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Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
LIFE IN NEW JERSEY: OK. You’re an expat and you’ve been here two months already. You have an International Driver License (IDL) but do you need a New Jersey Driver License too? Well according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC), the answer is yes!
The MVC and it seems also, New Jersey Police, are of the opinion that the 60 day limit given for out-of-state US drivers to get a New Jersey Driver License, applies to out-of-country drivers as well. This means that 60 days after first arriving here, expats should at least have started the process of applying for your permit, whether you have an IDL or not. While it seems a bit unclear to me what happens to you legally if you miss the 60 day deadline but still have your IDL in date, I have heard expat stories of unpleasant roadside encounters with State Police, that make me cringe a little in terror. Auto insurance policies in the US can distinguish between an IDL versus a state-licensed driver, in how expensive the premium is, and perhaps your coverage as well. So to avoid hassles from both police authorities and insurance companies, it may be safer to get the license as recommended before your 60 day anniversary. Since you will need a Social Security Card and other forms of ID and residency proof, most newcomers will have to wait to apply until at least a few weeks after arriving. After the right documents have been obtained though, other than skilling up on New Jersey road rules and getting driving practice, there is no real reason to wait.
The NJ MVC will test you on three specific areas: Vision, Knowledge and a Road Test (practical driving skills). If you wear glasses to drive you should wear these to your test.
The New Jersey Driver Manual. You’d be surprised at how many details are included in this book that you can be tested upon. Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
Getting to know the well enough to pass the knowledge test, is the main challenge that most expats will face. Although you only need an 80% test mark to pass, it’s not exactly the most riveting stuff to learn. Using is always helpful for practicing with sample tests. Learning the New Jersey Driver Manual is not rocket science. Knowing all the penalty levels for every conceivable driving infraction is exceptionally tedious but necessary .
If you have no driver experience, then you will have to do the road driving test. Even when you are experienced though, to avoid the road test, you will need a valid permit from your home country or last place of residency as proof of previous driver experience elsewhere. The NJ MVC recognizes driver permits from any countries that are signatories to the . If your country is not listed here but you have a valid driver permit, you should ring the NJ MVC to ask if there are other options available for you to avoid the road test.
An application for your driver’s permit can be obtained at any MVC office location and after completion, submitted with your ID and residency documents as per the process described below. Not all MVCs do road tests though, so if planning on doing one of these, you should make a booking for it online. If planned ahead, you may be able to schedule doing both the Knowledge and Road test in one day at the same location.
Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
You need to provide proof of your ID (6 Points of ID) and New Jersey residency (1 proof). Personal Identification The six points of ID can include:
Other forms of ID (worth 1 Point) in your name that can be used to make up the total of 6 Points. This can be one of the following:
Only one proof of residency is officially stated as needed by the NJ DMC. It is always a good idea though to have a second proof as back up, just in case. Acceptable proofs of residency with your name and address include:
You can check the details of these options or .
All documents should be originals and must also be available in English or be . The translations should accompany the originals. Sometimes an original birth certificate may be requested if there is any question about your identity. Like above, this needs to have an accompanying translation if the original is not in English.
I am not sure if the New Jersey Driver License application process was modeled on the British TV comedy ‘Yes, Minister’, or perhaps the MVC is thinking of starting their own bureaucratic Olympics event. Either way, the process seems interminably long and rigorous. I know they need to be very careful but wow…. The application process has several stages that usually include:
Sample of New Jersey Driver License. Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ.
The MVC offices are often very busy and the process can seem to take forever. There is usually limited seating so if it is crowded, you may be standing for a little while at least. Staff can be gruff and very serious, just like at Immigration on entering the US. This is not the place for jokes or a warm/personal exchange. One other word of warning: the staff do not take kindly to people accompanying the applicant through various stages. I don’t just mean the test process but even standing in the queue. So if you have come along to help your spouse navigate the process here, you may be told to sit down or leave the applicant on their own to get photographed, answer questions on their documents and even to pay. Don’t take offense-that’s normal.
Keep in mind if you are doing the Road test, you need a licensed NJ driver to accompany you. You are expected to provide your own car which should be roadworthy, and have current registration and insurance papers. You will need to pick up some decals (red round discs) which have to be placed on your car. Whatever you do, don’t have your mobile phone on during the test. If it rings and you answer it, it’s an instant fail!
Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
Good luck and good driving. Remember to stay on the right (or is it left?) side of the road!
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