How many practice hours do you need in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, a learner driver must log 50 hours of supervised driving practice—including 10 at night—before applying for a license.
New Jersey learner permit requirements
- Minimum permit age: 16
- Supervised practice required: 50 hours total, 10 at night (what counts as night driving)
- Permit hold period: 6 months
- License eligibility age: 17
- How hours are certified: Certification of Supervised Driving (BA-CSD) — 50 hours including 10 during darkness, signed by the supervising driver. DriveMint fills in the BA-CSD from your logged drives (see every state form).
Since Feb. 1, 2025 New Jersey requires permit holders under 21 to log 50 hours of supervised practice, 10 of them during darkness, before a probationary license is issued. The permit must also be held 6 months. New Jersey is the only state that requires a red decal on the license plates of GDL drivers under 21 (Kyleigh's Law).
When can you drive with a permit in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, permit holders under 21 can drive from 5 a.m. to 11:01 p.m. with a supervising driver beside them, and not at all between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m., even with an adult in the car. The same curfew carries over to the probationary license.
With a supervising driver over 21, licensed at least 3 years, in the front passenger seat. One more passenger besides parents, guardians or your own children, unless a parent or guardian rides along.
Not allowed, even with a supervisor.
Alone, with one passenger besides your own children, unless a parent or guardian rides along.
Not allowed, except under a waiver for a serious emergency or for work or a religious activity verified in writing.
- "Dependents" means your own children, not siblings. With a parent or guardian in the car, you can carry as many passengers as there are seat belts.
- Permit and probationary drivers under 21 can't use any phone, hand-held or hands-free, and must display red reflective decals on both license plates.
- Each violation is a $100 fine, with no points. Drivers 21 or older on a permit or probationary license don't have the curfew or passenger limit.
The 10 hours of darkness for the 50-hour certification have to fit before 11:01 p.m. In December it's dark across New Jersey by about 5 p.m., so winter evenings make them easy.
Checked against NJ MVC: GDL restrictions in October 2026. Limits after the road test are under restrictions for new drivers.
Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the New Jersey MVC before applying.
New Jersey's graduated licensing stages
Drive with a licensed adult 21+ who has 3+ years of experience; hold 6 months and log 50 hours (10 during darkness).
Red decals required; night, passenger, and phone limits apply.
Issued after 12 clean months on the probationary license.
Driving restrictions for new New Jersey drivers
Probationary drivers under 21 can't drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m. The only waivers are for a serious emergency, or for work or religious activities verified in writing.
Probationary drivers under 21 may carry only one passenger besides their own children, unless a parent or guardian is in the car.
GDL permit and probationary license holders may not use any handheld or hands-free device while driving.
Log every New Jersey practice hour automatically
DriveMint tracks each supervised drive, separates day and night hours, and generates a PDF you can print or show at the DMV. Prove all 50 hours without a paper logbook falling apart in the glove box.
New to DriveMint? Watch the one-minute video guides, from setup to a signed log.
New Jersey driving practice FAQs
How many driving hours do you need in New Jersey?+
New Jersey requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, before a teen can apply for a license.
What time can you drive with a permit in New Jersey?+
A New Jersey permit holder under 21 can drive only between 5 a.m. and 11:01 p.m., and only with a supervising driver in the front passenger seat who is over 21 and has been licensed for at least three years. Driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m. isn't allowed, even with a supervisor. Probationary license holders under 21 have the same curfew. For examination permits and probationary licenses, the law allows a waiver for a serious emergency or for work or religious activities verified in writing.
Does New Jersey require practice hours?+
Yes, since Feb. 1, 2025. Permit holders under 21 must log 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 during darkness, and submit a Certification of Supervised Driving. The permit must also be held 6 months.
What are the red decals in New Jersey?+
Under Kyleigh's Law, GDL drivers under 21 must display reflective red decals on the front and rear license plates so the restrictions are enforceable.
Requirements in other states
Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.