TL;DR
- NJ GDL has 3 paths: Option A (age 16, driving school), Option B (age 17, no school required), Option C (age 21+, faster)
- 50 hours of supervised driving required (including 10 hours at night) — for Options A and B
- No driving 11:01 PM – 5:00 AM for permit and probationary holders under 21
- No phones — not even hands-free — during any GDL phase under 21
- Red GDL decals required on both plates; cost $4 per pair
- Minimum age for probationary license: 17; for basic license: 18
- Violating restrictions = $100 fine or license suspension
New Jersey's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program applies to every first-time driver in NJ — not just teenagers. Whether you're 16 or 26, if you've never held a driver license before, you must complete GDL.
The program was introduced in 2001 to reduce crashes among new drivers by extending supervised practice time before granting full driving privileges. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-10 and 39:3-13 through 39:3-13.8)
Here's exactly how it works.
The 3 GDL Paths
New Jersey offers three routes depending on your age and situation.
Option A — The Early Bird Road (Age 16+)
For students who want to start driving as soon as legally possible.
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Special Learner Permit | Age 16+; enrolled in NJ DOE-approved or commercial driving school; instructor purchases the permit; must pass knowledge test and vision screening |
| Step 2: Supervised Practice | At least 6 months; minimum 50 hours (including 10 hours at night); red GDL decals required |
| Step 3: Probationary License | Age 17+; completed 6 months without suspension; pass road test |
| Step 4: Unsupervised Practice | At least 1 year; follow probationary restrictions; red GDL decals required |
| Step 5: Basic Driver License | Age 18+; completed 1 year of probationary driving |
Key detail: The MVC will validate your Special Learner Permit only after the driving course is completed. You cannot use it for practice until it's validated at an MVC Driver Testing Center.
Option B — The Young Adult Road (Age 17+)
For those 17 or older who don't need a driving school to start.
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Examination Permit | Age 17+; pass knowledge test and vision screening; parent/guardian consent if under 18 |
| Step 2: Supervised Practice | At least 6 months; minimum 50 hours (including 10 hours at night); red GDL decals required |
| Step 3: Probationary License | Completed 6 months without suspension; pass road test |
| Step 4: Unsupervised Practice | At least 1 year; follow probationary restrictions; red GDL decals required |
| Step 5: Basic Driver License | Age 18+; completed 1 year of probationary driving |
Option C — The Adult Road (Age 21+)
For adults who never needed a license before. Fewer restrictions apply.
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Examination Permit | Age 21+; pass knowledge test and vision screening |
| Step 2: Supervised Practice | At least 3 months (shorter than the teen/young adult track) |
| Step 3: Probationary License | Completed 3 months without suspension; pass road test |
| Step 4: Unsupervised Practice | At least 1 year |
| Step 5: Basic Driver License | Completed 1 year of probationary driving |
Important: For Option C permit and probationary holders who are 21 or older, the nighttime curfew, passenger limits, and decal requirements do not apply. (NJ Driver Manual, p. 17)
The 50-Hour Supervised Driving Requirement
For Options A and B, you must log a minimum of 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including at least 10 of those hours during darkness.
Who can supervise?
Your supervising driver must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Hold a valid New Jersey driver license (not out-of-state)
- Have a minimum of 3 years of driving experience
- Sit in the front seat next to you
How to document the hours
A parent, guardian, or supervising driver must complete the Certification of Supervised Driving form (available from NJ MVC). You must present this form when you go to get your probationary license. You cannot skip this step.
Pro tip: Don't wait until the last minute to fill out the form. Track your hours from day one with dates, locations, and time of day (daylight vs. darkness).
GDL Driving Restrictions
The following restrictions apply to all permit and probationary license holders under age 21.
