New Jersey Driving School

Written by Michael Purser

Attending driving school is the first step on the road to obtaining a license in the Garden State. Prepare to pass the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) permit exam with a comprehensive driver training.

SafeMotorist offers online driver education designed for learners of all ages. Read on to learn NJ MVC licensing requirements for first-time applicants, your options for driving school and the benefits of additional education.

Applying for Your First License

First-time applicants need to complete a few steps before they get the green light to hit the road.

You must complete the following steps:

  • Make an appointment
  • Gather the required documents to verify your identity and residency
  • Pass a vision exam
  • Pass the knowledge test
  • Practice under supervision for six months (only three months if you're older than 21)
  • Make another appointment
  • Pass a road test to assess your skill behind the wheel

That lengthy checklist applies to first-time applicants who are 17 years old or older. There are a couple of extra steps for 16-year-olds.

Passing both the knowledge and road tests requires a developed set of skills. If you aren't prepared, you're going to fail the exam. That means more appointments and more paperwork. Instead of going in blind, you should complete a program with comprehensive lessons.

Choose Online Education

We offer a full 30-hour course for aspiring motorists of any age. Our online lessons can be completed at your pace from any device. It is designed to give you all the fundamental knowledge you need to safely operate a car.

Grab a copy of the manual, log in and prepare to ace your licensing exam. Whether you're 17 or 70, completing our program is the best way to prepare.

Nine in-depth modules cover important topics like:

  • Make an appointment
  • Gather the required documents to verify your identity and residency
  • Pass a vision exam
  • Pass the knowledge test
  • Practice under supervision for six months (only three months if you're older than 21)
  • Make another appointment
  • Pass a road test to assess your skill behind the wheel

For teenagers taking their first steps to getting behind the wheel, we also suggest our First-Time Driver Drug and Alcohol Course. It is a valuable primer on the dangers of operating an automobile while impaired. Alcohol and drugs are especially dangerous for developing minds.

Many insurers will also discount your auto premiums if you take this voluntary class, which is extra valuable for minors who usually pay higher rates than adults with a demonstrated history of road safety.

Defensive Driving

You may choose to enroll in a defensive driving program for some extra benefits.

The state of New Jersey uses a point system to track traffic violations. If you accrue 12 points on your record, you may face suspension. You naturally lose three points after one year with no violations or suspensions.

You can reduce the number of points further with the help of an approved online course. Once you complete the lessons, two points will be reduced from your record for the purpose of calculating penalty surcharges and suspensions.

Depending on your insurer, completing an MVC-approved program like ours may qualify you for a discount of up to 10% on your car insurance premiums. The discount lasts for three years, making it a cost-effective investment that quickly pays for itself.

Contact your insurer to verify its participation in this state-sponsored discount program.

Additional Options

On the subject of insurance, the Garden State offers a mandatory discount for anyone age of 55+ who complete a mature driver training.

Designed for seniors looking to refresh their knowledge of traffic laws and add a few tricks to their repertoire, this voluntary education comes with monthly savings for three years.

If you want to know more about how your car works or how to take care of your car, try our award-winning Basic Vehicle Maintenance course. In about an hour, you will learn how to jump-start your car, change a tire, check your oil and gain other fundamental skills that will protect you and your car.