Basic Road Test

The road test allows the driver to demonstrate an understanding of safe driving by adhering to the rules of the road. The road test may be taken once the knowledge and vision tests are successfully completed at a driver testing center, and you have practiced supervised driving as outlined below:

  • Practice supervised driving for at least 6 months (Graduated Driver License (GDL) requirement for under 21 years of age)
  • Practice supervised driving for at least 3 months (Graduated Driver License (GDL) requirement for over 21 years of age)
  • Non-GDL practice supervised driving for at least 20 days

An appointment is needed to take a road test. You may schedule your road test online at this link. You may also schedule an appointment at a driver testing center. A Safety Specialist (Examiner) will accompany you while driving in an off-road testing area or on a public road course. The test will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Backup cameras and parking sensors that have been installed on a motor vehicle are permitted to be used during a road test.

See a list of road testing centers.

  • The same identification (6 Points of ID) you used to obtain a permit. Read more about the 6 Points of ID.
  • A valid examination permit.
  • An accompanying New Jersey licensed driver who is at least age 21 and has had their New Jersey driver’s license for at least three years.
  • License plate decals. Red, reflective decals must be affixed to plates on a vehicle used for the road test of drivers under age 21. Decals are to be purchased at the time of the learners/examination permit or probationary license issuance. If decals were not purchased at that time, please visit any MVC agency and pay the required fee of $4.00 for a new set.
  • A registered vehicle with a current inspection sticker and an insurance card. The vehicle must allow the Safety Specialist access to the emergency brake from the passenger seat. The Safety Specialist must be able to reach either the foot brake or parking brake. You cannot take your road test if your vehicle does not qualify (see below).
  • Rental cars are acceptable only if the driver taking the test is included on the rental contract as an additional driver and is of contract age.
  • The rental of a driving school auto is permitted.

* The road test for an agricultural license MUST be taken in a vehicle with Farmer Plates only. Farm use plates are not permitted for road test purposes.

  • Driving in reverse
  • Stopping at appropriate signs
  • Nearing corners or intersections
  • Stopping smoothly
  • Sitting properly
  • Turning around
  • Steering properly
  • Parallel parking
  • Yielding to right-of-way

The Safety Specialist will endorse your examination permit allowing you to obtain your license at a motor vehicle agency.

You must wait at least fourteen (14) days before taking the road test again.

    You will be denied a road test based on your vehicle if:

  • It is deemed unsafe or unsuitable for a road test.
  • It has an improper, expired, or no inspection sticker.
  • Equipment in the vehicle prevents the Safety Specialist from reaching the foot or parking brakes.
  • It is a self-parking vehicle.
  • There is a defect or condition that affects the safe operation of the vehicle including poor brakes, a defective parking brake, unsafe tires, unreasonably unclean interior, a fast engine idle, or missing seatbelts.
  • It does not have the required license plate decals.
  • Tinted windows. See more information on tinted windows.

* The road test for an agricultural license MUST be taken in a vehicle with Farmer Plates only. Farm use plates are not permitted for road test purposes.