New Jersey DMV written test
New Jersey DMV Cheat Sheet
The New Jersey knowledge test facts in one place, checked against New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
New Jersey DMV test numbers to memorize
The New Jersey knowledge test has 50 questions and you need 40 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 10. The test is given by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
50
Questions on the test
40
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
10
Questions you can miss
16
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $10. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at an MVC licensing center.
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Required. Appointments required at MVC licensing centers. Schedule online at telegov.njportal.com. Some walk-in availability but appointments strongly recommended.
Before you go
Documents to bring in New Jersey
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 3 done
- 6 Points of ID (primary ID, secondary ID, proof of SSN, proof of address - per NJ's 6-point system)
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Proof of driver education enrollment (GDL program)
If you fail
If you fail: New Jersey retake rules
You must wait 7 days to retake a failed knowledge test and 14 days to retake a failed road test, and the same 7-day and 14-day waits apply to CDL. MVC's fee schedule lists no separate retest fee, though CDL applicants must renew the $125 Test Receipt or CLP if they have not passed within 180 days. MVC states there is no limit on CDL knowledge or road tests, but publishes no attempt limit for non-commercial applicants; after several failed CDL road tests it may impose a six-month wait.
- knowledge test (CDL): wait 7 days.
- road test / skills test (CDL): wait 14 days.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
- MVC may impose a six-month waiting period before another CDL road test.
- CDL applicants who have not passed within 180 days must renew the Commercial Learner's Permit and Test Receipt for $125.
Some retake details for New Jersey are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with MVC before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in New Jersey
- Under 18
- Must be at least 16. Must have parental consent. Must enroll in Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. Must hold permit for at least 6 months. Must complete 6 hours behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor and log practice driving hours. Special learner's permit restrictions: must display red decals, no driving 11:01 PM - 5 AM, limited passengers.
- Permit versus license
- New Jersey uses a GDL system. Special learner's permit (16+) → probationary license (17+) → basic license (18+). Must hold permit for 6 months, complete 6 hours professional instruction, and pass road test. Red decals required on permit, reflective decals on probationary.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any New Jersey MVC licensing center.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for New Jersey: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Hindi, Albanian, Turkish, and American Sign Language. This list is flagged for verification because the agency does not clearly say which languages the exam itself is given in (a handbook can be published in more languages than the exam), so confirm with MVC before you rely on it.
The study source is the New Jersey Driver Manual (2026 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual. Topics the agency lists for the test: Traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings, Right-of-way rules and intersections (including New Jersey's jug-handle turns), Speed limits and safe-following distances, DUI and BAC laws, and the implied-consent rule, Graduated Driver License (GDL) restrictions for permit and probationary holders, Insurance, registration, and accident-reporting requirements, Cellphone and electronic-device laws, and Sharing the road with motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and school buses.
From learner data
Most missed New Jersey practice questions
These free New Jersey questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
Before towing, the load in a trailer should be positioned so that:
Most weight sits ahead of the trailer axle
About 40% get it right
- 3
Safety authorities recommend that children ride in the back seat until they are at least:
13 years old
About 50% get it right
- 4
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 5
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 6
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
Your plan
Free New Jersey study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the New Jersey questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1