The New Jersey knowledge (permit) test

By the end of this topic you can

• You can describe the format of the knowledge test and the pass mark.
• You can say what happens if you fail and how soon you can retest.
• You can list the language and support options the MVC offers.
• You can plan your study around the chapters of the Driver Manual.
• You can explain why the vision screening is taken at the same visit.

What you need to know and understand

• The test has 50 questions, plus a separate survey question about organ donation.
• You must answer at least 40 correctly, which is 80 percent.
• The test is offered in English, American Sign Language and several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Polish and Arabic.
• An oral test with headphones is available for applicants who cannot read.
• If you fail, you must wait at least 7 days before retesting.
• A vision screening is required for everyone.
• Your test results stay valid for two years.
• You need an appointment after buying your examination permit.

What the test looks like

You answer 50 multiple-choice questions on road rules, signs, safe driving and New Jersey penalties. The pass mark is 40 correct answers. There is also one survey question about joining the organ donor registry, which does not count toward your score.

If your language is not offered, the MVC can arrange an approved interpreter, but you must first try the test in an offered language and give at least two weeks' notice. Interpreters for Deaf or hard of hearing applicants are also available.

How to study smarter

Read the whole Driver Manual at least once, then focus on the chapters that cause most wrong answers. New Jersey questions often test exact figures, so note them as you go.

• Speed limits: 25, 35, 50, 55 and 65 mph and where each applies.
• Distances: stop 25 feet from a school bus, 15 feet from a railroad crossing, park at least 10 feet from a hydrant.
• GDL rules: night hours, passengers, phones and decals.
• Alcohol: 0.08 percent for adults, 0.01 percent for drivers under 21.
• Signs: shapes and colors, such as the yellow pennant for no passing and the pentagon for schools.

If you do not pass

Failing is common and not the end of the road. You can retest after at least seven days. Use the week to go back over the topics you were unsure about and take practice tests. Our New Jersey permit practice test and MVC knowledge test guide are good next steps.

Common mistakes

• Relying only on practice apps. They help, but the official manual is the source of every question.
• Mixing up numbers, such as 25 feet for school buses and 15 feet for railroad crossings.
• Forgetting your documents. You cannot test without your permit and ID paperwork.
• Rushing. Read every option before choosing, especially questions with two similar answers.

Test yourself: The New Jersey knowledge (permit) test

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• New Jersey Permit Practice Test
• NJ Permit Test
• New Jersey Cell Phone Law for Permit and New Drivers