New Jersey Intensifies Student Driver Laws

As of February 1, 2025, New Jersey permit holders under 21 must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with a parent or guardian. Of the 50 hours, 10 must be completed at night. Drivers must still enroll in six hour behind the wheel courses. Prior to this, New Jersey was one of three states that did not have supervised practice laws. It is hoped that this law will help promote safer driving in young drivers throughout the state.
Once the driver passes their road test, their parent or guardian must complete and sign a Certification of Supervised Driving. This certifies that the driver has fulfilled the requirements. These forms however, will not be processed until August 1, 2025, as New Jersey permit holders must wait six months before taking their road test, and submitting the needed documents for a probationary driver license.
“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.” Latrecia Littles-Floyd, the Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator stated.
Before this law was introduced, New Jersey was one of three states that did not require practice hours for teen drivers. In December, the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety called for laws requiring practice hours in New Jersey. Additionally, in 2024, 30 of 335 New Jersey drivers killed in fatal accidents were under 21, leaving many parents concerned about their children as new drivers, and whether they were prepared for the road on their own.
“Working in the [auto] insurance industry, I see a lot of claims, working in the claims department, and I know how dangerous it is out on the roads. A lot of times, even if the student, or the younger person is being aware, they can’t control other drivers on the road, and they may not know how to handle a situation when it comes up when they don’t have enough practice hours behind the wheel.” says Elizabeth Tackacs, a supervisor at NJM Insurance Group, and parent.
The anxiety and concern was not just felt by parents, but also by young drivers themselves. Without required practice hours, many young drivers may be unprepared for driving in certain conditions, like rain, snow, or during that night, that are not tested during the road test. The introduction of this law could help better equip drivers for those conditions. Some young drivers may also miss out on practicing their skills with a permit altogether.
“On my birthday, I didn’t apply for a driver’s license. I realized I wasn’t ready. Under the present plan, it’s too easy to get a provisionary license.” says Zoe Gilson, a West Orange High school student who spoke to a state Assembly committee, while the bill was being considered.
Requiring practice hours for New Jersey student drivers is expected to lower crash risk in first-year drivers, in addition to making the roads safe for all. The 50 hours are only a minimum requirement, and young drivers can postpone their road test until they are fully comfortable navigating the roads. This new law in New Jersey could be the difference between a safe driver, and an unsafe driver, or life and death.