Special Learner Permit Restrictions
| Restriction | Rule |
|---|---|
| Curfew | No driving between 11:01 PM and 5:00 AM |
| Electronic devices | No hand-held or hands-free phones; no other electronic devices |
| Supervising driver | Must be in front seat; age 21+; valid NJ license; 3+ years experience |
| Passengers | Limited to parents, guardians, dependents, and one additional passenger |
| Seat belts | Permit holder and all passengers must wear seat belts |
| Decals | Must display red GDL decals on both license plates |
Examination Permit Restrictions
| Restriction | Rule |
|---|---|
| Curfew | No driving between 11:01 PM and 5:00 AM |
| Electronic devices | No hand-held or hands-free phones; no other electronic devices |
| Supervising driver | Must be in front seat; age 21+; valid NJ license; 3+ years experience |
| Passengers | Limited to dependents and one additional passenger, unless a parent/guardian is present |
| Seat belts | Required for all |
| Decals | Must display red GDL decals |
Probationary Driver License Restrictions
| Restriction | Rule |
|---|---|
| Curfew | No driving between 11:01 PM and 5:00 AM |
| Electronic devices | No hand-held or hands-free phones; no other electronic devices |
| Passengers | Limited to dependents and one additional person, unless a parent/guardian is present |
| Seat belts | Required for all |
| Decals | Must display red GDL decals |
Note: Unlike permit holders, probationary license holders do not need a supervising driver present — they can drive alone during allowed hours.
The GDL Red Decals
All GDL drivers under age 21 (with a permit or probationary license) must display two red reflective GDL decals on any vehicle they operate.
Where to place them:
- One on the top-left corner of the rear license plate
- One on the top-left corner of the front license plate
Cost: $4 per pair, issued when your permit is purchased. Additional pairs cost $4 at any MVC Licensing Center.
Why it matters: The decals alert other drivers and law enforcement that you are a new driver under GDL restrictions. Law enforcement can stop and cite you for missing decals. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-13 and 39:3-13.4f)
Exemptions to the Nighttime Curfew
The 11:01 PM – 5:00 AM restriction has two exemptions:
- Employment — You have a documented need to drive during restricted hours for a job
- Religious obligation — You have a documented need for religious reasons
To qualify, you must carry:
A legible written certification on the official letterhead of the business or religious institution, signed by your employer or religious official, including their name, title, address, and phone number. (N.J.A.C. 13:21-8.18)
Verbal explanations or text messages are not sufficient. Carry the physical letter.
Permit and License Fees
| Document | Fee |
|---|---|
| Permit (Special Learner or Examination) | $10 |
| Red GDL decals (2 pairs) | $4 |
| Probationary Driver License | $63 |
| Basic Driver License (Standard) | $24 |
| Basic Driver License (REAL ID) | $35 |
How the GDL Connects to the Permit Test
Before you can get any GDL permit (Special Learner or Examination), you must pass the NJ knowledge test — the written permit test with 50 questions, requiring a score of 40/50 (80%) to pass.
GDL-specific topics that appear on the permit test include:
- Age and license requirements (minimum ages for each stage)
- GDL driving restrictions (curfew, passengers, phones)
- Red decal requirements
- Penalties for violations ($100 fine or suspension)
Our practice test data shows GDL-related questions appear in roughly 8–12% of all practice attempts — and they're among the most frequently missed questions because test-takers assume they know the rules without reading carefully.
Practice GDL questions now: Free NJ Permit Practice Test →
Upgrading to a Basic Driver License
Completing the GDL program is not automatic. After your 12-month probationary period ends, you must:
- Visit an MVC Licensing Center in person
- Show proof you've completed the probationary period
- Pay the basic license fee ($24 standard / $35 REAL ID)
Warning: If you fail to upgrade, you remain subject to probationary restrictions indefinitely and can be cited by law enforcement for violating them. (NJ Driver Manual, p. 18)
Summary: NJ GDL at a Glance
| Option A (Early Bird) | Option B (Young Adult) | Option C (Adult) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 | 17 | 21 |
| Driving school required | Yes | No | No |
| Supervised driving | 6 months / 50 hrs | 6 months / 50 hrs | 3 months |
| Night hours required | 10 hrs | 10 hrs | Not specified |
| Probationary min. age | 17 | 17 | N/A |
| Basic license min. age | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Curfew restriction | Yes (under 21) | Yes (under 21) | No (21+) |
| Decal requirement | Yes (under 21) | Yes (under 21) | No (21+) |
FAQ
What is the NJ GDL program?
