How to Pass Your New Jersey Road Test: The Ultimate Guide

Passing your New Jersey road test is one of the last things you’ll do before getting your driver’s license. While it can be daunting, knowing what to expect is one of the best things you can do to prepare.

But there’s no need to worry. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know to pass the road test in New Jersey and begin enjoying the freedom that a license offers!

Requirements Before Taking the New Jersey Road Test

Before you begin the process of applying for or scheduling your road test, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve completed all the necessary requirements. If you’ve never had a license before, you will have to go through a version of the New Jersey Graduated Driver License program.

The Graduated Driver License program consists of three main parts:

1. Learner’s Permit. You’ll have to take driver’s education if you’re under 17, and you need to drive with a licensed adult over the age of 21 for six months.
2. Probationary License. Getting the probationary license requires that you pass a road test. You can drive alone under certain restrictions.
3. Unrestricted License. You’ll need to have held your probationary license for a year.

If you’re over the age of 21, getting a permit is still required, but you’ll only need to practice driving with a licensed adult for three months instead of six before taking the road test.

Scheduling Your Road Test

When you’re finally ready to take your road test, you will need to schedule an appointment online at the NJ MVC. Walk-ins are not allowed. You can find a list of testing locations that are currently open here.

What to Bring to Your New Jersey Driving Test

If you do not have the following documents, you will need to reschedule your New Jersey driving test. Read through the list carefully to make sure that you have everything you need:

• Proper identification (check out the 6 Points of ID page to get a list of acceptable identification documents)
• Your learner’s permit
• Valid registration card for your vehicle
• Valid insurance ID card
• Valid vehicle inspection sticker (or an official “No Inspection Sticker Required” document)
• Two Graduated Driver License decals for your vehicle’s license plate if you’re going through the Graduated Driver’s License program

You’ll also need to be accompanied by a properly licensed adult when you go to take your road test. They will have to either drive your vehicle to the testing area or supervise you while you drive. However, they will not be allowed in the vehicle while the test is taking place.

Vehicle Requirements

You’ll take the road test in your own vehicle, so you should make sure that everything is properly working before your test. If your vehicle is not in working order, you will not be allowed to take the test.

In the vehicle used for the test, the instructor must have access to the foot brake or parking brake. You may not use a self-parking vehicle. Make sure that all the signals, brake lights, windshield wipers, etc. are working.

Here are some common reasons for vehicle rejection on the road test in New Jersey. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list.

• Brakes aren’t working properly, or the dashboard brake warning light is on
• Parking brake isn’t working
• Brake lights or signal lights aren’t working
• Tires are unsafe (worn down too far, for example)
• Interior of the vehicle is not reasonably clean
• Your vehicle has a fast engine idle
• Safety belts are missing or broken
• There are missing mirrors, either rear-view mirror or side mirrors
• There’s broken window glass
• Doors or windows are not functioning properly

On the Day of the New Jersey Road Test

You’ll drive with an examiner on an off-road testing area or on a public road route. Your examiner will evaluate your driving ability based on your performance.

Here’s a list of maneuvers you’ll be tested on during the road test:

• Starting your vehicle properly
• Using correct posture and wearing your seat belt correctly
• Yielding right-of-way in the correct circumstances
• Using your car horn
• Turning your vehicle around
• Making turns correctly
• Making smooth stops
• Stopping completely at the correct times
• Steering correctly
• Parallel parking
• Correctly navigating intersections and corners
• Following other vehicles at the proper distance
• Reverse driving

If you pass your test, you’ll get authorization for licensing. To get your license, you’ll have to take this document, your permit, and 6 Points of ID to a driver licensing office.

If you don’t pass your road test, you will need to reschedule and retake it. Don’t stress over a failed exam; it can be extremely intimidating and challenging for new drivers, and you’re not alone. Make sure to practice your driving skills and review any essential material, and then retake your test.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about the road test in New Jersey. We hope this guide has helped you out, and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward. If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with online practice tests, a summarized handbook, and practical driving tips that will help you immensely during the actual road exam.