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To become a licensed driver in New Jersey you must be at least 17-years-old, pass a written permit test, vision test, and complete a minimum of 6-months of supervised driving (3 months if over the age of 21) before you are eligible to take the road test at a (MVC) NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Agency. *You must display GDL decals on your license plates.

For 16-year-olds, there is a more in-depth process with three steps known as the Special Learners Permit that is under the Graduated Driving Licensing program (GDL). Mike’s Driving School in Williamstown, New Jersey, can help new drivers prepare for this process. Here, our certified instructors discuss what the GDL process is and give you tips on how to prepare.

What Is the GDL Process?

Graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs are a three-step process that helps drivers under 21 earn their licenses and learn safe driving practices. They are designed to provide young drivers with detailed instructions and extra road experience before they earn their unrestricted driver’s license. In New Jersey, this process includes:

Special Learner’s Permit

The Special Learner’s permit is the first step of the process. To qualify for your special learner’s permit in New Jersey, you must be 16 years old and have parental consent. You must enroll in an NJ approved driving school that provides a minimum 6 hour behind-the-wheel experience after passing a knowledge and vision test, which is included at no extra charge at Mike’s Driving School.

If you’re over the age of 16, you’re eligible for an examination permit processed at the MVC agency. To receive this permit, you must be at least 17 years old, pass the knowledge and vision tests at a MVC agency. Then practice driving with someone that has an unrestricted NJ license for at least 3 years.  After 6 months of supervised driving, the new driver is eligible to take their road test at a MVC facility with a MVC agent. *You must display GDL decals on your license plates.

Practice Hours

As of February 1, 2025, a student needs to complete 50 hours of adult supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.

Probationary License

The next step in the GDL process, after passing the NJMVC road test, is an intermediate license. You will be issued a probationary license for unsupervised driving for at least one year.

Basic License

The last step in the GDL process is earning your unrestricted license. You must be at least 18 years old and have been driving on your own for at least 12 months while following the probationary license restrictions. These restrictions and requirements include:

• Curfew: You cannot drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• Passengers: You can only have one passenger, unless you are with a parent or guardian, or the passenger is a dependent.
• Electronic devices: You cannot use cellphones, hand-held video games, or other hand-held or hands-free electronic devices.
• Seat belt: You and all your passengers must wear seat belts.
• Decal restrictions: You must display GDL decals on your license plates.

Tips for the GDL Process

To be successful in the GDL process, there are a few tips you should follow. They include:

• Continue Practicing your behind-the-wheel driving with a licensed person after your initial 6 hours with your instructor.
• Practice parallel parking, K-turns, and other required driving skills.
• Read the driver’s handbook to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road.
• Take practice tests before the real thing to see where you can improve.
• Follow all GDL restrictions and driving rules.

Preparing for the GDL Process at Mike’s Driving School

Mike’s Driving School in Williamstown, NJ, offers individualized instruction to help teen drivers lower their driving risk and learn the skills they need to pass each stage in the process. Our teen driving course has the following features:

• Written permit test: This test is only offered to 16-year-olds but is the first step in the GDL process.
• Vision test: Our DMV-certified vision test is conducted in our office for your comfort.
• Behind-the-wheel training: This six-hour training offers one-on-one lessons with experienced instructors.
• Flexible lessons: You can choose from two-hour classes or three-hour classes.
• Road test training: You can refresh your parallel parking and K-turns before taking the MVC driving exam.
• Safe environment: Beginning drivers need a safe environment to keep them calm while learning, which can make it easier to retain and remember what they learn.

Students who enroll in our teen driving course also benefit from our door-to-door pickup. Our annually background checked, licensed, and experienced instructors pick up students when it’s time for their lesson. When the lesson is done, we drop them back off at their home or approved location (school, work, etc.). Enrolling in our teen driving course can help you learn the skills you need to help you pass each stage of the GDL process. You can take the skills you learn in the one-on-one training and apply them to your road test for your restricted license.

Start Preparing for Your GDL Today

If you’re a teen driver or a new driver, of any age, you need to go through the New Jersey GDL process to earn your full, unrestricted license. Mike’s Driving School in Williamstown, NJ, helps all new drivers learn the necessary skills to prepare for their licensing exam. We also offer online resources so they can study on their own. To learn more about the GDL process in New Jersey or how to prepare, contact us today.