Driving laws are constantly being revised and updated. This is to ensure that the safety of the drivers on the road remain an utmost priority for local and federal governments. Ensuring that driving laws and regulations and polices are in align with new technological advancements in passenger vehicles as well as listening to the needs to citizens ensures trust on the roads. In New Jersey, some big changes are coming up if you have not yet received your license.
New rules for new drivers in NJ
New Jersey has decided to clamp down on stricter driving developmental processes for new drivers in the state. If you are a new driver and are wanting to get your license soon, or if you are a parent who has a child currently in the process of learning how to drive, this information is for you. The new driving mandate refers to supervised practice for new drivers to ensure that they are skilled and confident enough on the road.
From February 1 of this year, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) will require that all new drivers must log 50 hours of supervised driving practice before obtaining a probationary driver’s license. Of these 50 hours, 10 must be done at night to ensure proper competency. The rule applies to all drivers who are under the age of 21 and are wanting to get their license. If you already had your license issued or your driving exam before February, you are in luck. This new policy will not apply to you.
Ensuring safety on the road with supervised driving
As a young driver, the roads can feel very intimidating. While learning how to drive is a fairly easy and straight forward skill, the problem is other drivers on the road. As a new driver, you need to get used to being vigilant and defensive on the road in order to keep yourself and everyone around you safe. More experienced drivers often have a more natural intuition with regards to possible dangerous behavior to expect from a vehicle on the road, whereas novice drivers do not have this.
“This update to New Jersey’s Graduated Driver License program requirements underscores the importance of putting time in behind the wheel, which is crucial for young drivers as they learn how to operate a vehicle,” said NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd.
Putting the new policy into gear, if you are under the age of 21 and are thinking of applying for your driving license, you need to now first submit a Certification of Supervised Driving signed by a parent, guardian or anyone older than 21 that holds a New Jersey driver’s license confirming completion of the required hours. The certificate will replace the need for a driving log.
“Once you’ve completed the supervised practice driving you go for your road test, and if you pass the road test, you then come into one of our licensing centers and apply for the probationary driver license,” said William Connolly, press secretary for the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. “Supervised driving means that you are accompanied in the front seat by an adult who is at least 21 years of age who has a valid New Jersey driver’s license and a minimum of three years driving experience.”
New Jersey begins to align with nation wide regulations
New Jersey was, up until now, one of only three states which did not require supervised driving practice. It was therefore considered relatively easier to obtain a license here. The other two are Arkansas and Mississippi. New Jersey is recognizing the need to have stricter license requirements in order to ensure safety on the road. “We live in the most densely populated state, we also live in a state that has various different regions, different traffic patterns, different roadway types and new drivers need to be prepared for all of it,” said Tracy Noble. public and government affairs manager for AAA Club Alliance.
