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To become a licensed driver in New Jersey, passing a written permit test and a licensing exam is required. For teens, there is a more in-depth process with three steps known as the graduated 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:

Learner’s Permit

The learner’s permit is the first step of the process. To qualify for your special learner’s permit in New Jersey, you must be at least 16 years old and have parental consent. You must enroll in an approved driver training course that provides behind-the-wheel experience and pass a knowledge and vision test.

If you’re over the age of 16, you’re eligible for an examination permit. To receive this permit, you must be at least 17 years old, pass the knowledge and vision tests, and have practiced supervised driving for at least six months.

Probationary License

The second step in the GDL process is an intermediate license. You must be at least 17 years old and have practiced unsupervised driving for at least one year. Additionally, you must have passed the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) road test.

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:

• Practice your behind-the-wheel driving with a licensed 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.
• 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.
• Vision test: Our DMV-certified vision test is conducted in our office for your comfort.
• 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 vetted 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. 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 classroom and one-on-one training and apply them to your road test for your unrestricted license.

Start Preparing for Your GDL Today

If you’re a teen driver or a new driver under the age of 21, you need to go through the New Jersey GDL process to earn your full, unrestricted license. Mike’s Driving School in Williamstown, NJ, helps teen drivers learn the necessary skills to prepare for their licensing exam. We also offer in-class training and 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.