the first time to avoid unnecessary waiting times.
Who Must Take the Knowledge Examination?
First-time applicant
All first-time applicants must pass all three tests: the written knowledge test, the vision test, and the road test.
They must also complete the NJ MVC’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program.
The program has different requirements depending on the applicant’s age.
Expired license (more than three years)
You must apply for a new license if you let your New Jersey Driver’s License expire after a three-year grace period. Like any new applicant, you must pass all tests, including the knowledge and skills tests.
Licensed drivers from another country
All out-of-country applicants, including U.S. possessions and territories, must pass the knowledge and vision tests.
In some situations, MVC can also ask a driver with an out-of-country license to complete the road test.
Exception: Out-of-State Licenses
MVC typically waives the knowledge and skills tests if you move to New Jersey and have a valid out-of-state non-provisional driver’s license issued by any 50 states or the District of Columbia.
Exception: Suspensions
After a license suspension in New Jersey, MVC does not require new tests, unless they question your ability to drive.
Unlike states with revocation policies, you don’t have to apply for a new license when MVC has terminated your New Jersey license.
More about the New Jersey Knowledge Test
Besides English, MVC also offers the New Jersey written knowledge test in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. There is also a test using sign language visuals available.
For other languages, you may use an approved interpreter. The interpreter can be a full-time faculty member of a state-accredited college or university with proper identification, a priest, minister, rabbi, or other religious leader of a recognized organization with appropriate credentials, or an approved Department of State interpreter. Interpreters can be scheduled and paid for by MVC.
If you have trouble reading, you can ask for headphones. All tests have audio support.
If you are hard of hearing, you can take the knowledge test with an MVC-approved Department of State interpreter. The interpreter must be certified by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and listed with the New Jersey Division of the Deaf or evaluated by the Division of the Deaf and on the approved list of that division’s interpreters. MVC pays the interpreter’s fee for such applicants.
What Happens if I Fail the New Jersey Knowledge Test?
New Jersey has no specific rules about retesting, but you may not be able to retest on the same day due to service limitations. So, it is essential that you prepare well and don’t waste time on retesting.
New Jersey Graduated Driver’s License Law
All New Jersey residents who have never had a driver’s license must follow New Jersey’s Graduated Driver’s License program to get their first unrestricted basic driver’s license.
16 years old follow The Early Bird Road
17-21 years old follow The Young Adult Road
21 years and older follow The Adult Road
The law is designed to give new drivers increased, step-by-step instruction and driving experience on the road.
You must pass the knowledge and vision test before practicing driving, regardless of age. After passing the tests, MVC issues a permit that lets you get behind the wheel with a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has been licensed to drive for at least three years. The supervising driver must sit beside you in the front seat.
The Early Bird Road (16 Years Old)
To get the Special Learner Permit for young drivers, you must be at least 16 years old.
You must also:
Have a signed parent or guardian consent
Be enrolled in approved behind-the-wheel driver training course
Have an approved instructor purchase the permit
Pass the MVC’s knowledge and vision tests
Pay required fee
Your Learner Permit has the following restrictions:
You cannot drive alone
No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
No more than 1 passenger
Must have red GDL decals attached to vehicle when driving
No use of cell phones (handheld or hands-free), iPods etc.
Seat belts are required
The night curfew has an exemption when driving to and from work or a religious event. To qualify for the work or religious exemption, drivers must carry legible documentation on letterhead signed by the employer, organization, or religious institution stating the reasons for the exemption from the curfew restriction. The letter must include the designated official’s signature, title, address, and telephone number.
There is also an exemption from the passenger restriction when a parent or legal guardian accompanies a teen or the passengers are the driver’s dependents (children).
Note: You cannot get behind the wheel and start driving until you have completed the behind-the-wheel driver training course and got the permit validated at an MVC Driver Testing Center.
After practicing driving skills, MVC can issue a Probationary License after you have completed at least six months of supervised training and turned 17.
You must pass the road test to be eligible for the Probationary License.
With the Probationary License, you can continue to practice driving without a supervising driver.
Your Probationary License has the same restrictions as the permit, except that you can now drive alone.
You must hold your Probationary License for one year and be 18 years old before MVC issues a basic and unrestricted Driver’s License.
The Young Adult Road (17-21 Years Old)
You can apply for the Examination Permit if you are between 17 and 21 years old.
You must be at least 17, pass the knowledge and vision tests, and pay the required fee.
If you are under 18 years old, you must also obtain parent or guardian consent.
With the Examination Permit, completing a behind-the-wheel driver training course is unnecessary.
Restrictions are the same as on the N.J. Learner Permit.
You cannot drive alone
No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
No more than 1 passenger
Must have red GDL decals attached to vehicle when driving
No use of cell phones (handheld or hands-free), iPods etc.
Seat belts are required
MVC may issue the Probationary License after you have completed at least six months of supervised driving.
You must hold your Probationary License for one year and be 18 years old before MVC issues a basic and unrestricted Driver’s License.
The Adult Road (21 Years Old)
As an adult, MVC issues the Examination Permit after you have passed the knowledge and vision tests and paid the required fee.
You must practice driving with a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has been licensed to drive for at least three years. You must practice for at least three months.
There are no passenger restrictions or night curfew when you are 21.
However, electronic devices are still prohibited and you must have red GDL decals and must use seat belts.
After three months of training and passing the road skills test, MVC issues a Probationary License. With the Probationary License, you can drive alone.
You must hold the Probationary License for at least one year before applying for the basic license.
