An NJ probationary license is the unsupervised license New Jersey issues after you pass the road test, and it is the last step of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program before a full basic license. You must be at least 17 to get one. You hold it for at least one year, and you can upgrade to a basic license once you have completed that year and are at least 18. Drivers under 21 must follow GDL limits: no driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m., only one extra passenger unless a parent or guardian is in the car, no phones or other wireless devices, and red decals on both license plates.
Key Takeaways
- Minimum age: 17 for an NJ probationary license.
- How long: at least one year of unsupervised driving before upgrading.
- Upgrade: to a basic license after one year and age 18, and eligible drivers can do it online.
- Curfew for under 21: no driving from 11:01 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Passengers: parents, guardians and dependants plus one other passenger, unless a parent or guardian is in the car.
- No devices: no hand-held or hands-free phones or other interactive wireless devices.
- Decals: required on front and rear plates; $4 per pair, with a $100 fine for violations.
Rules follow NJ MVC GDL and licensing pages, reviewed in September 2026.
Where the NJ Probationary License Fits in the GDL Program
| Stage | Minimum age | What it allows |
|---|---|---|
| Special learner permit (through driver training) | 16 | Supervised driving after behind-the-wheel training |
| Examination permit | 17 | Supervised driving for new drivers outside the school program |
| Probationary license | 17 | Unsupervised driving with GDL limits for drivers under 21 |
| Basic license | 18, after 1 year on a probationary license | Full, unrestricted license |
How to Get an NJ Probationary License
- Hold a permit and complete the required supervised driving period.
- Complete 50 supervised hours, including at least 10 at night, if you are under 21. A parent, guardian or supervising driver certifies the hours on MVC form BA-CSD.
- Pass the road test at an MVC road testing location.
- Receive your probationary license, which lets you drive without a supervisor.
Only MVC form BA-CSD is accepted to certify supervised driving hours at the time of licensing, so keep a careful log during the permit phase.
NJ Probationary License Restrictions for Drivers Under 21
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Curfew | No driving after 11:01 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m. |
| Passengers | Parents, guardians or dependants, plus one additional passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian |
| Electronic devices | No hand-held or hands-free interactive wireless communication devices |
| Decals | Red GDL decals on the front and rear license plates; $4 per pair (initial or replacement) |
| Seat belts | Driver and all passengers must buckle up |
| Penalty | $100 fine for GDL violations |
The decal rule (Kyleigh’s Law)
New Jersey’s decal requirement is often called Kyleigh’s Law. It took effect on May 1, 2010, and requires drivers under 21 with a permit or probationary license to display a reflective red decal on each license plate. The decals help police identify drivers who must follow GDL rules. You can buy replacement decals from the MVC for $4 per pair.
Curfew and passenger limits in practice
For example, a 17-year-old with an NJ probationary license can drive home from a friend’s house at 10:30 p.m. but must be off the road by 11:01 p.m. The same driver can bring one friend along, but not two, unless a parent or guardian is also in the car. Brothers, sisters and other dependants of the driver do not count toward the limit.
Drivers 21 and Older
Drivers who are 21 or older when they get their first license also go through a probationary period. However, the GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers and decals are aimed at drivers under 21. Older new drivers still need to complete the probationary year before upgrading to a basic license.
Upgrading to a Basic License
After one year of unsupervised driving on your probationary license, and once you are at least 18, you can upgrade to a basic license. The MVC lets eligible drivers upgrade online, which avoids an agency visit.
- Eligibility: one year of successful unsupervised driving on a probationary license.
- Online option: available through the MVC’s online services.
- Timing: MVC guidance notes the online upgrade can be done up to 7 months before your renewal date.
- Future renewals: drivers who upgrade online can also renew their basic license online later, while others may need to visit an agency for their first basic license renewal.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
GDL violations carry a $100 fine. In addition, moving violations add points and can lead to further MVC action. Probationary drivers with certain violations may be required to complete a driver improvement program, and their probationary period can be extended. As a result, a single ticket can delay the move to a basic license.
Tips for New Probationary Drivers
- Put your phone away or in the back seat before you start driving.
- Plan to be home before 11:01 p.m. and build in extra time.
- Keep spare decals in the glove box in case one falls off.
- Limit passengers, since friends in the car increase crash risk for new drivers.
- Keep your record clean so you can upgrade on time.
- Set a reminder for your one-year date to upgrade online.
Parents’ Checklist
| Before the road test | After the probationary license |
|---|---|
| Log 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night | Agree on curfew and passenger rules |
| Complete MVC form BA-CSD | Buy and install GDL decals |
| Practice parking, K-turns and highway merging | Review the phone ban with your teen |
| Confirm insurance coverage | Calendar the upgrade date to a basic license |
NJ Probationary License vs. Permit vs. Basic License
| Feature | Permit | Probationary license (under 21) | Basic license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervisor required | Yes | No | No |
| 11:01 p.m.–5 a.m. curfew | Yes | Yes | No |
| Passenger limit | Yes | Yes | No |
| Phone and device ban | Yes | Yes | Hand-held ban applies to all drivers |
| Red decals | Yes | Yes | No |
Keep in mind that the hand-held phone ban applies to every New Jersey driver, not just new drivers. The difference is that GDL drivers cannot use hands-free devices either.
Curfew Exceptions
New Jersey allows limited exceptions to the GDL curfew for employment and religious reasons. Drivers who use an exception should carry proper documentation, such as a letter from an employer or religious organization, as described in MVC guidance. Without documentation, a driver on the road during curfew hours can be ticketed.
Insurance and Your NJ Probationary License
Adding a newly licensed teen to a car insurance policy usually raises the premium. Ask your insurer about good-student discounts, driver-training discounts and the cost difference between cars. In addition, a clean driving record during the probationary year can help keep rates down over time.
Parents and new drivers should also talk about safe habits beyond the law, such as avoiding late-night trips even before curfew, limiting distractions and never driving after drinking. New Jersey has zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving.
Following these rules consistently during the probationary year is the easiest path to a basic license at 18 without delays, fines or extra requirements from the MVC.
More NJ Driving Guides
Before the probationary license comes the road test, covered in our NJ road test guide, and before that the NJ permit test. Gather your documents with our NJ 6 points of ID guide. Find more in our Getting Around section or on the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NJ Probationary License
How old do you have to be for a probationary license in NJ?
You must be at least 17.
How long do you have a probationary license in NJ?
You hold it for at least one year of unsupervised driving before upgrading to a basic license.
What is the curfew for NJ probationary drivers?
Drivers under 21 cannot drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m.
How many passengers can a probationary driver have in NJ?
Parents, guardians and dependants plus one additional passenger, unless a parent or guardian is in the car.
Do probationary drivers need decals in NJ?
Yes. Drivers under 21 must display red GDL decals on the front and rear plates. Decals cost $4 per pair.
What is the fine for breaking GDL rules in NJ?
GDL violations carry a $100 fine.
Can I upgrade my NJ probationary license online?
Yes. Eligible drivers who completed one year on a probationary license can upgrade online.
Can probationary drivers use hands-free phones in NJ?
No. GDL drivers under 21 cannot use hand-held or hands-free interactive wireless devices.
Are there exceptions to the NJ GDL curfew?
Limited exceptions exist for employment and religious reasons, and drivers should carry proper documentation.
The Bottom Line
An NJ probationary license gives new drivers their first taste of independence, with limits designed to keep them safe. Drivers under 21 must follow the 11:01 p.m. curfew, the passenger limit, the device ban and the decal rule. After one clean year and age 18, you can upgrade to a basic license, often online, and leave the GDL restrictions behind.
