Any New Jersey driver working through the Graduated Driver License(GDL) program will eventually take the NJ driving test; the road test must be passed in order to obtain an unrestricted license. As teen drivers, or adults who have never held a valid license, progress through the Graduated Driver License program, they may benefit from a variety of DMV practice driving tests as well as written knowledge tests to ensure the driver both understands traffic laws and signals and is capable of safely abiding by those regulations.

An adult over the age of 21 who currently holds a valid driver’s license in any other U.S. state is exempt from both the written knowledge and NJ driving test. Drivers under the age of 21 who relocate to New Jersey are required to pass through the Graduated Driver License program, although the program can be accelerated as some of the age requirements have already been passed.  Those under 21 drivers would be well advised to take a DMV practice driving test before making an appointment with the Motor Vehicle Commission to take the NJ driving test to make sure they are capable of passing the test.

It would also be advisable for any driver who will be taking the NJ driving test to take a number of DMV practice tests loaded with questions specific to New Jersey laws and regulations. While the NJ driving test is scored based on the physical performance of a set of tasks, knowledge of traffic laws and signs are vitally important to the successful completion of those tasks. A DMV practice driving test will also help ensure that the driver is aware of and capable of following all traffic regulations.

The NJ driving test judges drivers on the following: 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. Even an experienced driver who is nervous may fail to perform any of these tasks properly and could therefore fail the NJ driving test. A driver who has passed a couple of DMV practice driving tests, however, will typically feel more relaxed and confident while taking the actual Motor Vehicle Commission test and is then more likely to pass the test. It is worth the time and money to take the NJ driving test with confidence.

You can take DMV practice driving tests through a variety of Driver Education schools or simply have a trusted adult take you through the tasks outlined on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission checklist to determine if you are both capable and comfortable with each driving scenario. Practice the tasks you have trouble with and keep taking practice tests until you are comfortable and confident enough to take the NJ driving test.