How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New Jersey?

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in New Jersey. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in New Jersey?

New Jersey intermediate license holders must be at least 17 years old. There is a curfew from 11:01 PM to 5:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

New Jersey Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

New Jersey uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 16
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 17
Curfew hours: 11:01 PM to 5:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: Maximum 1 non-family passenger plus any number of dependents; family members exempt
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

First offense: $100 fine. Subsequent offenses: fines up to $250, community service, and possible license postponement of 90 days

New Jersey-Specific Information

New Jersey is the only state that requires special reflective decals on vehicles driven by GDL holders under 21 (Kyleigh's Law). Intermediate license not available until age 17, one of the oldest in the nation. Probationary license period continues until age 21.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in New Jersey gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in New Jersey at age 16. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, New Jersey restricts driving between 11:01 PM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

With an intermediate license in New Jersey, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: Maximum 1 non-family passenger plus any number of dependents; family members exempt.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in New Jersey at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.