New Jersey's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program is a multi-stage licensing system for first-time drivers. It gradually introduces driving privileges through three phases: permit, probationary license, and basic license. All first-time drivers in NJ must complete GDL regardless of age. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-10)
How many supervised driving hours are required for NJ GDL?
Options A and B require a minimum of 50 hours, including at least 10 hours at night. Option C (age 21+) requires at least 3 months of supervised driving; no specific hour count is mandated for adults.
What are the NJ GDL driving restrictions?
For permit and probationary holders under 21: no driving 11:01 PM–5:00 AM; no phones (even hands-free); passengers limited to dependents plus one additional person; red GDL decals required on both plates.
Can I use a hands-free phone while driving with a NJ GDL permit?
No. The restriction covers "hand-held or hands-free cell phones or any other electronic devices." This means even Bluetooth calls and GPS devices operated while driving are prohibited under GDL. (NJ Driver Manual, p. 17)
What happens if I fail the NJ permit test?
You must wait 7 days before retaking the knowledge test. There is a fee to retake. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it.
Do out-of-state drivers moving to NJ have to follow GDL?
Yes, if you are under 18 and move to New Jersey without a non-probationary license, you are subject to NJ's GDL program. Out-of-state drivers over 18 with a valid non-probationary license can transfer their license without repeating GDL. (NJ Driver Manual, p. 21)
All rules and fees in this guide are sourced from the 2025 New Jersey Driver Manual (nj.gov/mvc) and N.J.S.A. 39:3-10 through 39:3-13.8. For the most current information, always verify with the official NJ MVC website.
TL;DR（中文）
- NJ GDL 有 3条路径：A路（16岁，需驾校）、B路（17岁，不需驾校）、C路（21岁+，要求更少）
- 需要完成 50小时监督练习驾驶（其中10小时夜间）—— A路和B路适用
- 晚上11:01 PM至早上5:00 AM禁止驾驶（21岁以下的学员和试用期驾照持有者）
- 禁止使用手机（包括免提）
- 车牌需贴 红色 GDL 贴纸，前后各一，费用 $4/对
- 获得试用期驾照最低年龄：17岁；获得正式驾照最低年龄：18岁
- 违反限制：最高 $100罚款或吊销驾照
新泽西 GDL（Graduated Driver License，分阶段驾照）适用于所有第一次申请驾照的人——不限年龄。不管你是16岁的高中生，还是26岁的成年人，只要你以前从未持有过驾照，就必须完成 GDL 程序。
该程序于2001年推出，目的是通过延长监督练习时间、分阶段给予驾驶权限，降低新手司机的事故率。
