NEWS RELEASE

 NJMVC to Begin Implementing Law Requiring 50 Hours of  Practice Driving for Under-21 Permit Holders

TRENTON — Starting February 1, 2025, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission  (NJMVC) will begin implementing a law requiring permit holders under the age of 21 to  complete a minimum of 50 hours of practice driving, 10 of which must be completed  during hours of darkness, before they can be issued a probationary driver license.  

This new requirement will be in place for permitted drivers who are under the age of 21  and issued either a special learner’s permit or examination permit on or after February  1, 2025. After these permitted drivers complete practice driving and pass their road  tests, they must certify that they have completed the required supervised driving hours. 

“This update to New Jersey’s Graduated Driver License program requirements  underscores the importance of putting time in behind the wheel, which is crucial for  young drivers as they learn how to operate a vehicle,” said Acting NJMVC Chief  Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd. “More practice leads to safer, more capable  drivers — which, in turn, leads to safer roads for all.”

To fulfill the requirement, a Certification of Supervised Driving must be completed and  signed by the parent, guardian, or supervising driver attesting to the applicant’s  completion of a minimum of 50 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours during darkness. This form must be presented by the applicant at the time of licensure along  with all other required documents. 

While teen and young drivers are encouraged to use the driving log in the Share the  Keys Resource Guide to track their hours, only the submission of a signed Certification  of Supervised Driving (NJMVC Form BA-CSD) will meet the supervised practice hours  requirement. The submission of the driving log or any other form is not required by the  NJMVC.  

Since permit holders under the age of 21 must wait at least six months from the permit  issuance date before they can take a road test or submit the required documents for a  probationary driver license, the NJMVC will not begin processing Certification of  Supervised Driving forms in Licensing Centers until August 1, 2025. 

The requirement to complete 50 hours of practice driving and submit a Certification of  Supervised Driving is not effective for any holder of a permit that was issued prior to  February 1, 2025. Additionally, the requirement is not effective for any driver license  applicant aged 21 or older at the time of issuance of their permit.

This new requirement is authorized by legislation signed into law by Governor Phil  Murphy on January 8, 2024. Driving schools and high schools with driver education  programs will be advised of the change in licensure requirements in separate  communications. 

To learn more about each step in New Jersey’s Graduated Driver License (GDL)  program, including the new supervised driving hours requirement, click here. For GDL  requirements for those under the age of 17, click here.