In New Jersey there is the "Early Bird Road" to a license which a person can start the driving at 16.Under this road to a license to be eligible for a Learners License, you must be at least 16 years of age and enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel driving training course with a high school. This training is not required if you are 17 years old however.

If you are 17 years of age or old the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission has the "Young Adult Road" to a license. For drivers age 17 or older, MVC offers a three-phase graduated driving license process:

• Examination permit
• Provisional license (minimum one year of restricted but unsupervised driving)
• Basic driver license (must be 18 years old)

To get an examination permit you must:

• Pass the knowledge test
• Pass the vision test
• Pass the 6 Point ID Verification
• Pay fee

Permits are valid for two years and must be carried when operating a vehicle. You must next then practice supervised driving for at least 6 months. You must observe the following restrictions during the supervised driving phase:

• No driving between 12:01 a.m. and 5 a.m.
• You must be accompanied by an Adult Supervising Driver (at least 21 years old and licensed to drive for at least 3 years) in the front seat
• Passengers must be from your household. Only one additional person from outside your household is allowed
• You can't use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hand held electronic device
• Seat belts must be worn at all times

After completing the supervised driving period you can obtain your provisional license by passing the MVC's road test. The next step is to practice unsupervised driving for at least one year. You must observe the following requirements and restrictions while driving with a provisional license:

• No driving between 12:01 a.m. and 5 a.m.
• Passengers must be from your household. Only one additional person from outside your household is allowed in the vehicle
• You can't use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hand held electronic device
• Seat belts must be worn at all times

Finally you can apply for your basic New Jersey driver’s license. To be ready for a full license you must be at least 18 years old and have completed the unsupervised driving period. You then may go to any MVC Agency with your provisional license and other documents to pass the 6 point ID and address verification and pay your $24 license fee.

For more information on what you will need to do to get your learner's permit to drive in NJ, contact the Motor Vehicle Commission.