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New Jersey Permit Practice Test
20 real questions from our handbook-verified New Jersey bank · Updated July 12, 2026
The official New Jersey knowledge test has 50 questions — you can miss 10 and still pass (80%). That 80% bar ties New Jersey with 35 other states at #7 strictest of the 50 states. New Jersey offers the real exam in Spanish — practica en español aquí.
The real New Jersey exam format — this practice test scores you against the same 80% bar.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. The only thing that can make a person who has been drinking sober again is:
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Correct answer: Time
The only thing that can make a person sober is time. Alcohol is removed slowly by the body, so "sober-up-quick" methods such as coffee, food, or a cold shower do not work.
2. New Jersey’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) program requires a minimum age of what to receive an unrestricted, basic driver license?
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Correct answer: 18 years old
The GDL program gradually introduces driving privileges to first-time drivers and requires a minimum age of 18 to receive an unrestricted, basic driver license.
3. When parking your vehicle facing downhill next to a curb, you should turn the front wheels:
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Correct answer: Toward the curb
When parking facing downhill, set the hand brake and turn the wheels toward the curb. If the vehicle rolls, the curb will stop it. Place an automatic in park, or a manual in reverse.
4. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission adds points to a driving record when a motorist is:
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Correct answer: Convicted of a moving violation
The MVC tracks a motorist’s record by adding points when the motorist is convicted of a moving violation. The more serious the violation, the more points are assessed.
5. When an emergency vehicle approaches with siren and flashing lights, a motorist must:
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Correct answer: Steer to the extreme right of the roadway, stop, and wait for it to pass
New Jersey law requires motorists to yield to emergency vehicles using sirens and/or red or blue lights. Steer to the extreme right, stop, and wait for the vehicle to pass, then stay at least 300 feet behind it. (N.J.S.A. 39:4-92)
6. Wearing a seat belt improves a motorist’s chances of surviving a crash by about:
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Correct answer: 60 percent
Seat belts can improve a motorist’s chances of surviving a crash by 60 percent, and the odds are three to four times better when both a seat belt and shoulder strap are worn.
7. When a pedestrian is crossing within a marked crosswalk, the driver of an approaching vehicle must:
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Correct answer: Stop and remain stopped to let the pedestrian cross
The driver of a vehicle must stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross within a marked crosswalk, and must yield to a pedestrian crossing at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Failure to stop carries a fine and 2 penalty points. (N.J.S.A. 39:4-36)
8. When a traffic signal is hung vertically, which light is always on top?
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Correct answer: The red light
On a vertical traffic signal, the red light is always on top, the yellow is in the center, and the green is third in line. If there is a green arrow, it is always on the bottom.
9. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a school zone, business district, or residential district is:
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Correct answer: 25 mph
Unless otherwise posted, New Jersey’s statutory speed limit is 25 mph in school zones and business or residential districts. (N.J.S.A. 39:4-98)
10. New Jersey law requires motorists to keep to the:
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Correct answer: Right, except when passing
New Jersey law requires motorists to keep to the right, except when passing. Drive on the right half of the roadway unless you are on a one-way street. (N.J.S.A. 39:4-82)
11. Even a small amount of alcohol affects driving because it:
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Correct answer: Impairs reaction time, coordination, judgment, and vision
Alcohol may make a motorist overconfident and unable to think clearly. Even below the legal limit, it impairs reaction time, coordination, balance, vision, and the ability to judge distance. Never drink and drive.
12. The basic New Jersey driver license covers:
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Correct answer: All types of Class D motor vehicles registered by the MVC, except motorcycles
The Basic Automobile License is issued for all types of Class D motor vehicles registered by the MVC, except motorcycles. It is the standard passenger-vehicle license most drivers hold.
13. When parking your vehicle facing uphill next to a curb, you should turn the front wheels:
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Correct answer: Away from the curb
When parking facing uphill, set the hand brake and turn the wheels away from the curb so the vehicle rolls back against the curb if it moves. Place an automatic in park, or a manual in low gear.
14. How many points can be subtracted from your record for each full year without a violation or suspension?
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Correct answer: Up to 3 points
Up to three points are subtracted from a motorist’s total for every year the motorist goes without a violation or suspension and keeps driving privileges in good standing. The total is never reduced below zero. (N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.9)
15. A motorist must yield the right-of-way to a train:
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Correct answer: When a train is approaching a railroad crossing
A motorist must always yield to a train approaching a railroad crossing. Trains cannot swerve or stop quickly to avoid vehicles.
16. Under New Jersey’s child passenger safety law, a child under age 8 and less than 57 inches (4 feet 9 inches) tall must ride:
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Correct answer: In a federally approved child restraint or booster seat in a rear seat
Children under age 8 who are less than 57 inches tall must ride in a federally approved forward-facing restraint with a five-point harness or a booster seat, in a rear seat of the vehicle. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.2a)
17. At an intersection with no painted lines, a pedestrian crossing the street:
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Correct answer: Is in an "unmarked crosswalk" and generally has the right of way
There is a crosswalk at every intersection, even when it is not painted. This is an "unmarked crosswalk," and in most cases pedestrians have the right of way there. Motorists must yield to pedestrians crossing at unmarked crosswalks.
18. When traffic signal lights are arranged horizontally, the red light is always on the:
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Correct answer: Left
When the lights are horizontal, red is always on the left. Knowing the fixed order helps you react correctly even when a light is hard to see.
19. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in suburban business and residential districts is:
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Correct answer: 35 mph
The statutory limit in suburban business and residential districts is 35 mph unless otherwise posted.
20. On a multi-lane roadway, a motorist must generally drive in:
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Correct answer: The lane nearest the right-hand edge or curb when it is available for travel
On a multi-lane roadway, motorists must drive in the lane nearest the right-hand edge or curb when it is available, except when overtaking another vehicle or preparing for a left turn.
📱 These 20 questions are a warm-up. PermitPal for iPhone and iPad drills the full handbook-verified New Jersey bank of 230 questions with spaced repetition, and runs mock exams in the real 50-question format — plus motorcycle and CDL tracks. Free to start, $29.99 once.
New Jersey test facts
How many questions are on the New Jersey permit test?
50 questions. You need 40 correct (80%) — you can miss 10. Full details in the passing-score calculator.
What happens if I fail?
Retake scheduling varies by office — check with your local branch before you go back.
Can I take the New Jersey test in Spanish?
Yes — New Jersey offers the knowledge test in Spanish. Try the Spanish practice test. See which states test in Spanish.
What age can I get my permit in New Jersey?
The minimum learner's permit age is 16. You'll need 50 supervised practice hours (10 at night) before the license stage. Full ladder in the permit-age lookup.