Aspiring drivers in New Jersey will soon face a tougher path to earning their licenses. Beginning February 1, 2025, a new regulation mandates that student drivers must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice before they’re eligible to take the road test. The goal of this added requirement is to help young drivers gain essential on-road experience, contributing to overall traffic safety. Although this move supports safer driving conditions, it may also bring added pressure for both students and their families.
New requirements for student drivers in New Jersey
Governor Phil Murphy signed the new law into effect on January 8, 2025, mandating that all student drivers under the age of 21 who hold a learner’s permit issued after February 1 must complete 50 hours of supervised driving before taking their road test. This applies to those with either a special learner’s permit or an examination permit. After completing the 50 hours, drivers will need to certify that they’ve met the requirement by presenting a Certification of Supervised Driving when applying for a basic driver’s license. This form must be signed by a parent, guardian, or another supervising driver who has witnessed the required driving hours.
The law stipulates that 10 of the 50 hours must be completed during nighttime driving. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) hopes that this will give young drivers crucial exposure to different driving conditions and improve their overall ability to handle various road situations. Latrecia Littles-Floyd, the acting MVC Chief Administrator, emphasized the law’s goal: “More practice leads to safer, more capable drivers, which leads to safer roads for all.”
How student drivers can meet the requirements
While the new law may seem like a burden, it’s designed to be manageable. According to Tracy Noble of AAA MidAtlantic, the 50 hours of driving can be spread out over the one-year permitting phase, equating to just 57 minutes of practice each week. This means that while it may seem like a lot to ask, it’s a commitment that can fit into most busy schedules.
To help keep track of the hours, the MVC offers a driving log that can be found in its “Share the Keys” Resource Guide. The guide also suggests practical ways for parents to incorporate driving practice into everyday activities, such as running errands, shopping, or going on family outings.
For those who are already nervous about the road test, the additional time on the road may provide the confidence and skills needed to pass with ease. “Putting time in behind the wheel is crucial for young drivers as they learn how to operate a vehicle,” Littles-Floyd added. “It helps them build confidence and become better drivers in the long run.”
Potential impact on student drivers and their families
For many families, the new law will require more time, effort, and coordination. Parents or guardians will need to sign off on the required driving hours, making them key players in the process. The changes to the law are meant to reduce teen driver crashes and fatalities. According to State Police statistics, 30 of the 335 drivers killed in fatal crashes last year were between ages 17 and 20. New Jersey’s decision to implement this supervised driving law follows a national trend, as many states are introducing stricter requirements for new drivers.
However, not all drivers will be affected. If a student driver’s permit was issued before February 1, 2025, or if the driver is 21 years of age or older, they are exempt from the 50-hour requirement. Additionally, those who plan to take their road test before August 1, 2025, when the MVC begins processing the Certification of Supervised Driving forms will not need to worry about submitting the documentation just yet.
While this law aims to create safer drivers, it also puts more pressure on student drivers and their families to log the necessary hours before testing. Still, the state’s investment in improving driver safety could ultimately lead to fewer accidents and fatalities in the future.