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New Jersey driving lesson · Your License

GDL restrictions and decals

A 3-minute lesson from the New Jersey course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Your License
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
20, 21

GDL restrictions keep new drivers out of the riskiest situations: late nights, phone use and a car full of friends. Breaking them can cost a $100 fine or your privileges, so learn exactly what each stage allows.

GDL restrictions by stage

GDL restrictions by stage
RuleSpecial learner permitExam permitProbationary
No driving11:01 pm to 5:00 am11:01 pm to 5:00 am*11:01 pm to 5:00 am*
Phones/devicesNone, hand-held or hands-freeNone, hand-held or hands-freeNone, hand-held or hands-free
SupervisorFront seat: 21+, NJ license, 3 yrsFront seat: 21+, NJ license, 3 yrsNot required
PassengersParent, guardian, dependents + 1Dependents + 1, unless parent along*Dependents + 1, unless parent along*
Seat beltsDriver and all passengersDriver and all passengersDriver and all passengers
DecalsRequiredRequired*Required*
Handbook p. 20 ↗

Know the rule

*If an examination permit or probationary license holder is 21 or older, the hour, passenger and decal restrictions do not apply.

Handbook p. 20 ↗

Know the rule

All GDL drivers under 21 with a permit or probationary license must display two visible, red reflective decals on any vehicle they drive.

Handbook p. 21 ↗

Know the rule

Place one decal on the top left corner of the front license plate and the other on the top left corner of the rear plate.

Handbook p. 21 ↗
$4

Fee for the two removable decals issued with a permit; extra pairs are $4 at any MVC Licensing Center

Handbook p. 21 ↗

Know the rule

Exemption to the hours rule: you must prove a need to drive for employment or religion by carrying a certification on official letterhead, signed, with the official's name, title, address and phone number.

Handbook p. 21 ↗

Know the rule

If a student driver commits a traffic offense, responsibility lies with both the student and the instructor or adult supervising driver.

Handbook p. 21 ↗

Know the rule

After the standard 12 months, probationary drivers must visit an MVC Licensing Center to upgrade to a basic license. If you don't, you stay subject to probationary restrictions and can be cited.

Handbook p. 21 ↗

Put it into practice

You're 17 with a probationary license and your job ends at midnight. Driving home at 12:15 am is allowed only if you carry a signed letter on your employer's letterhead with the manager's name, title, address and phone number.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

Between what hours are Special Learner Permit holders prohibited from driving?
  1. 10:00 pm and 6:00 am
  2. midnight and 6:00 am
  3. 11:01 pm and 5:00 am
  4. 9:00 pm and 5:00 am

Answer: 11:01 pm and 5:00 am

Special Learner Permit holders may not drive between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am.

Handbook p. 20 ↗
How much driving experience must the adult supervising a Special Learner Permit or Examination Permit holder have?
  1. At least 3 years, and be at least 21 years old
  2. At least 1 year, and be at least 18 years old
  3. At least 5 years, and be at least 25 years old
  4. No minimum experience is required

Answer: At least 3 years, and be at least 21 years old

The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and have a minimum of three years' driving experience.

Handbook p. 20 ↗
At what age are Examination Permit and Probationary License holders exempt from the nighttime driving, passenger, and decal restrictions?
  1. 18 or older
  2. 21 or older
  3. 19 or older
  4. They are never exempt

Answer: 21 or older

If the Examination Permit or Probationary License holder is 21 years of age or older, the hour, passenger, and decal restrictions do not apply.

Handbook p. 20 ↗
How many GDL decals must a driver under age 21 with a permit or probationary license display, and where?
  1. One decal on the rear plate only
  2. Two decals on the windshield
  3. Two red decals, one on each plate
  4. One decal on the driver's side window

Answer: Two red decals, one on each plate

GDL drivers under 21 must display two red reflective decals, one on the top left corner of the front plate and one on the rear plate.

Handbook p. 21 ↗
A GDL driver needs to drive during restricted hours for their job. What must they carry to be exempt from the curfew?
  1. An employer certification on letterhead
  2. Nothing, GDL curfews never have exceptions
  3. A verbal explanation to police if stopped
  4. A note from a parent only

Answer: An employer certification on letterhead

GDL drivers may be exempt from curfew restrictions for employment or religious reasons if they carry a certification from their employer or religious official on official letterhead.

Handbook p. 21 ↗
Under the Examination Permit restrictions, passengers are limited to dependents of the permit holder and two additional passengers, unless a parent or guardian is present.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

Examination Permit passengers are limited to dependents plus one additional passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Handbook p. 20 ↗
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