Free New Jersey MVC Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 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.
What does an orange-colored sign indicate?
What's on the New Jersey Practice Test 1
The real New Jersey knowledge test has 50 questions, and to pass you need 40 of 50 correct (80%). Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 53 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 15
- Safe driving 5
- Right of way 4
- Parking 3
- Speed limits 2
- Emergencies 2
- Alcohol & drugs 2
53 questions in the pool, 11 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. Breaking a New Jersey GDL restriction, such as driving without the required decals, can bring a fine of:
- A. $100 (correct)
- B. $25
- C. $250
- D. $500
Why: A New Jersey GDL driver who fails to display the decals - or violates any GDL restriction - faces a $100 fine.
Source: official New Jersey driver handbook, p.14 (PDF p.16), Graduated Driver License (GDL)
2. An ambulance with its siren on has just passed you. In New Jersey, how far behind it should you stay?
- A. At least 300 feet (correct)
- B. At least 100 feet
- C. At least 200 feet
- D. At least 500 feet
Why: After pulling right and letting a signaling emergency vehicle pass, New Jersey drivers should stay at least 300 feet behind it.
Source: official New Jersey driver handbook, p.78 (PDF p.80), Pull Over and Stop for Emergency Vehicles
3. What is this sign warning you about?
- A. A crossroad ahead
- B. A railroad crossing ahead (correct)
- C. A no-passing zone ahead
- D. A four-way stop sign ahead
Why: This round yellow sign with a black X and RR warns of a railroad crossing ahead. Slow down, look and listen for trains, and be prepared to stop.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) Section 8B.06 and Table 2A-1 (W10-1)
4. How do most state handbooks tell you to measure a safe following distance?
- A. Count car lengths - one car length is enough at any speed
- B. Count the seconds between it and you passing a fixed point (correct)
- C. Stay close enough to read the license plate of the car ahead
- D. Follow at a distance in feet equal to your speed in mph
Why: Handbooks teach a time-based gap: pick a fixed object and count the seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it. The minimum differs by state (2, 3 or 4 seconds), with most recommending 3 to 4 seconds in good conditions; add time in rain, at night or behind large vehicles. Check your state handbook for its exact number.
5. When this sign stands alone at a railroad crossing, how should you treat it?
- A. As a stop sign at all times
- B. As a yield sign (correct)
- C. As a speed limit sign
- D. As a no-parking sign
Why: A crossbuck marks where the tracks cross the road. When there is no stop sign, gate or signal with it, treat it like a yield sign: slow down, look both ways and be ready to stop for a train.
Source: PDF p.53, Crossbucks
6. What color are warning signs?
- A. Red
- B. White with black letters
- C. Yellow or orange (correct)
- D. Blue or green
Why: Warning signs are yellow (standard warnings) or orange (construction/work zones). They alert drivers to potential hazards ahead such as curves, intersections, or pedestrians.
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 1 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.