The New Jersey road test is short, but it rewards preparation. Use this checklist in the weeks before your appointment at a Bergen County site such as Lodi (8 Mill St, off Garibaldi Ave) or Wayne (481 Route 46 West). NJ MVC road tests are by appointment only.
Paperwork
- Your valid permit (validated for practice driving).
- For drivers who were under 21 when permitted on or after February 1, 2025: the completed BA-CSD Certification of Supervised Driving, signed by a parent, guardian or supervising driver, confirming at least 50 hours of practice, including 10 at night.
- Any other documents the MVC lists for your appointment.
The vehicle
- Valid registration and insurance card in the car.
- Working brake lights, turn signals, headlights, horn and seat belts.
- No warning lights on the dashboard and no cracked windshield blocking the view.
- No vehicle? Our road test package can include use of our dual-control vehicle.
Skills examiners commonly watch
- Seat, mirror and seat belt setup before moving
- Smooth starts and stops; full stops behind the line at stop signs
- Signaling every turn and lane change, and checking mirrors and blind spots
- Three-point turn (the "K-turn")
- Parallel parking
- Backing up in a straight line
- Proper lane position, speed control and following distance
- Right-of-way at intersections and around pedestrians
Common mistakes
- Rolling stops
- Forgetting to check blind spots when pulling away from the curb
- Hitting or mounting the curb while parking
- Wide or sloppy turns into the wrong lane
- Nervous over-correction. Practice under realistic conditions and it fades.
The week before
Book one or two road test prep lessons. An instructor will run a mock test, point out habits that cost points, and help you practice maneuvers until they're automatic. On test day, a short warm-up lesson can settle nerves.
Requirements change. Confirm current road test rules on the NJ MVC website.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.