New Jersey Graduated Driver License Program (GDL)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the New Jersey Graduated Driver License Program?
• What restrictions are placed on my teen driver with the New Jersey Graduated Driver License Program (GDL)?
• What do I need to know about the decal requirements?
• Why does New Jersey require the GDL program?
• What happens if my teen driver commits a traffic offense and receives a ticket while he/she has a GDL license?
• Are there exemptions to the nighttime driving restrictions?
• What happens after a new driver has satisfied the probationary driver license requirement?

What is the New Jersey Graduated Driver License Program?

If a person is under 21 years old or has never had a driver license, New Jersey requires that they complete a period of supervised driving before getting a basic driver license. The New Jersey Graduated Driver License (GDL) program introduces driving privileges in phases.There are three options to complete the program:

• The Early Bird Road, for 16 year old drivers,
• The Young Adult Road, for drivers 17-21,
• and The Adult Road, for drivers 21 and older

Each option has different steps, but upon completion of all steps, drivers are awarded an unrestricted basic driver license.

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What restrictions are placed on my teen driver with the New Jersey Graduated Driver License Program (GDL)?

Drivers holding a GDL license have the following restrictions placed upon them:

• May not drive between 11:01 and 5:00am.
• May not have more than one passenger (besides his or her dependents or is accompanied by a parent or guardian)
• May not use a cell phone (including hands free) or any other hand-held electronic device (Note: GPS systems - portable or built in - and iPods connected to a vehicle's sound system are permitted, but a teen should not make any adjustments to these devices while driving)
• May not plea-bargain any point carrying offense

For more information on GDL requirements and restrictions click here.

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What do I need to know about the decal requirements?

The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission is distributing the decal, which must be displayed on a vehicle's front and rear license plate when a permit or probationary license holder under 21 years of age is driving.The decal is:

• Affixed with a velcro system to allow for its removal when GDL holder is not behind the wheel.
• Reflectorized so it can be seen at night
• Non-descript (it is intended for law enforcement purposes)
• $4 per pair at MVC agencies (Note: MVC is developing a bulk purchase program for driving and high schools, police departments and other organizations)

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Why does New Jersey require the GDL program?

Studies show that a young driver's risk of being involved in a car crash is highest within his/her first 12-24 months of driving. An average of 6,000 teens die in car crashes nationally each year.

An additional 300,000 teens sustain injuries in crashes; many of those injuries are serious and often life-altering. In fact, car crashes are the leading cause of brain injury in teens. By delaying full driving privileges so that teens can gain driving experience under low-risk conditions, comprehensive GDL programs can reduce these deaths and injuries by approximately 40%. The ultimate goal of the GDL program is to protect the lives of young drivers-and the lives of their passengers and others on the road.

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What happens if my teen driver commits a traffic offense and receives a ticket while he/she has a GDL license?

GDL holders cannot "plea down" to "no point" offenses. If a GDL holder accumulates three or more penalty points, they have to complete a driver improvement program. If they fail to complete this program, or if they accumulate additional points, it will result in suspension and postponement of their eligibility to obtain a probationary (if in the permit phase) or basic license (if in the probationary phase). In addition, violations may incur legal fees and/or higher insurance rates. This can cost thousands of dollars. GDL holders must obey all traffic rules and regulations. It can save money... and their lives.

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Are there exemptions to the nighttime driving restrictions?

If there is a proven need to drive during the prohibited time for work and/or religious purposes, exemptions do exist. For an exemption, a driver must carry a written certification on official letterhead, which is signed by an employer or religious figure.

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What happens after a new driver has satisfied the probationary driver license requirements?

After completing 12 months on the probationary license, your teen is then eligible to apply for a basic driver license. Please note that the probationary license does not automatically become a basic license. Drivers who fail to do so, will remain subject to the Probationary Driver License restrictions.