Ace Your 2025 New Jersey Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You'll Likely See

The first major checkpoint on your journey to a New Jersey driver's license is the MVC written knowledge test. This 50-question exam is designed to ensure you have a solid understanding of New Jersey's traffic laws, road signs, and the specific rules of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. To pass, you must answer at least 40 questions correctly—an 80% score.

While reading the official New Jersey Driver Manual is the best way to prepare, nothing builds confidence like testing your knowledge. We’ve put together 15 practice questions that mirror the style and content of the real NJ permit test. After each question, you'll find the correct answer and an explanation to help solidify your understanding.

New Jersey MVC Knowledge Test Practice

Question 1: Under the GDL program, after passing the road test, a Probationary Driver is probationary for how long?

a) 3 months b) 6 months c) 1 year d) Until they turn 21

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Probationary Driver License phase lasts for a minimum of one full year. During this time, the driver must adhere to all GDL restrictions before they can upgrade to a basic, unrestricted license.

Question 2: The holder of a validated GDL Student Learner's Permit has a driving curfew and must not drive between:

a) 10:01 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. b) 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. c) Midnight and 6:00 a.m. d) There is no curfew.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The nighttime driving restriction for both the Student Learner's Permit and the Probationary License (for drivers under 21) is from 11:01 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. This rule is in place to keep the most inexperienced drivers off the road during higher-risk late-night hours.

Question 3: A triangular-shaped sign is a:

a) Stop sign b) School crossing sign c) Yield sign d) Railroad crossing sign

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Sign shapes provide instant information. In the US, a downward-pointing equilateral triangle is exclusively used for Yield signs, which means you must slow down and be prepared to stop to let other traffic pass before you proceed.

Question 4: In addition to a valid registration and insurance card, a motorist operating a motor vehicle in New Jersey must carry:

a) Their birth certificate b) A valid driver license, probationary license, or validated permit c) A credit card d) A vehicle title

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: At all times, you must have your proof of driving privilege with you. This can be your permit, probationary license, or basic license. Driving without it can result in a fine.

Question 5: The two, red reflective decals required for GDL drivers must be placed on:

a) The driver and passenger side windows. b) The front and rear bumpers. c) The top left corner of the front and rear license plates. d) The top right corner of the front and rear license plates.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: "Kyleigh's Law" mandates that all GDL drivers under 21 must display two red decals on their vehicle. They must be affixed to the top left corner of both the front and rear license plates to make the driver's GDL status visible to law enforcement.

Question 6: In city driving, a motorist should:

a) Drive faster than the flow of traffic. b) Look 12 seconds ahead. c) Avoid checking mirrors. d) Only focus on the car directly in front.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Driver Manual advises that in city driving, with its frequent stops and potential hazards, you should be able to see at least 12 seconds ahead. This means picking a fixed object and counting how long it takes you to reach it. This gives you time to react to things like pedestrians, sudden stops, or opening car doors.

Question 7: An eight-sided sign means:

a) Yield to other traffic. b) Stop. c) Slow down. d) Railroad crossing ahead.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The octagonal (8-sided) shape is reserved exclusively for stop signs. When you see this sign, you must come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk.

Question 8: When parking a vehicle facing downhill, the vehicle's wheels should be turned:

a) Straight ahead. b) Away from the curb. c) Towards the curb. d) It does not matter.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: This is a key safety maneuver. When parking downhill, turn your wheels towards the curb. This ensures that if your brakes fail, the car will roll into the curb and stop. When parking uphill, you should turn your wheels away from the curb.

Question 9: If a motorist's Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is slightly above .05%, the risk of causing an accident is:

a) Unchanged b) Doubled c) Six times as great d) Ten times as great

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The NJ Driver Manual states that driving with a BAC of .05% doubles your risk of causing a motor vehicle accident. At .10%, the risk is six times as great.

Question 10: The "three-seconds-plus rule" can be used at any speed to help you:

a) Judge your stopping distance. b) Avoid hydroplaning. c) Maintain a safe following distance. d) Time your entrance onto a highway.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: This rule is a reliable way to ensure you are not tailgating. Watch the vehicle in front of you pass a fixed object (like a tree or sign). Then, count "one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand." If you pass the object before you're done counting, you are too close.

Question 11: When must headlights be used?

a) Between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. b) When visibility is 500 feet or less, and when using windshield wipers. c) During rain, snow, and ice. d) All of the above.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: New Jersey law requires headlight use during the specific time frame of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Additionally, they must be on any time visibility is 500 feet or less, and whenever your windshield wipers are activated due to weather.

Question 12: A holder of a Student Learner's Permit is limited to how many passengers?

a) Any passengers from their shared residence plus one additional person. b) Only the supervising driver. c) Any supervising driver who is over 21. d) The supervising driver and one additional passenger.

Correct Answer: D Correction: The actual rule is more specific. It's any parent, guardian or dependent of the special permit holder and one additional passenger. For the test, the most encompassing answer often relates to the "one additional passenger" rule. A better question phrasing for the test would be: A holder of a validated GDL permit (21 years of age or older) is restricted to what driving hours? Answer: No restrictions apply. A holder of a validated GDL Special Learner Permit or Examination Permit (under 21) is limited to how many passengers? Answer: Passengers are limited to any parent, guardian or dependent of the special permit holder and one additional passenger.

Let's rephrase the question to be more clear and align with the manual:

Revised Question 12: A holder of a validated GDL Special Learner Permit (under 21) is limited to what passengers?

a) No passengers are allowed. b) Only the supervising driver. c) Passengers are limited to any parent, guardian or dependent of the special permit holder and one additional passenger. d) Any number of passengers, as long as they are family.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The passenger restriction for a permit holder is very specific. It allows for the supervising driver, any of the permit holder's parents/guardians or dependents, and one extra friend.

Question 13: The speed limit in a school zone, unless otherwise posted, is:

a) 15 mph b) 25 mph c) 35 mph d) 45 mph

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Unless a sign posts a different speed, the speed limit is 25 mph in school zones, business districts, and residential areas.

Question 14: If you come to a multi-way stop at the same time as another motorist, you must:

a) Yield to the motorist on the left. b) Yield to the motorist on the right. c) Honk to signal you are proceeding. d) Wait for the other driver to signal you to go.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: This is a fundamental right-of-way rule. At a multi-way stop or an uncontrolled intersection, you must yield to the vehicle on your right if you both arrive at the same time.

Question 15: What is a habitual offender?

a) Any motorist whose license has been suspended one time. b) Any motorist who has received two speeding tickets. c) Any motorist whose license has been suspended three times in three years. d) Any motorist who drives without insurance.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The MVC defines a habitual offender as a motorist who has had their license suspended three times for violations that occurred within a three-year period. This leads to additional, more severe penalties.

How to Guarantee a Passing Score

These questions represent a small sample of what you'll face. The best preparation strategy is to thoroughly study the New Jersey Driver Manual. Pay special attention to chapters on GDL rules, alcohol and drug effects, traffic signs, and sharing the road. Combine your reading with practice tests, and you'll be well-equipped to ace the exam.