After Feb. 1, 2025, all new drivers who obtain a New Jersey learners permit are now required to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving before they are able to receive their probationary license, including 10 at night. This means that anyone who is under 21 who gets their permit after this date must meet the requirement.
The legislation mandates that a parent or guardian fill out and sign the Certification of Supervised Driving form to verify that all practice hours have been completed.
This law was originally passed by Gov. Phil Murphy on Jan. 8 in hopes of enhancing road safety among young drivers. It was designed so that teens could get more behind-the-wheel practice during the six-month permit period.
Del Val driver’s education instructor Brent Conly agrees that the law will have a positive impact on students working toward their licenses.
“I think they did this to make sure everyone is getting enough practice before driving unsupervised,” Conly said. “Those 50 hours will be useful to prepare you to pass your road test and start driving by yourself.”
While 50 hours may seem like a lot, Conly assures students that the requirement is absolutely realistic.
“If you’re practicing throughout the six months, you will definitely be able to achieve those necessary hours,” Conly said.
Although the law was implemented with positive intentions, some parents and teens have had mixed reactions. Margot Husson, a Del Val sophomore, is one of who were disappointed by the announcement.
“I was a little disappointed, because I just missed the cut off by a few days,” Husson said.
Husson’s birthday is Feb. 6, meaning she missed the deadline by just one week. To accomplish the 50 practice hours, Husson plans to drive daily.
“I’ll try to go out for an hour everyday and at night during the weekends,” Husson said.
Current and future permit holders who need to do the practice hours are encouraged to use the driving practice log found on page 13 of the NJMVC STK Resource Guide. This is one of several ways students can track of their hours. Conly also recommended using a composition notebook or logging app.
This new law will be incorporated into the driver’s education course in New Jersey high schools and driving schools starting in the 2025-26 school year.