三条 GDL 申请路径
A路 — 早鸟路线（16岁起）
适合想尽早开始练车的在校学生。
流程：
- 获得特殊学员许可证（Special Learner Permit）：年满16岁，在NJ教育局批准的驾校或商业驾校入学，由教练购买许可证，通过笔试和视力测试
- 监督练习驾驶：至少 6个月；最少 50小时（含10小时夜间）；车牌需贴红色GDL贴纸
- 获得试用期驾照（Probationary License）：年满17岁，完成6个月无违规的监督驾驶，通过路考
- 独立驾驶期：至少 1年；遵守试用期限制；继续贴红色贴纸
- 获得正式驾照（Basic Driver License）：年满18岁，完成1年试用期驾驶
B路 — 青年路线（17岁起）
不需要驾校，自己通过笔试即可开始练习。
流程与A路相同，只是第一步换成考试许可证（Examination Permit），条件：年满17岁，通过笔试和视力测试，未成年人需家长同意。
C路 — 成人路线（21岁起）
适合21岁以上、从未持牌的成年人。
- 监督练习驾驶仅需 3个月（A/B路需6个月）
- 无夜间禁驶限制，无乘客限制，无贴纸要求（21岁以上）
- 路考后获得试用期驾照，再满1年可升级为正式驾照
50小时监督驾驶要求
A路和B路要求最少 50小时监督驾驶，其中至少 10小时在夜间进行。
监督人要求：
- 年满 21岁
- 持有效 新泽西驾照（非外州）
- 至少有 3年驾驶经验
- 坐在前排
如何记录小时数：
监督人需填写 MVC 官方《监督驾驶认证表（Certification of Supervised Driving Form）》，申请试用期驾照时必须提交。
建议：从第一天开始记录，注明日期、地点、白天/夜间，不要等最后再补。
GDL 驾驶限制（21岁以下）
许可证阶段限制
| 限制 | 规定 |
|---|---|
| 禁驶时段 | 晚上 11:01 PM – 早上 5:00 AM |
| 电子设备 | 禁止使用手持或免提手机、任何电子设备 |
| 监督人 | 须坐前排；年满21岁；持有效NJ驾照；3年以上驾龄 |
| 乘客 | 仅限父母/监护人、受抚养人及1名额外乘客 |
| 安全带 | 所有人必须系 |
| 贴纸 | 前后车牌必须贴红色GDL贴纸 |
试用期驾照阶段限制
| 限制 | 规定 |
|---|---|
| 禁驶时段 | 晚上 11:01 PM – 早上 5:00 AM |
| 电子设备 | 禁止使用手持或免提手机及其他设备 |
| 乘客 | 仅限受抚养人及1名额外乘客（父母在场则不限） |
| 安全带 | 所有人必须系 |
| 贴纸 | 必须贴红色GDL贴纸 |
| 监督人 | 不需要（可独立驾驶） |
红色 GDL 贴纸
21岁以下持学员证或试用期驾照的驾驶员，驾驶任何车辆时必须在车牌上贴两张红色反光 GDL 贴纸：
- 一张贴在前车牌左上角
- 一张贴在后车牌左上角
费用：$4/对，办证时一并领取。额外购买同样 $4/对，可在任何 MVC 中心购买。
夜间禁驶豁免条件
以下情况可申请豁免11:01 PM – 5:00 AM禁驶限制：
- 工作需要：必须在禁驶时段上班
- 宗教需要：宗教活动要求
申请条件： 随身携带由雇主或宗教机构负责人在官方信纸上签署的证明信，需包含对方姓名、职务、地址和电话。口头说明不被接受。
费用一览
| 证件 | 费用 |
|---|---|
| 学员许可证 / 考试许可证 | $10 |
| 红色GDL贴纸（2张） | $4 |
| 试用期驾照 | $63 |
| 正式驾照（标准版） | $24 |
| 正式驾照（REAL ID版） | $35 |
GDL 与笔试的关系
在获得任何 GDL 许可证之前，你需要先通过 NJ 驾照笔试——50题，答对40题（80%）即为通过。
笔试中常见的 GDL 考点：
- 各阶段的年龄和许可证要求
- GDL 驾驶限制（禁驶时段、乘客、手机）
- 贴纸要求
- 违规罚款（$100 或吊照）
我们的练题数据显示，GDL相关题目在实际考试中出错率较高——很多考生以为自己"懂"，但细节上容易出错。
现在练习 GDL 相关题目： 免费新泽西驾照模拟考试 →
常见问题
Q：GDL 程序对所有年龄都适用吗？
是的，新泽西所有首次申请驾照的人都必须完成 GDL，不分年龄。但21岁以上的成年人走C路，要求更少（只需3个月监督练车，且无夜间限制和乘客限制）。
Q：外州搬来新泽西需要重新走 GDL 吗？
视年龄和原驾照类型而定。如果你未满18岁且没有非试用期驾照，则需遵循NJ GDL规定。如果你已成年且持有效的非试用期驾照，则可以直接换发NJ驾照，无需重新走GDL。
Q：持 GDL 试用期驾照可以一个人开车吗？
可以，但只能在允许的时间内（凌晨5AM至晚上11PM）且遵守乘客和手机限制。试用期驾照不需要监督人陪同。
Q：违反 GDL 限制会怎样？
可能面临 $100 罚款或吊销驾照。试用期如因违规被暂停，延长时间不计入12个月试用期。
Q：试用期满1年后，驾照会自动升级吗？
不会。你需要主动去 MVC 中心申请升级。否则，你将继续受试用期限制约束，并可能被执法人员开罚单。
本指南所有数据均依据2025年版《新泽西驾驶手册》（nj.gov/mvc）及 N.J.S.A. 39:3-10 至 39:3-13.8 核实。如需最新信息，请以 NJ MVC 官方网站为准。
