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

Sep 29, 2026

NJMVC will begin enforcing a new law effective February 1, 2025, requiring under-21 permit holders to complete at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving before receiving a probationary driver license. Ten of the required hours must occur during darkness. Applicants must pass road tests and certify completion via a signed Certification of Supervised Driving presented at licensure. The requirement applies only to permits issued on or after February 1, 2025.

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NJMVC new 50-hour practice driving requirement

Effective date and eligibility

Darkness-hours requirement

Certification process and required submission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 31 , 2025 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. \#\#\# Visit us [at www.njmvc.gov](at www.njmvc.gov)[ ](at www.njmvc.gov)New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity Employer

FAQs

When will NJMVC start implementing the 50-hour practice driving requirement?

NJMVC will begin implementing the requirement on February 1, 2025.

What supervised practice driving hours are required for under-21 permit holders?

Under-21 permit holders must complete a minimum of 50 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours during darkness.

How is the supervised driving requirement satisfied for licensure?

A signed Certification of Supervised Driving must be completed by the parent, guardian, or supervising driver and presented at the time of licensure; submitting a driving log alone is not sufficient.

Sep 29, 2026

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