NJMVC: Drivers 21+ Can Now Skip GDL to Get License — See What You Need

If you’re an adult in New Jersey and want to get your driver’s license, you don’t have to go through the state’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) program.

Officially, the GDL program is meant to help younger drivers become safer over time, but New Jersey residents aged 21 and up can skip those steps and get a basic driver’s license right away after passing the required tests.

It makes sense. You don’t need the same driving rules as a 17-year-old if you’re old enough to rent a car and pay for insurance (which you do).

Why do people over 21 not want to play the GDL game? What is it?

The Graduated Driver License (GDL) program in New Jersey is meant to help new drivers under 21 get better at driving over time.

It has rules like curfews, limits on passengers, and needed supervised driving hours. It also has different stages, such as the learner’s permit, probationary license, and basic license.

However, once you turn 21, you don’t have to go through any GDL steps at all. The state thinks you know how to drive at this age, or at the very least, they think you are not as crazy as most 16-year-olds who just got their license.

You can also start right away the so-called standard examination permission process. You won’t have to follow the extra GDL stages and limits, but you will still need to practice driving and pass both the written and road tests.

How do people in New Jersey who are at least 21 years old get a driver’s license?

If you are a New Jersey resident and at least 21 years old, follow these steps:

• Go to the NJMVC office in your area to get an examination pass. If you have the pass, you can practice driving legally on New Jersey roads even if you are not in the GDL program.
• Pass the writing tests of your skills and your eyesight. These tests make sure that you know the rules of the road and can see well enough to drive safely.
• Get some experience with driving. You don’t have to have hours of driving with an adult, but it’s always a good idea to get some practice, especially if you’re a new driver.
• Get your driving test set up and done. If you pass, you won’t have to go through any more steps or serve a trial period. You’ll just get your basic driver’s license.

What you need to get a driver’s license in New Jersey

In order to get permission to take the test, you must show proof that meets New Jersey’s Six Points of Identification requirements. Here are the things you’ll need:

Primary ID	Valid U.S. passport, Certified birth certificate
Secondary ID	Marriage certificate, Social Security card, Official school ID
Proof of Address	Utility bill, Bank statement, Lease agreement (must show NJ address)
Proof of SSN	Social Security number or proof of ineligibility

Digital copies and photos are not allowed. All papers must be originals or copies that have been certified.

Important differences between New Jersey’s licenses for people under 21 and those over 21

• GDL stages are not open to adults aged 21 and up.
• Once you pass the driving test, you don’t have to worry about curfews or temporary IDs.
• Stickers or caps on the number of passengers are not needed.
• Even though practice is important, especially if you’re new to driving, you don’t have to do monitored driving hours.

The whole process is meant to make sure that adults meet all the safety and testing standards while also making the process of getting their license easier.

Typical errors made by adults when applying

Some adults still make mistakes, even though the process is easy, by

• Assuming that they have to follow the GDL rules, just like teens do.
• Not having the important papers they need for the Six Points of Identification.
• Not taking the test seriously enough: you still have to pass it no matter what age you are.

Recommendation: If it’s been a while, download a practice test from the NJMVC website to review the right distance to follow and road signs. It’s not much more fun to fail the written test when you’re forty than when you were sixteen.

How to prepare for and sign up for tests?

The easiest way to start is to apply for your exam pass in person at the NJMVC office near you or online at their website.

Once you have your permit, you can start training right away by setting up your knowledge and driving tests. Also, since things can change, it’s a good idea to check the NJMVC website for the most up-to-date information on fees, office sites, and requirements.

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