DRIVER’S EDUCATION

Chapter 1

Laws Governing Driver Licenses

    NJ motorists must have 3 items when driving:  Valid drivers license, provisional license, or permit  Proof of insurance  Registration cards A motorist with a permit must be accompanied by a licensed driver The MVC’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program introduces driving privileges in phases  The Early Bird Road for 16 year old drivers  The Young Adult Road for drivers 17-21  The Adult Road for drivers 21 and older Permit and provisional drivers shall not operate a vehicle without displaying 2 visible, reflective decals on their license plates

Digital Driver License

 Security-enhanced license  Prevents identity theft  Ensures that only those individuals who are legally entitled to have a driver license get one   Altering or presenting an altered driver license  Loss of driving privilege, fine of $1000, and/or up to 6 months imprisonment Obtaining a driver license illegally  Fine of $200-$500 and/or imprisonment of 30-90 days

Types of NJ Licenses

 Basic Automobile License (Class D vehicles)  Expiration: 4 years  Minimum age: 18  Permit: 16  Test required: Knowledge, Vision, Road  Probationary Automobile License (Class D)  Expiration: 4 years  Minimum age: 17  Test required: Knowledge, Vision, Road

Types of NJ Licenses (Continued)

  Commercial Driver License (Classes A, B, C)  Expiration: 4 years  Minimum age: 18/21  Test required: Commercial, Knowledge, Vision, Road Motorcycle License (Class E)  Expiration: 4 years  Minimum age: 17  Test required: Knowledge, Vision, Road

6 Point ID Verification

 All NJ driver license applicants must present a combination of documents that prove their age, identity, and legal presence in the US  At least 1 primary document  Ex. Birth certificate  At least 1 secondary document  School photo ID w/transcript  Total documents must = 6+ points  Proof of address  Ex. HS report card/transcript containing your address issued in the past 2 years  Social Security #

Graduated Driver License (GDL)

   A multi-stage driver licensing program Gradually introduces driving privileges to first time drivers GDL restrictions must be strictly adhered to  Failure to do so may result in a fine of $100 or a possible suspension of a motorist’s driving privilege

The Early Bird Road (Option A)

  Step 1: Get a Special Learner Permit  At least 16 years old  Have signed parent/guardian consent  Enrolled in Behind the Wheel training course  Pass MVC’s KV tests  Pay required fees Step 2: Practice with an Adult Supervising Driver  Practice at least 6 months  Observe special learner permit driving restrictions

The Early Bird Road (Option A)

   Step 3: Get a Probationary License  At least 17 years old  Completed 6 months of supervised driving without any suspensions or postponements  Passed MVC’s road test Step 4: With a Probationary License  Practice unsupervised driving for at least 1 year  Observe probationary driver license restrictions Step 5: Get the Basic Driver License  At least 18 years old  Completed 1 year unsupervised driving with probationary license restrictions  Pay required fee

The Young Adult Road (Option B)

  Step 1: Get an Examination Permit  At least 17 years old  Obtain parent/guardian consent if under 18  Pass MVC’s KV tests  Pay required fee Step 2: Practice Supervised Driving  Practice with adult supervising driver  Practice at least 6 months  Observe examination-permit driving restrictions

The Young Adult Road (Option B)

  Step 3: Get a Probationary License  Complete 6 months of supervised driving without any suspensions or postponements  Pass MVC’s road test  Step 4: Practice Unsupervised Driving  Practice unsupervised driving for at least 1 year  Follow probationary license restrictions Step 5: Get the Basic Driver License  At least 18 years old  Complete 1 year unsupervised driving  Pay required fee

The Adult Road (Option C)

  Step 1: Get an Examination Permit  At least 21 years old  Pass MVC’s KV tests  Pay required fee Step 2: Practice Supervised Driving  Practice with adult supervising driver  Practice at least 3 months  Observe examination permit driving restrictions

The Adult Road (Option C)

  Step 4: Practice Unsupervised Driving  Practice unsupervised driving for at least 1 year  Follow probationary driving license restrictions  Step 3: Get a Probationary License  Complete 3 months of supervised driving without any suspensions or postponements  Pass MVC’s road test Step 5: Get the Basic Driver License   Complete 1 year unsupervised driving Pay required fee

Special Learner Permit Restrictions

   No driving between 11:01 PM and 5:00 AM No usage of electronic devices while driving Accompaniment by an adult supervising driver who is at least 21 years old, possesses a valid driver license, and has a minimum of 3 years driving experience    Passengers allowed: any parent, guardian, or dependant +1 additional passenger Seat belts must be worn by driver and passengers Decals must be displayed on license plates

Examination Permit Restrictions

      No driving between 11:01 PM and 5:00 AM (does not apply if 21+) No usage of electronic devices while driving Accompaniment by an adult supervising driver who is at least 21 years old, possesses a valid driver license, and has a minimum of 3 years driving experience Passengers allowed: dependants +1 additional person unless accompanied by a parent/guardian (does not apply if 21+) Seat belts must be worn by driver and passengers Decals must be displayed on license plates

Probationary Driver License Restrictions

     No driving between 11:01 PM and 5:00 AM (does not apply if 21+) No usage of electronic devices while driving Passengers allowed: dependants +1 additional person unless accompanied by a parent/guardian (does not apply if 21+) Seat belts must be worn by driver and passengers Decals must be displayed on license plates

GDL Decal

 All GDL drivers under 21 with a permit or probationary license must display 2 red reflective decals on the top left corners of both license plates on every vehicle they drive  If a student driver commits a traffic offense, responsibility is with both the student and the instructor or adult supervising driver

GDL Driver Exemptions

 Permit and probationary drivers under 21 can drive during prohibited hours:  For employment and/or religion purposes  They must carry an official certification that indicates this need from their employer or religious official

Special Learner Permits for NJ Residents

    At least 16 years old Not in suspension status Has signed consent of their parent or guardian   Enrolls in a Behind the Wheel driver training course and completes 6 hours of instruction Passes the MVC’s KV tests Provides 6 Points of ID Verification

Examination Permits for NJ Residents

     At least 17 years old Not in suspension status Fills out form with personal information Provides 6 Points of ID Verification Passes MVC’s KV tests

Examination Permits for Out-of State Drivers

 All out-of-state drivers are required to purchase an examination permit within 60 days of becoming a permanent NJ resident or when their out-of-state license expires  Out-of-state drivers who are under 18 years of age and move to NJ are subject to this state’s GDL Program

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

    No one can apply for a CDL until they have a valid basic Class D driver license CDL Class A license  Gross combination weight rating of 26,001 lbs+  Ex. Tractor trailer  This license also allows motorist to operate Class B, C, and D vehicles CDL Class B license  Gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 lbs+  Ex. Bus designed to transport 16+ passengers  This license also allows motorists to operate Class C and D vehicles CDL Class C license  Gross vehicle weight rating less than 26,001 lbs  Ex. School bus