New Jersey · MVC

How to get your CDL permit in New Jersey

In New Jersey you pay $125 for a test receipt that covers your CLP, knowledge tests and road tests for 180 days. You need a basic New Jersey auto license and an MVC appointment to start.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official MVC sources

Start the free New Jersey permit classroom Official New Jersey CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $125
Permit valid for: 180 days, renewable for $125
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: English + Spanish
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a basic New Jersey auto driver's license.
2Gather documents worth 6 Points of ID under the MVC system.
3Complete the CDL Holder Self-Certification (CDSC-1) and send it to the MVC.
4Book an MVC appointment for your test receipt and pay the $125 fee.
5Pass the General Knowledge test and any class or endorsement tests on an MVC computer.
6Hold your CLP at least 14 days and complete ELDT with a registered provider.
7Book your road test appointment. Retests within 180 days cost nothing extra.

What to bring

Your basic New Jersey auto driver's license
Documents that add up to 6 Points of ID, including proof of SSN and NJ address
Your completed permit application
Your CDL Holder Self-Certification (CDSC-1)

Medical card

You self-certify on form CDSC-1 and send it to the MVC by fax, email or mail. Medical certificates are electronic only: your examiner sends them through the National Registry. Allow up to 24 hours before checking your status.

Fees

Commercial exam test receipt / CLPNon-refundable. Covers knowledge tests and unlimited road tests for 180 days.	$125
CLP and test receipt renewalAfter 180 days.	$125
Duplicate CLP	$11
CDL (4 years)Plus $2 per endorsement.	$42
REAL ID option	$11
CDL upgradePlus $2 per endorsement.	$24

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with MVC before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests (if you want them)

Testing in New Jersey

Knowledge tests are multiple choice on MVC computers, not online.
Tests come in English or Spanish, but HazMat is English only.
No interpreters, and no audio or oral CDL tests.
Wait 7 days to retake a failed knowledge test and at least 14 days for a failed road test.

Study for these tests in the New Jersey classroom

Good to know in New Jersey

One $125 receipt covers all your tests, with no limit on road tests, for 180 days.
Drivers under 21 can only drive commercially within New Jersey.
CLP holders face the same tougher CDL penalties for moving violations.
Every Passenger endorsement holder needs an electronic medical certificate on file.

Non-domiciled applicants

New Jersey issues non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs only to H-2A, H-2B or E-2 holders with an unexpired foreign passport and I-94. Work permits (EADs) are no longer accepted.

Confirm with MVC before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

The vision standard for the CDL — ask the MVC.
Exactly which 6 Points of ID documents work for a CDL — check the MVC list.
Whether Spanish knowledge tests are still offered after 2026 federal English-only pressure — confirm with the MVC.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

Ready to study?

Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam New Jersey gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Rules and fees change, so always check with MVC before you apply.