Free New Jersey MVC Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 3 2026
This Practice Test 3 is modeled on the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) written knowledge exam, which has 50 questions; to pass you need 40 of 50 correct (80%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the MVC tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
You are on a freeway on-ramp and the ramp meter signal shows red. What should you do?
What's on the New Jersey Practice Test 3
The real New Jersey knowledge test has 50 questions, and to pass you need 40 of 50 correct (80%). Practice Test 3 is a 25-question set drawn from 50 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 16
- Traffic laws 12
- Safe driving 8
- Emergencies 3
- Vehicle equipment 3
- Alcohol & drugs 3
- Parking 2
- Right of way 2
- Speed limits 1
50 questions in the pool, 9 of them written specifically for New Jersey. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. Your right wheels drift onto the shoulder. Per the New Jersey manual, how slow should you be going before steering back onto the road?
- A. 35 mph or less
- B. 45 mph or less
- C. 25 mph or less (correct)
- D. 10 mph or less
Why: Stay on the shoulder and ease off the gas. Once you are at 25 mph or less, turn the wheel about a quarter turn to climb back onto the pavement.
Source: official New Jersey driver handbook, p.105 (PDF p.107), Running Off the Pavement
2. A school bus has stopped directly in front of a school to let children off. In New Jersey, how may you pass it?
- A. Only from the opposite side at 15 mph
- B. Not at all until the bus moves on
- C. From either direction at 10 mph or less (correct)
- D. From behind only at 20 mph or less
Why: New Jersey makes one exception to the stop rule: when the bus is stopped right in front of a school, you may pass from either direction at no more than 10 mph.
Source: official New Jersey driver handbook, p.77 (PDF p.79), Stop for School Buses
3. Which of the following is NOT a legal reason to use your horn?
- A. To warn a driver drifting into your lane
- B. To express frustration at another driver (correct)
- C. To alert a child about to run into the road
- D. To warn others on a blind mountain curve
Why: Horns are safety devices used to warn others of danger. Using your horn out of frustration or anger is not a legal use and can be considered aggressive driving in many states.
4. What does this sign tell you?
- A. The speed you must drive at all times
- B. The maximum speed in ideal conditions (correct)
- C. The minimum speed allowed
- D. The average speed of traffic on this road
Why: This is a speed limit sign - a regulatory sign showing the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions. You must drive slower when weather or traffic conditions require it.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2B.21 Paragraph 13
5. You are on a freeway on-ramp and the ramp meter signal shows red. What should you do?
- A. Merge carefully if the freeway looks clear
- B. Stop at the line and wait for green (correct)
- C. Slow down but keep rolling onto the freeway
- D. Use the shoulder to go around the signal
Why: A ramp meter works like a traffic light. Stop at the stop line on red and go when it turns green, then speed up to merge.
6. A flagger in a work zone turns the paddle so the word SLOW faces you. What should you do?
- A. Stop until the flagger waves you on
- B. Proceed slowly and watch for workers (correct)
- C. Keep your speed - you have the right of way
- D. Speed up to clear the work zone quickly
Why: Flaggers use STOP/SLOW paddles to control traffic. SLOW means you may move ahead at a reduced speed with care; STOP means stop.
More New Jersey facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the New Jersey permit practice test page.
New Jersey MVC Test Info
- Questions on real test
- 50
- Passing score
- 80%
- Correct needed
- 40 of 50 correct (80%)
- Minimum age
- 17 years old
- Testing agency
- Motor Vehicle Commission
More New Jersey Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this New Jersey Practice Test 3 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your MVC exam.